YouTube – Expressions of Grace Bonsai

Launching a NEW Website for 2024

Xavier Martinez — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:00:14 +0000

Six years ago I had grand plans of selling bonsai online and hosting visitors to my Backyard Bonsai Nursery. To make this a reality I would need a website – and a lot more education! Skip forward to 2023 and the site looked pretty good…yet still the shop remained ‘An Unrealised Dream’. All the Blog posts and Projects pages had been uploaded. I had sections relating to Species Advice and Bonsai Sitting Services. Yet their was still nowhere to purchase anything online. So what went wrong?

Lockdown in 2020:

Everybody was effected by the pandemic and knock on issues it caused. The biggest for bonsai hobbyists was the crippling price rises associated with packing crates. Many nurseries saw a fourfold increase in transport and this had to be recouped by price rises. Shortly after restrictions had been lifted I drove down to Savin Nursery to pick up more stock for a ‘Grand Opening’…

That visit changed my entire outlook. It was clear that the days of cheaper imports had gone for good. Without a reliable source of budget stock I knew it would be impossible for me to maintain any sort of credible business model. I still had a reasonable number of ‘mass produced’ Chinese Elm and Trident Maple but I knew that there were no replacements coming. This was the point I chose to take my plans in another direction…

YouTube Arrived:

On February 22, 2022 I uploaded my first bonsai video to YouTube under the banner of ‘Expressions of Grace Bonsai’. Within a few weeks I had my first 50 subscribers and by August had reached the incredible figure of 500! I was now creating three videos / week and was working fulltime to keep both my trees and content going. By January 14th 2023 I achieved the milestone of 1000 subscribers and was immediately monetised. My first payment was a ‘whopping’ 8p from a video about wiring

The excitement of video production and editing took me back to my school days at Upwey High – where I excelled in Drama and Journalism. Finally, i was able to fulfill my true vocation spurting rubbish in front of a camera.

Any Other Nursery Progress?

I had severely underestimated just how much time I would spend on YouTube and any plans for revamping my website or sorting out a ‘new’ sales strategy quickly dropped off my priority list. Editing and producing videos took a lot of time and energy and I still had to carry out the regular building work on the bonsai ‘not featuring’ in videos. By this stage I had well over 700 trees in various stages of bonsai development.

I was still selling trees occasionally using Ebay and had started seeing an increase in visitors to the nursery. The visits were the highlight for me and it was rare for somebody to be ‘in and out’ in less than 2 hours! I am always more than happy to sell trees from my garden as it does not require the additional stress and costs of packaging and postage.

I was also delighted to be invited to a couple of village events where I was able to share my passion of bonsai – whilst seeing some trees sold too

Monetised after 11 months:

It astounded me just how much work was required to sustain and build the channel. The monetary gain was negligible but the prospects for growth were very real. Within a further 5 months I reached 2000 subscribers and was averaging 1000 views / video – which equated to about £5.30. When you consider each video takes about 10 hours of production time – well I won’t break that down into an ‘hourly’ rate.

The biggest gain for me was the incredible volume of Community Engagement through the channel. Although it wasn’t financially productive, the number of regular subscribers who kept in touch through comments and other social media outlets was beyond belief. I now have a strong group of ‘like-minded’ colleagues and a growing number of friends. Despite the loss of my wife in 2020 I finally believed that my life could start again.

3000 YouTube Subscribers

A Change of Name:

It was in early 2023 that I made the decision to change my channel name to ‘The Bonsai Retreat’. This was related entirely to the Google Algorithm and had an immediate postive influence on my growth. Ultimately, the word Bonsai wasn’t being seen quickly on the search page of mobile devices – the revised channel name has made all the difference. Of course I do miss being identified as Expressions of Grace Bonsai and I think that is one of the reasons for revamping my website.

By the new year of 2024 my subscriber base had climbed to over 3000 and my videos were regularly achieving 1500 views. I did have a couple of ‘break-out’ videos, one of which gained 10k views and earned me £43.15. Certainly not enough to retire on but pleasing none-the-less. The biggest issue I faced was stopping myself from feeling a ‘failure’ because other channels were doing much better than me. I started around the same time as 5 other creators and they were all achieving much bigger success in growth and video views.

However…I just had to remind myself that my primary aim for YouTube was: rebuilding my self-esteem, gaining confidence and building a circle of friends and colleagues. This I most certainly have achieved, so anything else is just a bonus

The Future:

My Bonsai Calendar

I have taken the decision to reduce my uploads to 1 or 2 per week which will allow me more time in the bonsai nursery developing my trees. I am currently planning the uploads for the new season and intend to maintain my chatty VLOG style approach. I am definitely not knowledgeable enough to be considered a ‘teaching channel’ but my experience is enough to appeal to the enthusiastic bonsai hobbyist. But I will leave you to decide that

This website will become ‘BLOG’ centred and will allow me to promote new uploads as well as give regular informal updates on things planned for The Bonsai Retreat. I will work on promoting my Bonsai Portfolio pages which will provide a pictorial timeline of ongoing projects. I will also be running a Calendar which will allow viewers to see when I have certain bonsai work planned throughout the year.

