Accent Plants and Creating a Small Penjing, The Bonsai Zone, July 2021

[@DavesBonsai]

Love the rocks, Nigel. Love that you have a special spot for them.

[@DavesBonsai]

I do enjoy the grass planting, I love the small rock and moss planting! Excellent!

[@TheGeekyChef1190]

"Heres a look at Quackers now. As you can see, hes developing a nice thick trunk and a beautiful canopy"

[@TheBonsaiZone]

lol!

[@ashleybonner5423]

You know you totally have to use that line next time you have Quakers on camera as shout out to Nate now, right? Lol

[@rebeccahunter725]

1:19 is the best smile ever! It looks like the best birthday gift of them all. I love how you describe them all as "really cool", and we are all nodding along with you.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Rebecca!!!

[@robk5865]

I must be ripening with age...watching someone show off their non-specific rock collection isn't something I would have spent time on 10 yrs ago. Watching this has me feelin' fine.

[@michaelduncan6287]

At 63 I've never lost the 'little boy' in me coming home with pockets full of rocks. Rock collecting has led to learning local geology and using local rocks, roots, driftwood harmonize the bonsai to the area.

[@LetsDoBonsai]

A rock full of benches lol glad you put that in at the end, great plantings should do well in the bonsai zone

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Never any shortage of bloopers with me!

[@dazedickson440]

The simple things in life bring joy...even a rock. I love all your knowledge, on so many subjects and that you share the real you. Great job as always.

[@Denkar11]

I wonder if anyone living nearby has noticed that there's never any moss on the sidewalks near Nigel's house.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Funny how that is, lol!

[@craft-o-matic2377]

A rock full of benches? Oh my stars! Love it! I never thought I would see you painting rocks Nigel, but I love the rocks you foraged. I was laughing as you did show and tell with each rock as you were moving them off your table, but I kept thinking, I love this one, it's my favorite. No, I like this one better, and so on and so forth. These rock are so cool! They have so much character. Really love the little rock planting. It's perfection! Lisa

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Lisa, I can't wait to start using the rocks in my landscapes!

[@craft-o-matic2377]

@@TheBonsaiZone Yes, I am looking forward to it as well!

[@ashleybonner5423]

Kudos, Nigel, that moss and rock planting in its simplicity is breathtaking. Quackers is looking handsome as always, and it seems like those aeoniums are perking up nicely! Their parent plant has also perked up considerably this month too, I've given it more frequent watering and a small fertilising and the surviving growth has begun to explode! I hope to obtain some form of bonsai pot soon, but for now I'll focus on making a super draining bonsai mix for my portulacarias and get some vigor in them! We'll done again, mate! - Ashley Bonner

[@barbkrienke8400]

I love how much you appreciate things l in e your rocks! I love them too, and people think I’m a little odd for it sometimes!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Barb, I've always got my eye out for cool rocks, glad I'm not the only one!!

[@leneecasteel2005]

Hi Nigel!! Love those rocks. Some of them remind me of Elephant skin rocks used in aquariums. One thing that my favorite aquarium artist suggests when using them, is to try to match the primary direction of the major cracks for a more pleasing result. I think that would be true for Bonsai accent plantings as well. Another different idea, which you probably thought of as well, is to use fine sand and a forked Zen pattern around the rock for an accent planting. Oh, another thought just popped up. One of the 'weeds' I have growing in my yard looks a lot like the grasses you just potted up. The difference is that the tallest that I've seen them grow is maybe 3". How cool that would look to have one of those planted in the same pot next to one of your majestic looking little/medium rocks!! As always Nigel, thank you for sharing all you do!! Especially when you have a rockfull of tables!! That's not something you get to see very often. 8-)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Lenee, awesome comment!

[@lukasmihara]

A rock full of benches? Well, doesn't this sound interesting! The little rock planting looks great. I always liked the rock/moss gardens in Japan.

Hello friends! Everyone have a good time exchanging bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, thank you!!!

[@tometal]

I really like your work, combination of nature and art.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you very much!

[@ifragpsn6431]

I see Stefan's influence in these small compositions!

[@terrorofdeath3280]

I'm so happy to see the Baobab success.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I hope I can keep them alive over the many years ahead!!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Great work Nigel, the penjing and the grass look super. Also, I always appreciate seeing your Acacia-style Serissa, it has been my favourite of your trees since many years ago!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Dave, a Serissa video coming up!

[@bluesbonsai6718]

Those giant sequoia seedings are looking great! i get to take mine out of the fridge in three days!

[@jackandlute1570]

So enjoyed this video. Thanks for including the nugget at the end - loved it!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MaybeBonsai]

Accent composition looks great Nigel! These ARE some nice rocks!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Xin, I was just out in the rain to see what the rocks are looking like! All looks good!

