Beginners Guide to Bonsai Shaping

At Herons we run Bonsai Workshops throughout the year. They are very popular. This is a taster of what goes on.
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twitter: @heronsbonsai

[@hauweiguy9587]

Thanks very much Peter. The best teachers are the ones that answer questions that havent been asked yet.

[@iamaduckquack]

He seems quite rough with the plants, which gives me confidence in handling my plants when I pot them etc (I'm a beginner)

[@hipporage18]

I Am A Duck I know right!

[@spormlastname267]

I Am A Duck, no one is tougher on a living thing than nature.

[@ganzeytyler]

His "roughness" is just his experience showing. He has been doing this for a LONG time and knows what he is doing. If an amatuer did what he did, it would not end well

[@kamrankambang7953]

I have a mini nursery that handles thousand of bonsai seedling. I can tell you whe. You have as many trees, 1 tree dead is not really a big matter. When i use to have only 5 trees, yeah i get nervous. So the trick is to plant lots of tree. You will gain courage hahaha

[@marcintata1]

That's confidence! ;)

[@MidniteSan]

Thx for sharing Peter,.cant wait for the next one.

[@BobWhite21]

I love your videos !! You do a great job with information

[@danfernando8092]

Thank you it is very educational!

[@NinjaKushzVidzz]

1:56 nooo the birch

[@hijodelaisla275]

He's wonderful. His narrative, although unscripted, is articulate, informative, clear and accessible. No hesitation, just his knowledge and observations freely shared. (Well, not exactly "freely" - I'm sure there's a fee for his workshops - but there is still a generosity and a genuine desire for others to understand that's evident in his teaching.) This is all the more remarkable because he's doing this in a second language.

[@niqscorner7446]

I'm so glad I found a new hobby because of this pandemic. I'm starting a bonsai too out of desert rose and plumerias. This makes me so excited and it's really nice for our health because we get in touch with nature.

[@mychemicaljojo]

so much of this!

[@Dante-fe6dm]

How did it go

[@akashgangurde1651]

Yes I had also started 2 yrs ago. And this pandemic help me a lot.

[@dorretto6948]

How is it going??

[@emme8255]

I have watched you wire about 100 times, And still enjoy it. still picking up little things. like watching a movie for the second time picking out scenes that you didn't see the first time you watched it.

[@skrounst]

This man is one of Britain's national treasures!

[@christianvanstaden9103]

Your videos have really given me a lot of info. Picking up the hobby again after a long hiatus im learning 100 times more than I did reading books 18 years ago before the internet

[@peterchan3100]

KZbin is a far more effective medium than books I find. Besides - the feedback I get is what keeps me going as this gives me a much better feel for what people want to learn.

[@debm460]

These videos are absolute gems. Explaining the viewpoint, considered decisions and measured actions from a master. Thank you!

[@stuartbaines2843]

Great introduction to wiring trees 👍

[@anarchist_parable]

I know that he's got decades of skill but his heavy-handedness makes me less afraid to try this.

[@trcmustang]

If only I lived closer I would attend one of there workshops and visit Herons. So much knowledge. Hello from the United States.

[@iamaduckquack]

I live 2 hours away. Am planning my first visit soon. Can't wait!

[@GordonTamf35]

4:03 "I think there is erm...something we call common sense" The guy with the moustache: XD

[@annierampersad3982]

Great presentation.Thanks for sharing these educational videos.👍💕

[@janduff6724]

I seem to be missing a step. I just started with a Willow Bonsai. It was started with a log that is about 1” across. I quickly have several shoots growing rapidly. My question is when do you start wiring? Should I wait until the shoots get a little thicker, more like a branch? Should I start as soon as the shoots are 8”-10”?

[@derekelliott3971]

Interesting, entertaining and informative as always

[@tbonsai7070]

Hi peter great video as always. Thank you for the reply the other day much appreciated. Much respect from kent.

[@freyaegrey]

It makes me feel warm and fuzzy to see someone using Felco 2s.

