Bonsai Forests and Groups

[@isabelleweedon8712]

I find Peter's delivery calming, sensitive and encouraging. Such a good teacher. Thank you

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I find hi very encouraging too.

[@fredwanders2448]

Very encouraging, makes it sound like anyone can do it. And shows methods and ​techniques to show we can. @lisasternenkind6467

[@rockers2rockers616]

I could listen to this gentleman talk about composition of these forests all day long. How can you argue with his logic? Masterful.

[@benbishop1131]

My imagination goes wild with these mini forests. Thanks for doing this video, it's inspired me I can do it to.

[@russell7852]

This is a man who loves his funds exist in this hobby to talking about #s and imperfect trees . It's comparable to a real gun guy vs the range fudds. Both find the beauty in. Imperfections and dings and types because that's the beauty of it

[@simran1259]

Peter chan is a wonerful teacher .he has explained so nicely in simple manner.

[@dawud7791]

If I ever make it to the UK, I will certainly love to visit Herons nursery! Thank you Peter!!!

[@ishkadon-ell4927]

Dude the UK is like a rainy Germany or France not worth the trip I'd say

[@true3211]

@@ishkadon-ell4927 what?

[@carolebreo2566]

I have been doing bonsai for about 45 yrs and I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed you video's they have made my winter months bearable !!! I wish you lived in US!!!! I got addicted about 40 yrs ago and its has taken over my life plus my dogs so its bonsai and dogs!!! I have so many trees now and have downsized but it never works and still keep collecting. LOve you!!!

[@propertyinvestmentchannel4513]

Can't afford to missed any single word coming out from his mouth... Priceless knowledge!

[@vinitasehgal677]

U r so gud with ur plants.. u cut them.. tore them.. beat them.. but u love them so much.. so they become artpeice magically..❤️

[@robb8569]

i could honestly sit/work with this man for a long time, enjoying each others company and listen to him telling storys and what to do with any sort of bonsai. Being an understudy to him would be a remarkable thing, you would learn SO much .. That would be worth getting up in the morning for

[@margaretsims4344]

I never get tired of watching you work on the forests Peter.

[@jean-pierreemery836]

Dear Peter Chan, I really appreciate to see a more free style of possible forests. The look and feel, the proportion and balance are more important than numbers . By the way your books are very interesting to read and are very usefull! Best regards, Jean-Pierre

[@anamikapaul7420]

Thank you so much Sir, I was thinking of making a forest group and this video of yours has been a great help to me. Thank you once again for making the concept so clear.

[@nancyfahey7518]

It is so much easier wiring 2 branches with one wire. Thank you for that.

[@WayneTheSeine]

How stunning......I can visualize leafs falling in a slight autumn breeze and a small stream running nearby. Absolutely gorgeous. I would love to see a large group of bonsai aspen. The gentleman who counted the trees and called it rubbish...couldn't see the forest for the trees.

[@geoffreyleigh9532]

Peter's explanations of techniques is invaluable. I now have some idea of what I am trying to achieve. Thank you Pete;r keep the videos coming

[@dinosaurandnapkin]

He is such a great teacher and just watching his videos is therapeutic. It is funny to watch him manhandle the plants though. The sign of a true master is that kind of confidence.

[@ErikPukinskis]

I love how he treats the forest trees so naturalistically.

[@oneof13forestpeople97]

I will always love and respect this mans passion, I’m inspired and at peace 😌

[@kalebrosenberg8294]

Love his style. With other instructions and reads, one gets really anxious about pruning, shaping and the like. I'm more couraged to try things now.

[@nancyfahey7518]

For some reason I like the oval pots. The rectangles make it look like trees in a box.

[@TomTomTomTom538]

Oval pots suit thin elegant trees, rectangular pots suit thick, strong, powerful trees :)

[@nancyfahey7518]

@@TomTomTomTom538 yes that's the "rule". Start at 5:40 and you see 3 different pots. I think the oval one is perfect. I'm trying to picture a stout Japanese black pine in the rectangle, Definately wouldn't do in the oval. Maybe I'm developing an "eye"

[@arsen6169]

it was john naka that said when styling bonsai make sure you leave spaces in between the branches for bird to fly through.

[@sqcmstudios7889]

I love the grass on the forests. I don’t know if that was intentional but, it still looks very good

[@radled5514]

Started with bonsai 2 years ago, and learned a lot by watching you videos ! This year i'm going to try to air-layer some trees, and hopefully make a beautyful forrest out of it.

[@surendrapatel2573]

Great video. You are a very talented educator. I am learning a lot about bonsai. I am a novice about to retire. I know how to spend time having fun with Bonsaii and propagating my own plants.Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise and leaving a legacy. Hoping to visit your nursery one day.

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

I'm a Finn and just gotten to the bonsai world with my sparse few chilis, scheffleras, ficuses and collected trees from Lapland. I collected Larch cones in the autumn and the winter (wanted to try different methods of propagating) and am about to put the seeds to soil. Hope I do well. You inspire me, shifu. I love forests above all, so this video was quite to the point. Thank you so much for your advises with the "do not count" (who will count the amount of trees in a forest) and the potting varieties you will and should try. Cheers , keep making these videos - love 'em

[@brendancahill3376]

I love watching Peters videos and find them very practical and uses his own techniques and what lookes well with all his years of experience in Bonsai.