[@MaybeBonsai]

@@TheBonsaiZone I also just went outside to check on my trees, rain has stopped in Ajax, all also looks good!

[@hyperionhelios190]

I'd love to see a tutorial on how you did the cracked glaze paint job one day Nigel! That would be lovely!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Here is the video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGGmgmyDiMaChNU

[@hyperionhelios190]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thanks so much Nigel. I must have missed this one. I think you did a stunning job with the finishing of that pot and it looks better than some ceramics I've seen.

[@farmert9679]

Cool rocks and great moss forming on them. Super collection. The grassy field for an accent plant with the added rocks show off the grass in a nice looking form. The moss planting you did was super cool. Really a great looking accent planting.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Tom, the gloves came yesterday, they look really good. I'll put them on next time I'm handling a poisonous species!

[@farmert9679]

@@TheBonsaiZone Also wear them for the chemicals you use so that your skin does not absorb the paint, etc. I hope they fit. Take care.

[@WeareTheBonsaiSupply]

Perfect timing to ask them to airlayer some hard to reach high up branches!! LOL! Love those 3d printed pots!

[@MRchazewyatt]

Love the new video!!! Keep it up, my collection was inspired by this channel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That's awesome!

[@CherieChi]

Each of them of rocks just like the single art, super love them^^ . And couldn't say how much thank you sir.!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Cherie, keep up the good work with your videos, they are very inspirational!

[@CherieChi]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thank you and will fallow your step but still far far away from you lol ^^ your moss work today, it's really a master piece!!

[@RosarioCostanzo]

That rock planting is simply stunning, beautiful composition

[@mikealmere70]

That's a beautiful rock planting!

[@dk2614]

I had a very small kusomono using blue fescue in a muted burgundy pot that was absolutely stunning. I still have the pot. Perhaps I should fill it again with the blue fescue.

[@mikeemmons1079]

I went to goodwill on a pot hunt today. Came home with 9 candidates including what I think would have been a Chinese style cascade pot, but for no drain hole, and... AND a super pale blue tall square, flared vase, that looks AMAZING with my hibiscus, I cant wait to drill it out.

[@mattbrennan647]

Rock envy. Keep growing. Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Matt, lots of rain today and tomorrow, the rocks should be looking very green!

[@bonsaitruongthi]

Awesome and thank you artist for the inspiration, thank you!

[@bpcobrian92]

"I got a rock full of benches" haha me asf

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Lucky I caught that one!

[@canavarisvhenan]

Nigel, I LOVED your rock commentary in the beginning, and your final product looks amazing! Well done!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Cat Becket!

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

I really really really would love to have a small moss garden! So sweet! Summer do looks cool!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Aija, you'll have to plant one!

[@tanyabrewer991]

/ so Loved the Rocks,lots of wonderfull tiny worlds. Rock full of Benchers

[@EnchantedwithPoodles]

If anyone can grow a rock, it’s you, Nigel.

[@KMFL2010]

great video Nigel, perfect mix of everything

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks James!!!!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

Definitely neat little accent plantings!

[@curtisnt]

I enjoy the rock plantations! Very cute and calming good luck with your baobab bonsai :) I propogated 4 seedlings here in Alberta. All 4 of them succumbed to spider mites + probably improper care. however!!! 1 of the 4 Baobabs came back to life after 9+ months of ZERO water and minimal light. can you believe that. I call it my Zombie Tree, and it is now my prized bonsai which is flourishing with growth this season.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Amazing and a good name for the tree, thanks Mnmist!

[@KingCarl66]

A true Master at work.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Carl, it was a fun day!

[@duskmoss]

I love that little planting you made

[@duskmoss]

Looks great

[@athela2023]

It's Quackers the little youtube star! What a cutie :) Thanks for sharing this video with us, those rocks are so beautiful. Your new moss garden is already looking lovely too! Really beautiful growth already this year in the Zone!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Athela!

[@brockhorner4209]

I printed your pot a while back! I'm still trying to decide what to do with it as well. Thanks for the inspiration now!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Awesome Brock!

[@mnilsson2704]

My old cat found your video very entertaining. I did too. Thanks Nigel.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Glad you enjoyed it N!

[@hrishipatil4408]

New hair style looks nice 👍👍👍

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks!!

[@joegarland4885]

I love the rock planting must have a go at an accent planting I have some pots that are Bit small so I will have a go at both rocks and grasses.

[@aurochf1]

Today I am surprised that I have followed you long enough to appreciate how the Serissa trunk has thickened!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Scary isn't it, time flies when you are having fun!