[@aiden9142]

i love these videos compared to others posted on youtube, he is so straight forward. and comedic XD

[@Tokyomodeldetective]

Great video Peter!! Nice and simple tutorial

[@Moicc]

Should have a center table, people struggle to see what youre doing

[@Dsmwarrior1996]

I found this after wiring my new juniper, I used Mr Miyagi's advise to close my eyes and see the shape, that movie is the reason I've wanted one forever, I'm glad I did something right with it lol, but I still can't see what branches to cut yet

[@garethmccaig8674]

How long do you keep the wire on before removing it?

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Lovely little video and the smile on their faces, they are hooked!

[@johnhierons1691]

Another good video Peter. Always learning from you. I never get tired of watching, and listening to them. Learnt a lot from you this year. What a blast from the past. Pebble Mill At One, I remember seeing you on it. Shaping a cotoneaster as I recall. Remember Peter Seabrooke too, he hosted Gardeners World at one time. The shirt, another Bobby dazzler!

[@247ahmad]

Master class. You make it look so easy. Love it. Another amazing shirt mr chan.

[@5877user]

I love his shirtd

[@mattbrennan647]

Useful information, thanks for sharing

[@vicstee482]

Very good teaching, but if i were in the group that had paid, i would be very frustrated, as you can see the students are not being shown, the camera is! The students cant see what he is doing!

[@TheAustralian1x]

He should have stood on the other side of the table

[@chrisiniguez4995]

Amazing video! Do u have any tips on some beginner trees I can start with ? Or have you made any videos for beginner ?

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks for the feedback - Is this the sort of level that would appeal to beginners? If so I will do some more like this.

[@chrisiniguez4995]

Yes this is the sort of level that appealed to me and I am a Beginner , really helps when you demonstrate thank you for the reply and thank you for your videos

[@griefjuly]

Thank you master for your valuable lesson. I learn alot from your channel . A bonsai enthusiast from srilanka .🇱🇰

[@MR-rt8bx]

Have you ever broke/snapped branches to divert the growth direction? I weigh the branches down with heavier stones. I like using larger plant material as well.

[@peterchan3100]

Stones and rocks have been used by the Chinese for years to make big bonsai - this is still practiced. I even saw this in Japan a few years ago for training their garden trees or Niwaki

[@michaelrutledge3750]

I’ve enjoyed learning from your videos. I decided to start with two clearance Japanese maples from a big box store (Acer Japonés Tamukeyama and Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Crimson Queen'). I don’t need them to be small. I like the larger patio-sized bonsai, like your larger examples. Toward what bonsai style should one aim in weeping/cascading varieties of Japanese maples? The pruning videos for maples all use a variation of the upright style, which seems ill suited for these varieties. I can’t find any pictures of bonsai of this type or other guidance for cascading varieties of maples. Could you do a video on this type?

[@peterchan3100]

I will do one in the cascade style next year, Its too late now to do that.

[@michaelrutledge3750]

peter chan ᏩᏙ. (Wado.) Thank you.

[@Collection_of_unseen_nature]

WOnderful! I can´t wait to come visit again

[@peterchan3100]

Do come again. Love to see. you guys.

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

So nice. I wish I could go there for a lesson 🙂🙂🙂

[@agnes-juliemartin7030]

Hi! I now have my Serissa since 2,5weeks. Always watered daily. It was on the window shelf. Now wheather is colder. Still, I dont know why: Almost all leaves are suddenly dried out. PLS help how I can safe it? I think it is still alive as when cutting branches theres still green underneath. Kindest regards from Vienna!

[@nickkarlsons673]

Great hobby

[@mojolojo8605]

Awesome!!! He said copper wire from old electric lines hahaha, that's what I use. Sometimes the bonsais I make look like a wire mess! Here's hoping for a good outcome

[@CLINTSTER77COX]

Thank you for your videos. I have been trying to do Bonsai for 20 years but have just now started catching on as I live in the desert of west Texas. Have started back after years of giving up after killing many trees. Do you have a listing for ordering pre Bonsai material.

