The Yard
Offerings
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
Spruce Forest Time Lapse–
This is a time lapse in two photos. Which isn’t much of a progression, but flipping between the two images there are some changes, most significantly the building of the foliar masses into proto-pads, creating density. Each spring as the new shoots come out they are pinched approximately in half (less for weaker ones, a […]
Young Winter Hazel Structural Design—
Although we create a lot of deciduous bonsai here, embarrassingly few of them show up on this blog. I’ll endeavor to include more of them down the road. One of the enticing challenges of deciduous bonsai is seeing the future tree in the young twigs in front of you. The process is so long that […]
Fall is a Good Time to See Weak Branches
In the fall we’ve got a golden opportunity to see where are our deciduous bonsai have weak spots. It’s fairly simple. If one has a bonsai that is losing its leaves, pay attention to the branch that is the first to turn color, and the first branch to lose its leaves. That is the branch […]
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