I know…it has been ages since my last post and I am well aware of the work to be done on our bonsai right now. In truth, I have been diverted by my new project – You Tube content creation. I have been undecided on taking this route for many years simply because I believe there is enough great channels already. However, I was aware that without an external video platform I would never be able to include my own material on this site.
So, with great nervousness, I loaded up three videos this past week. The first two take you through my ‘opening up’ processes. In these, I provide a detailed look at what I have in the nursery and what work priorities I have to juggle to be ready to open. The second video features a repot of one of my mame Japanese maples and shows exactly what you are required to do – NOW.
I would encourage any of my customers to subscribe and actively comment on anything you see…or do not see. My approach is fairly casual and I do intend to discuss personal issues as well. Bonsai was central to keeping me ‘on track’ during many stressful and emotional situations. I want to use these videos as a means to help others understand how I used bonsai to manage or overcome these difficulties.
Some of the issues I intend to discuss will include:
- Dealing with cancer
- Dealing with Alzheimer’s
- Becoming a carer
- Dealing with addiction (predominantly internet / social media related)
- Grieving
- Setting up and managing a small business
This will be done in a sensitive but honest manner and will relate entirely to my own experiences. I do not pretend to be an expert or to suggest that my approach should be anybody elses.
I hope that the addition of this platform will allow me to pass on my bonsai knowledge in a better manner. My aim is to have the video run alongside my ‘usual’ descriptive blog content. We all recognise that seeing a tutorial is so much more effective than reading one.
Most of the work done to date has related to repots and bud pruning. I have also carried out some wiring on many of my trees over the winter. This wire will need to be checked regularly over the next 4 – 6 weeks as shoots swell. Now is definitely the time to be working on your Dawn Redwood. This is an ideal moment to select and clean up unwanted buds and decide where your new growth is heading…
Check out my latest video below.
The latest on my Shop Page
And finally…
I am still struggling to sort out any sort of store. The work required to get the stock properly photographed and correctly (fairly) priced is overwhelming right now. There is no doubt that recent events have had an unforseen influence on bonsai prices. Not quite as bad as energy rises but certainly similiar. I have always attempted to keep things in the ‘budget’ range but recently found I could not replace my imported stock for anywhere close to last years prices.
As always, visitors are more than welcome to book a viewing and if they see a tree they like then prices can be discussed. This nursery remains, primarily, an outlet for my hobby and though I will sell my trees – this is not my main objective. I want people to learn to love bonsai – in whatever direction they take it.
Until next time,
Happy Bonsaiing 🙂