[@peterchan3100]

Sorry we can't export to US but look up the internet and see if there are any bonsai dealers in your area that sell pre bonsai material. Junipers and Pines should be good for you.

[@ramizanjumlaskar8448]

His videos are easy to understand!!...appreciate it.! can anyone tell me where to buy a good quality gardening tools from??... I mean garden scissors to be precise.

[@rep001]

very good info thanks.I have booked a course and look forward to my visit !

[@thresh0014]

That blonde tho

[@lenoregeeawan4836]

Yes I believe you know what you are doing you are a master I love everything about Chinese art flower arrangement right now I now feeling to make a garden with a water fountain on a hill not forgetting a little house at the top it was always my dream , then my house burned down I lost everything including my plants be, looking at your video s I got inspired to get back to it , thank you for sharing, God bless you 🙏🏼

[@chaiwatpotichanid]

Eyesight his knees happiest of seeing human smile roger ways to pirates just natural 🥰🥰

[@peterlohnes1]

My favourite thing about plants: you buy one, you can now have thousands of them.

[@paulanderson1962]

It's one thing to do the 2 and 3 branch principle - it is another to know what angle to wire a tree trunk or branch at and how you know you are doing it right. That was one of my failings the first time I was into Bonsai.

[@Bubble170]

I think the best way is to just take time. Adjust the position over a few days and do it slowly. Observe the tree in the room or outside for a day or so to see how you feel about the shape. Always helps me, I’m still quite a beginner though.

[@1dragonx76]

Would love to know the gauge/size of wires you used for your various Bonsai

[@ulmwurttemberg1682]

golly, i am an idiot. wrap it and THEN bend it. not bend AS you wrap it.

[@TheBigMeme67]

You've got some strong hands to wrap the wire like that.

[@dirtpoorchris]

2:00 ah so they had a NATURAL only cut and grow method?

[@andrewaguirre7872]

My bonsai Mabel is about 5 inches tall can I start shaping it now

[@glen1066]

To learn from the master, i need enlightenment ! my acers need some of your mastery

[@mychemicaljojo]

this is so good

[@brilliantradience]

I had mold (the white furry kind) growing on the soil of a juniper which I water every other day usually. Did removing the mold suffice or should I repot the plant?.

[@jimjam6598]

Probs repot in better draining soil? Not sure.

[@brilliantradience]

Thanks, actually the water pours right out in less than a second and it freaks me out, I think it should be repotted in less draining soil but I don't have much experience as they were purchased in April.

[@moans33]

Wonderful video, great information.

[@marksiroki8213]

He said its not difficult even a woman can do it lmao 😂

[@kelkunAK]

Hey Peter, are electrical copper wires stripped of their plastic exterior safe to use or does it need to be the "annealed" bonsai wire they sell? I heard the copper is toxic to trees and all i have now is electrical copper wire i get from a electrician friend.

[@peterchan3100]

I dont think Copper is toxic to trees as this has been used for a long time for wiring bonsai. Copper wire is best annexed before use as this softens it, but once it is put on the tree, it will harden and removing it becomes difficult.

[@kelkunAK]

@@peterchan3100 i see, thank you

[@Hernandezpartyrentals]

What size wires do people use the most?

[@raymondplodzien9864]

Great lesson ! I wish someday to visit and take your class.

[@evapektas3832]

Me too

[@filippoarlenghi6247]

Gives me happiness

[@YOULOOTWESHOOT101]

What is this gentleman first and last name?

[@sunilsinha335]

I am a retired person aged 60 years residing in Lucknow, India and wish to start a nursery with Bonsai making. Will you please guide me about the minimum space to begin with. May you help me by proving a reference in India for guidance. Regards

[@mybackhurts7020]

You can’t bonsai Joshua trees I keep trying

[@peterchan3100]

Never tried this species

[@blooky102]

Hmm make a bonsai out of anything you say? I made something that you could call an underwater tanuki... its basically just java ferns planted into hollow cholla wood on one end , and then the roots grown through the holes in the cholla wood and fixed itself there permanently, I made a small 3 tree underwater forest like that but would you call it underwater bonsai?

