The Yard
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In-depth syllabus. Low class numbers. High hilarity. Study bonsai as an apprentice would in Portland, Oregon.
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Sharpen up your bonsai. Ask about styling, refining, and critique, and for curious mobs, presentations.
From The Blog
Prune Your Pines Now—In Early Fall-
If we’re very busy with fall things like getting kids back to school and thwarting cold weather with insulation, we may have limited time to wire our pines. And yet simply pruning pines in the early fall is the main technique for reining in a leggy pine, and will also greatly enhance the vigor of interior shoots and […]
‘Stampede’ Ponderosa Pine Styling…
There’s a story about the name ‘Stampede’. The Backcountry Bonsai guys enjoy naming the trees they collect, and having received several with memorable names I asked if this Ponderosa Pine had one. I only got an abbreviated version by text and maybe not the full story, but I gather it involved some galloping extraterrestrials or horned […]
How To Develop A Chojubai-
Last week I was flipping back and forth between old photos and newer ones to see how a Dwarf Flowering Quince ‘Chojubai’ bonsai has changed. Just to take six years in the life of this old fella, from 2012 to 2018, one can see a difference in the ramification. The first photo looks uninspiring, old […]
Testimonials
“Having the eye of an artist and the soul of a poet, Michael has a deep respect for, and ability to see, the essential spirit of a tree both in the present and in the future. I’ve come away from each Seasonal with new understanding of and enthusiasm for the art of bonsai.”
Howard“I learned more in 3 days than I had in the last 12 years. He was a fantastic teacher, artist, and host while there. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone to attend his small group sessions. Thank you Michael!!!”
Ray“It is like entering a cathedral when you first walk into your yard, and I am honored that you allow me such a learning environment…you make learning a joy.”
Konnor