I still sell Bonsai from the nursery and via personnal approaches using the contact page. Visitors are also welcome and all I ask is that you let me know you are coming to ensure parking is not an issue (I live in a small cul-de-sac). I am literally 5 minutes off the A1 and 3 minutes from Burger King and KFC…

Just 5 minutes from the A1

I shall also be looking to promote the ‘Accesss Bonsai Management System‘ developed by my daughter to allow others to benefit from this ‘free’ application. I have a lot of development plans in store for the nursery itself which will include new ‘sponsored’ display and work benches. But for now…

All the best & Happy Bonsaiing

Xavier

p.s.

Please be patient and allow me the time to continue the website building process. I am happy that it is sufficiently completed to allow a decent experience for viewers BUT I am definitely aware that more work is needed and many pages remain incomplete…

My Top 5 Trees for Bonsai

Xavier Martinez — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:10:05 +0000

If I were starting bonsai today what tree would I buy and why?

In this episode I am going to explain my Top 5 ‘beginner-tree’ choices in relation to several critieria. This will take into account: relative experience, indoor or outdoor, flowering, cheapest and quickest results. Then, I will follow my own advice and start a brand new tree – next episode; as part of my Bonsai Basics series.

I also explain why I chose to ignore one of the world’s most popular starter bonsai. Let me know if you agree in the comments…

Don’t I look great!

Topics Covered:

01:25 My best Flowering Option – Dwarf Azalea.
03:58 My first starter-tree Option – Japanese Larch.
05:54 My easiest to source Option – English Oak
07:52 My best indoor Option – Tigerbark Ficus.
09:23 My favourite Option – Italian Alder.

Which species do you think I should have chosen???

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier

Using Your Bonsai App 4

Xavier Martinez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:22:08 +0000

In this lesson, I show you how the Bonsai Monthly Reviews work to ensure you never forget a task. I demonstrate printing off a Tree history and show you how I add or edit Action Types. I also discuss where I record tree heights and other dimensions.

Topics Covered:

Can I have a printed Bonsai History?
Creating and printing your Monthly Bonsai Tasks.
How to filter your Monthly Review tasks.
Adding or editing an Action Type.
How I include tree height.

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier

Using Your Bonsai App 3

Xavier Martinez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:12:22 +0000

How do I enter a new bonsai pot or other accessories? In this lesson, I take you through the process of populating the Accessories Page. I also demonstrate the method of using filters to find an item. Inputting costs and dealing with a ‘Save Changes Message’ is also covered.

Topics Covered:

Welcome back to the Bonsai Database.
How to add a new bonsai pot.
A look at Action Costs.
Adding a Mudman figurine.
Other methods for adding accessories.
Dealing with a ‘Save changes’ message.
The Accessory Screen.
Using search filters.

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier

Using Your Bonsai App 2

Xavier Martinez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:42:48 +0000

To make the Bonsai Database work efficiently you have to be diligent with the Action Log entries. In this lesson, I demonstrate how to input new activities and how to link them to review dates. I also show you how to adjust your screen view and give you some tips about the type of entries you should be making when you first get a tree. Finally, I explain about multiple pictures and the importance of chronology.

Topics Covered in this Lesson:

A look at the Action Log page.
My first activity log entry.
How to alter the screen view to suit.
Using Review dates for our activity entries.
Deleting a line entry.
Loading and organising multiple pictures.

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier

Using Your Bonsai App 1

Xavier Martinez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:19:35 +0000

These ‘step by step’ tutorials will guide you through the process of using your Microsoft Access Bonsai App. In Lesson One I will introduce you to the program, help you to set up a folder structure and take you through the steps required to add your first tree.

If you have not asked for a copy, but wish to know more, please contact me.

Topics Covered in this Video:

Welcome to your Bonsai Database.
A look at the ‘New Tree’ screen.
Setting up some folders on your PC.
Get your Measurements, Photos and Details first.
Adding photographs.
Completing the Tree data fields.
How the Action Log will look.

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier

My Bonsai is pushing new growth in Winter

Xavier Martinez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:43:42 +0000

Mame Sycamore Bonsai in Blue Glaze Oval Pot

There is only one thing harder to deal with than a ‘false spring’ and that is an extended warm Autumn followed suddenly by a dramatic temperature drop. This year has been very mild, and it came as no surprise to see my Sycamore Mame Bonsai starting to push growth from VERY green buds – in early January…

What is Winter Hardiness?

