Sep 28 2023

A Review of the “Developing Bonsai from Seed” Online Course

In the world of bonsai, the pursuit of perfection is an unending journey. With over 40 years of experience under my belt, I thought I had seen it all. However, an invitation to explore the latest online lecture series from Bonsai Empire, titled “Developing Bonsai from Seed,” has opened my eyes to techniques that really help you develop bonsai from the ground up.

At first glance, the course promises to guide enthusiasts in the art of developing bonsai from seed. But let me assure you, it’s much more than that. In fact, this comprehensive course includes invaluable lessons on air layering and developing bonsai from cuttings, making it a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone passionate about bonsai cultivation.

What sets this course apart from the plethora of free information available on the internet is the expertise of its instructors. Michael Hagedorn and Bjorn Bjorholm are two of the best Japanese-trained artists in the field today. Their combined knowledge and experience are second to none, and they bring a level of depth and precision to the art of bonsai that is truly remarkable.

With 23 lectures that span a total of 6 hours of film, “Developing Bonsai from Seed” is a comprehensive program that leaves no stone unturned. As I find myself only halfway through the course, I’m already hooked. Despite my decades of experience, I’m amazed at how much I’m learning about developing young material. I can’t help but think how invaluable this course would have been to me all those years ago when I was just starting out working with bonsai.

One of the standout features of this course is that students get lifetime access to all course materials. This means that you can revisit the lectures and materials whenever you need to refresh your knowledge or explore advanced techniques. Additionally, students have the privilege of asking questions directly to the teachers, receiving personalized guidance on their bonsai journey.

Considering the wealth of knowledge and expertise packed into this course, the price of $59.99 is an absolute steal. It’s a small investment for a lifetime of learning and mastering the art of bonsai cultivation. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast like myself or a beginner just starting out, the “Developing Bonsai from Seed” course is worth every cent.

In the ever-evolving world of bonsai, knowledge is the key to success. “Developing Bonsai from Seed” by Bonsai Empire, led by the incomparable Michael Hagedorn and Bjorn Bjorholm, is a game-changer. It offers a profound understanding of bonsai development from the ground up, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to create bonsai masterpieces.

I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone with a passion for bonsai. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing skills or embark on a new bonsai journey, this course is a must-have resource that will undoubtedly elevate your craft to new heights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the field. Enrol today and watch your bonsai skills flourish like never before.

You can check it out here: “Developing Bonsai from Seed,”

By Tony Tickle • Posted in Courses
0
Sep 25 2022

Bonsai Intermediate Course 2 from Bonsai Empire

Bonsai Intermediate Course 2 From Bonsai Empire
With Bjorn Bjorholm and Michael Hagedorn

In the course Bjorn Bjorholm and Michael Hagedorn cover extensively the topic of Pruning – breaking it down by tree species as well as by the developmental stages of the tree. They also show how to create a root over rock Bonsai, and investigate various Fruiting and flowering tree species.

I particularly liked the pruning and growth of deciduous trees, Bjorn explains in detail how to development young material from the early stages all the way to refining your tree. Bjorn prunes a Maple bonsai and explains all the steps he takes in setting this tree up for the coming year. For example, he strengthens the lower branches by pruning those less than the tree’s apical growth, all shown in detail in the tutorials.

In describing a large imported Korean Hornbeam Bjorn notes that the original styling is more akin to a pine, and if he was working this tree from an early stage in its development he would have implemented the techniques described in the tutorials. This is why its important to apply good techniques at an early stage, students will learn these from the course.

Included in the course are some interesting tutorials on the Bunjin style (Literati) Michael Hagedorn excels in this difficult to execute style.

It’s a total of six hours and Students get lifetime access to all materials and can ask questions to the teachers.

You can access the course here: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses/intermediate-course-2

Oct 13 2021

Amazing Japanese Garden at Cowden in Scotland

Last weekend I visited The Japanese Garden at Cowden in Scotland it was created in 1908 and closed to the public in 1955. Aside from being beautiful and peaceful, the garden is the only one of its type in the world to have been designed by a Japanese woman, Taki Handa.

Sadly vandalised in the 1960’s, the garden is being brought back to life by a team of experts including the renowned Japanese architect and garden designer Professor Masao Fukuhara.  The Professor is best known for winning the Gold Medal at Chelsea Flower Show as well as the restoration of The Japanese Gardens at Kew, London and Tatton Park, Cheshire.

The Japanese Garden at Cowden has undergone three years of intensive restoration. Although there are areas still to be restored there is more than enough for visitors to enjoy. Described in 1925 by Professor Jijo Suzuki as ‘the most important Japanese garden in the Western World’, the garden consists of several acres of Japanese influenced landscape with a perimeter path around the small loch. There is an additional twenty acres of woodland walks to enjoy.