[@aurochf1]

@@TheBonsaiZone Definitely! I think, in the times of immediacy, we should name this "slow fun". As I say in Spain "el tiempo, moscas" :-P

[@brendaarthurs9878]

hi pinkshed brenda from australia just watched accent and penjing streem as its to cold and wet outside 15 c hard to grow moss here in s.a. so i use fish tank gravel around my rocks in the little pots i was so inspired by your town penjing i went to pottery class and made an australian house ruin with the outside dunny and the old water tank i planted two multy trunked australian figs and ground covers looks good thanks for all your good streem

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Wow, that sounds awesome Brenda, I'd love to see a picture! You can email me here... [e-mail] Thanks Brenda!

[@paulagoller7893]

Nigel! You could be in real danger. Those rocks look suspiciously like the rock monsters from Never-ending Story. Maybe you should cover the rock pallet with heavy gauge wire so they can’t transform.. You should also probably have Neytari stand watch as well.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'll be careful, you never know what watering the rocks might do too!

[@dalepowell6815]

@@TheBonsaiZone Don't feed them after midnight... haha

[@DakotaDS]

Thanks, Nigel!

[@sarahvee6211]

Thanks for the channel recommendations!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great channels, we can learn from everyone!

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Love the rocks in the grass planting!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Elisabeth, the Sequoia's are doing well so far!

[@patsfreund9164]

Like what you did with the accent plant. Nice to see Quackers. Will he ever become accustomed to the other ducks? Love that little plastic printed pot. Wouldn't be able to tell it wasn't ceramic, except that you told us. You did a really great job with the crackle finish. Like what you did with the rock/moss in the little pot. Enjoyed watching this video.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Pat, the other ducks are getting used to him now!

[@Rockin23]

Ace. Very inspirational.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks PP!

[@katyb2793]

4:30 is the ultimate Simba rock 🦁

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes indeed!!!

[@MrJcalvino]

The big first rock would look good with a spruce on top resembling a cliff

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, it has a really rugged mountain top look to it!

[@PSPMHaestros]

That grass has a better pot than most of my trees hahahaha

[@TheBonsaiZone]

And many of mine too!

[@PumpkinBecki]

Love your rock planting Nigel 😍 These pieces always make me think of my favourite author Terry Pratchett and his monk Lu Tze who tends the Bonsai Mountains in the monastery garden, perfect miniature mountains with lakes, waterfalls, flora and fauna xx

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Becki, some really nice rocks in the area, glad we got a car load!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I was sure I subscribed to you, I checked your channel and found I was unsubscribed and have missed a lot of videos!

[@corndrunk]

Amazing rock collection! I'd love to get some to scape a large aquarium. Did you find them at a nursery or wild collected?

[@jmmvangoor]

Nice Chignon Nigel!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, good to get the hair cut!

[@beardedbonsai]

Hey Nigel I love the rock planting I hope there is enough room for them to grow. The paint job on that pot is fantastic. How did you do it is there a video? "I've got a rock full of benches" oops 😅.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, there is a video, here is the link.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGGmgmyDiMaChNU

[@beardedbonsai]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thanks I will watch it.

[@zonnig46]

The half of Canada is on that table. Hahaha. Now i know why the Canadian lakes are so big.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Lol!

[@michaelduncan6287]

One clump of grass behind the rock pot would have looked good!

[@ErronKebabb]

Thought it was gonna be a full 30 mins of rock showcase ahah ! They are really nice rocks though i don't have them like that near where I look, looks like they were made by a professional prop artist! But al natural :) Looking good!

[@MrBlackbamboo]

Hi Nigel the rocks are amazing don't even get rocks like them in Scotland

[@CoNkOrE]

I just started a micro mimosa over rock planting after you started showing all your rocks. I got jealous!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sounds good Connor!!!

[@ellejayn]

is a micro mimosa the same as mimosa pudica or is it a smaller variety?

[@CoNkOrE]

@@ellejayn by micro i really just mean like extra small size wise. It's only a few inches tall

[@ellejayn]

@@CoNkOrE ok good. I have some mimosa seeds I plan to start for bonsai and just had to make sure I wasn't missing out on an even smaller type, lol

[@laurakotzbauer4573]

Nice! I like it!

[@andersnrregren9087]

Grass may be my limit i Will look at all plants but Looking at Grass grow may be my limit

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I still watching my rocks!

[@edvardasdriukas8369]

do it video on your wiping willow please. thank you.

[@HaiHai68]

woooow....very good.....

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you so much 😀

[@raulalbertoruzsanchez3097]

Yo tan bien tengo mis paisajes en miniatura y se ven geniales.....👍👍

[@SamDoeckeAussiebonsaibloke]

Giving birth to little Bab. Cheers mate

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Sam, cheers!

[@ericswann1417]

1:51 "she's a butte" LOL!!!

[@santarific9x60]

"I got a Rock full of Benches." LoL

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I was reviewing the clip to see if the audio was good, luckily I caught my blooper and could re do it!