Under normal conditions our deciduous bonsai start the process of winter hardening during autumn in anticipation of freezing weather through January – March. By Christmas / New Year I expect all my bonsai to be in full dormancy and therefore best protected from sub-zero overnight temperatures.

This process involves the plant slowly pulling all the water back into the roots and older trunk tissue leaving a sugar-based sap behind, which acts as an ‘anti-freeze’ for the bonsai. The buds have set for next year and will not activate until the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight drive the sap back up to the branch tips. This is the process we see take place in Spring.

What happens with unexpected warmer temperatures?

The buds are swelling and it is only January!

A bonsai can be brought out of winter dormancy prematurely when temperatures start to rise OR if they never drop sufficiently in late autumn. When this happens, the tree is ‘fooled’ into a False Spring Cycle. It begins to push sap up toward the buds and in doing so becomes less tolerant of freezing. The buds may start to unfurl, with the tree expecting full sunlight to support its new growth…

Why is this so bad?

If we are still in the throes of early winter, then the hours of sunlight and daytime temperatures may be insufficient to support the energy requirements of the new growth. In this case we will see the new leaves droop and eventually die. This is often what we experience with the onset of a ‘late frost’ in early Spring. Certainly, this caused a lot of dieback issues with my Trident Maple Bonsai in 2021.

But in early winter, there is no expectation of temperatures remaining mild. Instead, as happened here, we were hit by a Polar Vortex which caused temperatures to suddenly drop below freezing. This will cause the new growth to die and may also result in dieback of some of the twiggy ramified growth. This is primarily due to the tree no longer being able to withstand the freezing temperatures. So cell walls will rupture…

What can I do?

Unwanted Bud Burst in Winter

In early winter monitor the temperature and beware of green housing bonsai too early. Always keep adequate ventilation to maintain the temperatures required for dormancy. These will vary dependant on plant species and can also change dependant on wind chill and protective management in place.

If you start to see signs of buds swelling, then consider keeping it somewhere cooler. Often, this is difficult to achieve so it is better to just leave it. In some environments it may be possible to bring the bonsai inside to reduce the chance of freezing. This is NOT something I would recommend, and I have no experience of this myself.

What shouldn’t I do?

Under no circumstances do anything to put the tree under greater stress. In my experience there is very little that can be done to stop the dieback and death of immature growth. If it has a healthy root system, then it will probably recover and push out weaker new growth in late spring. So, treat it with tenderness

Do not repot or root prune a bonsai if this is taking place. It is probably the worst time to try such an operation and will increase the chances of plant death. By doing this you are removing the remaining store of energy held in the roots that the bonsai will need in spring if it is to recover from the effects of winter bud dieback.

And Finally…

Xavier with his dormant Japanese Maple

This is information that I am providing based on my own experiences dealing with unexpected climate changes in Grantham, Lincolnshire (UK). This information may not be the same for your region so if you have different experiences then please let me know in the comments.

I would love to hear if there is a way to better manage early bud push in winter. Enjoy the video and don’t forget to ‘LIKE & Subscribe’…

Happy Bonsaiing and God Bless

Xavier (The Bonsai Retreat)

The BEST FREE Bonsai Management App

Xavier Martinez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:27:57 +0000

Five years ago my daughter Lexi created an incredibly detailed Bonsai Management System utilising Microsoft Access. I have used it extensively, with over 500 trees, and feel confident that it does EVERYTHING you could want as a bonsai enthusiast. This is a ‘stand alone’ system which will not be subject to any updates or support. However, users are free to modify this as they see fit.* Although I am happy to offer this out for FREE, donations are gratefully appreciated to buy the creator more Chinese Meals

Access Bonsai Management App

This detailed App is currently in use by 17 of my Bonsai Retreat subscribers, and as yet, they have all been happy with its functionality and reliability. Take the time to watch the series of 5 YouTube videos before deciding if this is something you may like to try out. In this first video I shall be taking you through the many functions it gives you. You will not be disappointed If this is something you are interested in trying out then contact me making sure to specify whether you want your App to use: BPD, USD or EURO. This could be the best decision you ever make Happy Bonsaiing & God Bless Xavier *This is solely created and owned by my daughter Lexi. If anybody is considering using this as a basis to create a commercial application I would ask that you make contact first. Thank you.

1000 Subscribers on YouTube!!!

Xavier Martinez — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 13:13:34 +0000

What an incredible feeling it was when one of my first subscribers, Gaye Fanner, let me know I had passed the 1000 subscriber milestone on 14 Janaury (This date also coincides with my late-mother’s birthday). I never realised just how important that was to me…until it happened.

When I uploaded my first video on 28 February I never considered that I might actually get people to watch my content. I would be lying if I tried to tell you that wasn’t my hope, but reality suggested a completely different outcome. I am definitely a glass ‘half full’ sort of guy! But…here I am, just 11 months later and the hope has been achieved. So thank you so much to everybody who has made this possible.

