from the blog

Another Way To Think About “Helmet Heads”

Another Way To Think About “Helmet Heads”

September 4, 2026

For many, the large domes of foliage on bonsai that are popular around the world are ridiculous. The “helmet head” label is accurate enough—they look not unlike the impressive headgear of Lord Dark Helmet in the movie Spaceballs. Rather intimidating. And, top heavy. To give the critique credit, such large domes are often out of […]

Can’t I Just Use A Water Softener For Hard Water?

Can’t I Just Use A Water Softener For Hard Water?

August 28, 2026

It would seem the perfect solution. Water softeners are often used in homes to prevent white scale buildup from hard water. Why not use it to prevent the hard water that can weaken our bonsai? Trouble is, water softeners introduce sodium to our water. It’s only a small amount, and plants do use very small […]

A Witches Broom And A Lighthouse

A Witches Broom And A Lighthouse

August 21, 2026

Longtime blog readers may know that two of my hobbies are birding and tree watching. Out on a hike I’m open to both, and depending on the day, one goes better than the other. On a recent vacation to the coast the tree watching had the better of it. I took one hike that snaked […]

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