[@SV-ShyamaArts]

Thank You Sir, from India

[@geetamegani5111]

To good nice fantastic, l like it To much, Thanks for teaching us 👍👏👌💲💰🎄🌲🌹🌷🌄

[@brendenrobert866]

The perfect bonsai channel! I love this guy already

[@dr.collison9418]

how do you shape a jabadaca tree

[@evapektas3832]

Where are you situated in England...I would like to visit your work-shops

[@goethe528]

'close eye' - 'imagne tree'

[@davewsh8434]

I found a small tree in my garden which I put in a pot and know I’m waiting for it to grow a little bit bigger until I can make it until a bonsai

[@bonsaithanhtung7347]

Quá tuyệt vời

[@syedatulfadzillahawangosma2528]

Thank you for the knowledge..now i feel more confident to wire my bougainvillea to bonsai.

[@marlonverceles1857]

best speaker so far. nailing the right word.big applause

[@bonsaithanhtung7347]

Quá đỉnh

[@haraldisdead]

Trust me guys, it is not as easy as he makes it look. Don't lose confidence.

[@bonsaithanhtung7347]

Quá đẹp

[@bonsaithanhtung7347]

Quá hay

[@robbie3304]

Great video as usual but wouldn't it be better for the people standing watching you if you had stood at the other side of the table so they could see a bit better at what you were doing! But still a great video thank you as always,

[@peterchan3100]

This was an impromptu video taken by one of our guests using my I-Phone.. It wasn't a performance - just the normal class intro to bonsai. Hope you understand .

[@robbie3304]

Dear Mr Chan my apologies sorry for jumping to conclusions, I really do enjoy your videos so much knowledge, I do have a lot of respect for you and your videos, 🙏

[@peterchan3100]

@@robbie3304 Please dont think I am telling you off - because I do welcome suggestions since that is the only way to improve and meet the viewers needs.

[@stardust9957]

Fab video a pleasure to watch and found it very helpful :)

[@kalyanimaskey968]

Liked your workshop,wriring plants,,I too learnt lot from your video n trying to do it

[@myfairyterracegarden]

Thanks for sharing peter.nice video 😃

[@bonsaithanhtung7347]

Ok,ok,ok........

[@bonsaisn]

Hello

[@amandas.6500]

Great tutorial for beginners, thank you!

[@NatureWorld1616]

Thank you for providing important information.

[@lisamurphy5770]

Very, very informative video of wiring! TY Sir!

[@dcharrison3140]

Merry Christmas Peter . I wanted to ask you a question. I watch different Bonsai videos. There was a particularly video. The bark on this beautiful bonsai’s bark was white. How do they achieve that? Do you do this method? Cincinnati Ohio

[@chukwow5738]

DC Harrison Maybe it was a birch?

[@haridjantosatoe8970]

Good job

[@rossboudreaux9080]

How do I get in contact and on a video with this man I’d love that experience

[@Joseph-hg9or]

Great lesson 👏 , from your experience

[@ja.8077]

He has to get on the other side of his bench so everyone can see lol

[@mystictraveler8642]

He's such a good teacher. Just excellent.

[@nooneroams]

Thanks for this informative video 🙂

[@paulcatanach8031]

That place looks familiar...... ;-)

[@janegardener1662]

I love your videos about bonsai but there are always jets flying overhead. Are you on a flight path?

[@mikeythrussell7409]

Peter's nursery is under the Gatwick flight path. About 3 or 4 miles east, look on Google earth

[@lelurve]

when can we remove the wire shapers? if you leave the wire for a year, will the branches hold their shape enough to remove the wires?

[@aBoogivogi]

My question as well

[@than217]

2021 Time Traveler: "You guys are all gonna be glad you got into a hobby like Bonsai in a few months when you're not able to go out and do anything ...also please stand 6 feet away from me."