Many of you may be aware that numerous unexpected events between 2014 – 2020 forced a radical change in my life. I went from having a solid career to becoming a full time carer. During that 5-year period I looked after my mother, helping her battle throat cancer. Then I needed to care for my father whom I recognised had alzheimers. Finally, in late 2018, my wife Zita was diagnosed with Bile Duct cancer. She died one year later, a month before the lockdowns commenced.

We all have different experiences of that period and I will not pretend that my situation was any different than yours. However, I did have to face the reality of starting a new life, especially with personal circumstances making it impossible to return to my old career. Faced with this, I retreated into my bonsai and just hid from the world. We’ve all done it…

But, two years later, with the world opening up I found a new enthusiasm for an old vocation of mine. My senior school years were spent exploring my writing and acting talents. It had been Zita, during her last few months, that suggested I should refocus my efforts in this field and link it with bonsai.

So, with the support of my children and the words of my late-wife still ringing loudly in my ears, I took the plunge and started my YouTube channel. It changed my life and revived my desire for acting and writing. I love the production aspects as well as the creative opportunities and I am blessed that I can do all this centred around my love of bonsai.

So what did it take for me to reach 1000 subscribers?

I worked full time: 9am – 6pm, 6 days a week. Even before YouTube, bonsai had required a full time commitment from me because of the number of trees I had. Now, I had to continue to work the trees but also combine it with film production. I thrived on the hardwork and hopefully my enthusiasm shows in the finished product.

I have had to learn about camera’s, lighting and sound. I have had to spend endless hours staring at my computer screen perfecting the art of editing using AVS Video Editor. In the end, I have had to learn an entire new speciality / career. Not something I ever envisaged having to do back in early 2000.

So what next?

It’s simple – more hardwork and more brainstorming for video ideas. I hope to triple my subscriber count by the end of this year and enter into many more collaborations along the way. I am fortunate that I have a degree of financial security but I hope to realise enough additonal income through bonsai that my kids neeed not worry for me in the future.

This is like a dream come true and my only regret is that my wife, Zita, cannot share it with me. This is what she always wanted for me. As for me, the most rewarding aspect of this has been the community engagement and the number of new friends I have made. Subscribers and fellow creators have given me a new future…

God Bless & Happy bonsaiing,

Xav

A Christmas Bonsai Carol and a look at plans for 2023.

Xavier Martinez — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:36:19 +0000

Where did 2022 go this year?

I have barely touched the website despite numerous promises to do so. There are unfinished pages and countless other issues and there is still no shop. Does that mean I have stopped working – NO, of course not. My bonsai and pre-bonsai stocks have grown considerably to just over 750 specimens and I am now committed to full-time hours in the backyard nursery. So what did change?

My YouTube Channel

I will blame all my failings on YouTube. Yep – I finally succumbed and am now regularly creating content on my channel. I think I have just over 130 videos and shorts and am now reaching the 1000 subscribers level. I am pretty staggered by this support and can only thank all those who have encouraged me to keep going.

I HAVE FINALLY FORCED MYSELF TO TAKE A MINIMUM OF TWO WEEKS REST FROM THIS…

So that means I can try to rectify some of the failings of my website. Firstly, I have to confirm that I do not have plans, in the short term, to open an E-shop. I still regularly sell bonsai from my garden and through Ebay (occasionally). I am also open to prviate sales through Paypal but must stress that this is generally for subscribers to my channel. I am not set up to ship internationally.

Due to my unexpected growing success on YouTube I will be prioritising this for 2023 and the first big change will be allowing advertising as part of Google Adsense. This is part of my longer term objective to turn bonsai into my full time profession. This means you will now also start to see ads placed on the website.

I am currently working through my video backlog and updating all the English ‘closed captions’. This allows me to then translate it into other languages. Clearly this takes time but will hopefully reap some benefits in the future. Please let me know in the comments if there is a language you would like included.

Website updates

I will be concentrating on updating and improving the Species section. This will include linking a lot of my newly created instructional videos to the specific tree type.

I will be adding a Workflow Calander that will allow you to see dates that I carry out different types of work on different bonsai.

Projects will also be updated and will also link to videos fo the work carried out.

I am also reviewing the services that I could carry out. Tree sitting is still going to be available for those of you close to me. I am also looking at providing 1:1 help with bonsai development. I am not a professional so i’ve yet to decide on how best this could be safely managed.

And finally...

Please let me know if there are any ideas you have that may make this site more useful to you. I love bonsai and sometimes it is easy to forget that things I find ‘great’ may not appeal so much to others. Thank you all so much for supporting me and I look forward to better things in 2023.

God Bless and Happy Bonsaiing,

Xav