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Judged entries at GSBF Convention 37
This year’s Golden State Bonsai Federation Convention consisted of two exhibits – a general exhibit and a judged exhibit in which entries are subject to judging and eligible for cash prizes. From the...
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2014 Joshua Roth New Talent Bonsai Competition
The Golden State Bonsai Federation’s 37th Convention was host to the 2014 Joshua Roth New Talent Bonsai Competition. The event has become one of the better venues for recognizing new bonsai talent in...
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Pest of the week – scale
Fall, in moderate climates, is a key time to look out for pests on bonsai. In colder climates, many insects are killed by cold weather. Not where I live. Within the past week I’ve found all varieties...
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Pine needle scale
The pine needle scale can be tricky to spot. Small, white spots are the giveaway. Uh-oh, white spots If it’s fall or early spring where I live, it’s always what I think it is – pine needle scale....
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Pest of the week – aphid
Aphids are among the most common of garden pests. They’re relatively soft, squishy and destructive. There are thousands of species, and their reproductive strategies are varied and creative. They can...
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Sooty mold
You’ve likely seen it – that dirty, cruddy stuff in your garden, on street trees, and on your bonsai. It has a name – sooty mold. Sooty mold on camellia Although it can look creepy up close, it’s not...
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Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is easy to identify. It looks like white powder. Powdery mildew on gerbera An uninfected leaf Powdery mildew is a fungal disease. Wet or humid conditions are conducive to powdery mildew...
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Thrips and bonsai
Thrips are among the most difficult insects to see, yet the damage they cause is easy to spot. I’ve seen big ones on occasion, but more often they’re tiny – smaller than 1mm. They scratch leaves and...
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Adelgids
Have you ever seen small white spots accumulate at the base of needles or buds on black pines? On other conifers? If so, you’ve likely seen adelgids. See the small white spots just above the bud?...
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White spots on Western juniper
In the spirit of identifying white dots on bonsai these past few weeks, today’s subject is Western juniper. Western juniper For those unfamiliar with the variety, Western junipers are frequently...
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Caterpillars
Have you ever seen moths or butterflies among your bonsai? Do you see them a lot? If so, there may be caterpillars nearby. Caterpillars are among my least favorite garden pest. They can cause lots of...
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Spider mites aren’t insects
Rather, they are members of the arachnid family. Here’s what they like: Hot, dry and dusty conditions Stressed trees Selected pesticides – (see this article from UC’s IPM for details) If possible,...
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For those of you who haven’t done so yet
Now is a great time to remove any foliage that’s still clinging to your deciduous bonsai. While deciduous leaves typically fall off on their own, not all varieties let go so easily. If you still see...
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Repotting red pine seedlings
I started repotting this year’s crop of seedlings by stepping up a number of 1 year-old red pine seedlings. Red pine seedlings Instead of making seedling-cuttings, I’m letting my seedlings grow this...
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Stealthy pests – root aphid and adelgid
With some pests, no matter how closely one looks at the foliage, no signs of active infestation come to light. Slide the same tree out of its pot and it’s another story. Root adelgid on young black...
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Beautiful bonsai from the 34th Taikan-ten exhibition
Happy New Year! In the spirit of seasonal celebrations, here are some highlights from the 34th annual Taikan-ten. The photos are courtesy of Boon Manakitivipart. Boon has generously offered to share...
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More outstanding bonsai from the 2014 Taikan-ten
Yes, there are more outstanding trees to share from the 2014 Taikan-ten: Black pine – 2014 Sakufu prize winner Japanese maple – 2014 Kokufu prize winner All photos are courtesy Boon Manakitivipart....
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Follow the line of the trunk
The trunk reveals the heart and soul of bonsai. It can anyway. A compelling trunk tells a tree’s life story. It’s the oldest part of the tree and it bears the marks of age. And when the environment in...
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Hinoki forests and more at the 34th Taikan-ten
I don’t often see hinoki cypress bonsai forests, and I wouldn’t expect to see multiple hinoki bonsai forests in the same exhibit. The recent Taikan-ten exhibition in Kyoto, Japan, featured four of...
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Ask Daisaku Nomoto anything
Ever wonder what it’s like to work on bonsai every day? Plus weekends and evenings? On some of the best trees in the world? Now’s your chance to find out. Tomorrow evening Daisaku Nomoto, a bonsai...
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