[@ashleybonner5423]

Don't ever change, man lol

[@chrisrose323]

I love your rocks. Fant find rocks like that Around here. Especially like the tpose one. So cool!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Chris, yes good rocks are hard to find, I had to travel quite far to find these!

[@chrisrose323]

@@TheBonsaiZone Im on the constant lookout for Nice landscape rocks and viewing Stones. LETS hope this is The summer i find a few

[@annas7892]

i might have missed that - where did these rocks come from?

[@deineath]

Haven't seen your willows lately. Could you do an update on them? Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Most of my Willows died from the winter, but I do have a few in development, I'll be making a video soon!

[@selfmade6142]

Nice video. Yes with the stones: if you have the choice, you are spoiled for choice :-) Greetings also to "mother duck" Laura.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you! 😃 I will tell her you say Hi!

[@CaptainNusantara]

Interesting and very cool

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Captain!

[@labrinth999]

Hi Nigel, do viewing stones work in the same manor as an accent plant?

[@natrjack965]

I think the rocks lay down the way they were look like the giant causeway in Ireland ...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Cool Michael!

[@sallyjjdavis]

Can we see an update on the mini ficus religiosa?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, it is doing really well!

[@sallyjjdavis]

@@TheBonsaiZone great!

[@MrJcalvino]

One question: those rocks will last a long time. Those cracks will end breaking the rock in pieces?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'm hoping they last a long while, I think they'll do OK, if a piece cracks off, I can always repair it with some cement.

[@waterlover]

Nigel I just followed your cherry chi link and I need you to translate for me🤣

[@TheBonsaiZone]

She usually has the translation in the comment section!

[@gobonsai811]

Hi Nigel, which David where you talking about?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

David Johnson!

[@jballenger9240]

Could aquascaping be in your future?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I love it, but I wouldn't have time with all my bonsai!

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

Trust the brain! While I can't say any of mine are near as nice as yours are, as long as you follow your brain you will end up with something at least pleasing to you if no one else. As soon as I can move my plants out in spring, please do rate my bonsai! I'd really like to hear what you would do with them.

[@neptunium.]

Nice rock!

[@smack09]

@3:25 Nice rock.. Also like the pyramid which looks like it has the all seeing eye and the fallen pillar lookn rock..(had them next to each other in 1st vid), Im thinkn those 3 willl look good as an Indiana Jones fallen temple theme...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Awesome, my kind of thinking!!!!

[@sophiaangelini4368]

Salutations to Lady Laura's Quackers!

[@jballenger9240]

How's the First Nations' and Community Garden doing this summer?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I've been trying to make a video about that, things aren't going well.

[@katyb2793]

I have a question for Nigel or anyone else.. I pruned my 2 yr old Japanese maple today. I live in Australia and we've had really weird weather. most plants are waking up early. The maple had lost its leaves for a cpl of weeks, and buds are just beginning to maybe show signs of starting to swell. So I thought it was the perfect time to prune. But it started bleeding straight away. I don't have any cut paste, so I tried putting acrylic paint on it (I know this isn't conventional but mum does it on normal trees and it's been fine and I didn't have anything else). But the paint won't dry as it's bleeding too much. So I tried blu-tack and will see what happens. I had a hard time getting it to stick. Any suggestions on anything else I can use? I can't get to the store till Saturday. And any suggestions what I might have done wrong, and if the tree will live? Any suggestions or help would be so much appreciated!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Usually the tree will live. It's tough when you don't get a long dormant period. I have pruned maples in fall and then 6 months later when they begin to get active, the cuts still can bleed. Once the tree is at the point where major cuts aren't required it gets better because you are doing smaller cuts. Fall right after leaf drop is the best time to prune, the next best time is mid summer when the tree is almost dormant from the heat.

[@katyb2793]

@@TheBonsaiZone thanks heaps Nigel :) that's very encouraging to hear! I can't complain, at least we don't have long freezing winters and short summers here. Hopefilly next year will be a bit more normal! One more question, is it okay to do big cuts in summer then?

[@jan_zdanowski]

Could you make a video about moss?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have one somewhere !!

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

I love how your eyeholes gravitate towards what your brain already knows is perfect. My brain does the same thing.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Seiyuokami!!!

[@mirandusings]

Like how you shout out other channels

[@TheBonsaiZone]

There are some really good channels out there, I enjoy watching them all!

[@paulagoller7893]

@@TheBonsaiZone Like how you commented on Australian Bloke. Like him a lot too.

[@KD-lx9jt]

Yaaaas!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yooos!

[@nurhasantalukdar6937]

Stay aware of the grass seeds, it may become invasive.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Nurhasan!

[@abstract200]

the rock around 27:27 was perfect for me. Why u kept saying it was too big everytime you had a nice rock, i don't understand. The final result was kinda dissapointing with two small insignificant stones and a bunch of moss

[@BonsaiandGardening1]

One of the rock looks alike rhino horn 😂😂