[@BONSAIenCORTO]

Heron's forest are asewone!!!!! Love Heron's videos. Really Thank you for your time and interest!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

Nigel Saunders from Canada has very different methods, but I love them. Go check the Bonsai Zone ^^,

[@BONSAIenCORTO]

@@dabblingwithbonsai thanks!!!!! Yo be honest, I already know him. Was one of my first approaches to bonsai in english but is difficult to get what he says...... surely cause my english is a rubbish. I also follow Eisei-en which is much more commercial and not quite especific, bonsai dream, which has one of the best masterclass of wiring, also Ryan Neil (Mirai) has great info, bonsai supply shows it without hiding anything, Eastern leaf has a great honest content, and surely I forget someone. Of course, talking about english channels, there are japannese, Indonesian (mainly in english), spanish (love "caminando entre bonsais") and portuguese channels which have great bonsai subjects. That's why I love Heron's videos, are easy, understandable, and we are hearing a real sensei, with lot of experience, and with the best maples and maples forest I have seen on youtube. This channel, for me, is pure gold if you're interested on maples and, of course, in bonsai. Anyway, really thank you for your advice and sorry for the very long answer!!!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@nancyfahey7518]

I don't get Nigel Saunders, maybe he talks too much, but I'll try him again. Started watching this weird guy in Florida. Mad Scientist of Bonsai. ? He gets down to the nitty gritty of digging up older trees and chopping them and the progression putting them in smaller pots. He has the biggest Japanese Bird Plum I've ever seen. He just started so his videos are rough but I think he's getting better. Could use your support too. But yes Peter Chan is top notch.

[@peterchan3100]

@@BONSAIenCORTO Thank you for your kind feed back.

[@grobonsai]

The Acer palmatum forest is pretty cool

[@leonhatton2029]

I just want to say I agree with you 100% I love your outlook on bonsai I learned a lot from you thank you keep making these awesome videos and I agree it doesn't matter what other people think if you think the trees are beautiful that's all that matters

[@crystalq6158]

@heygeno1951 The same as I. I learned more in 30 min then I have watching hours of Bonsai videos.

[@blueridgebonsai9155]

Excellent video and very timely. I have 10 America larch I plan to use in a forest and they just started popping those little green buds.My maple seedlings which are only a year old will take a couple more years to fatten up before they go in a forest too. Thanks for doing these videos.

[@ilmidissanayake4291]

We love you Peter! This channel lights up my life which would've been really gloomy otherwise 🤍🤍

[@XxGAMES12xX]

I have 20 dawn redwood seedlings I started in January. Maybe in two or three months they will be good to repot. Going to try a few Forests with some. Forest compositions are beautiful.

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

With rather different climates I wish you luck. Remember to use some moss with the forests ^^, I was watching this video (Begin Japanology) and the moss is the essential with the trees. Look at Totoro! Cheers!

[@XxGAMES12xX]

@@dabblingwithbonsai I am in New Jersey. I think the redwoods will do well in the summer because its hot and humid enough. The winters can be a bit challenging, but I think its doable. The seedlings are coming up really nice, but inside the house with a plastic cover to keep them humid and 3 small LED lights.

[@blairgrdn]

@@XxGAMES12xX they will do fine. I grow them in Canada. DR are awesome!

[@umeshchandra4465]

Very beautiful videos sir..the way you explain is super so, that everyone can learn and do on his own beautiful bonsais... thank very much for your patience and methods you teach

[@marcspremberg6898]

Peter, many thanks for your fantastic videos. I have started to create a larch forest as well. Would be very nice to see more of your forest plantings - especially the fixing of all the trees in the training pot. For beginners it is quite challenging to manage a big amount of trees without wires etc. Can you show us the final planting of many trees to a great forest in one training pot? Many thanks in advance. Greets from Hamburg, Germany.

[@Sk0lzky]

I went on a bit of a tangent because I really like your approach to certain traditions like the odd number rule and I think it's a nice learning opportunity about traditions overall. The rule is also found in things like bouquetry, certain but as you say - it's often rubbish, especially in larger sets, and shouldn't be treated dogmatically. Alas, that's how traditions work, you don't really think what their origins are, just that it's a thing, so most people will either become dogmatic "purists", or reject traditions altogether and scoff at any traditional wisdom. Few actually evaluate these things and decide on this basis. I have a funny story as an example - in Ukraine one of the trees was traditionally believed to protect from the lightning strikes. Originally it was most likely because it tends to grow really tall and straight (compared to the typical fruit trees you'd see in a village), and to this day these trees always grow in the outskirts only, always the tallest and straightest in the area. However because the traditional belief didn't explain what or how it's supposed to protect you, people started believing you're supposed to hide under these trees during a storm. I can only imagine how many people died as a result over the centuries! I have two nice Japan related cases too, although it's about reenactment so not truly traditional in this regard, but also about traditional martial arts. In medieval Japan fabric was generally made in panels of relatively standardised size, due to the size of looms. It was generally then sewn together without cutting, with dimensions of garments being similar across the board. The thing is - medieval Japanese people were much smaller than, for example, an average American, especially an overnourished one. So now you see American and European reenactors wearing kosode which looks comically short, because they use XIV-XVII century Japanese dimensions, instead of resizing it based on wearer's dimensions to have the right proportions! A similar thing happened to swords, over time the evolution of the katana (developed from larger, usually more curved tachi, these words btw in period Japanese are often used interchangeably, even in mid-Edo), from the size to the way it's carried - was dictated purely by the need for an easy draw one could strike from immediately (it's even in the etymology) because there was a need for a self-defence weapon which could double as a sidearm for a foot soldier. This, in combination with smaller dimensions of a Japanese person of that era, lead to swords of a really short length compared to not just two handed swords of other cultures (or even older Japanese designs meant as cavalry weapons), but even many single-handed swords and sabers (not to mention rapiers and such, that's an extreme). So now we have 190cm-2m tall kendo competitors and other Japanese martial arts enthusiasts (often with wide shoulders and big bellies) using 80cm swords in two hands, which doesn't just look really funny and disproportional, but actually hampers their performance (there's an opposite trend in European MA, where short people buy maximum allowed length of rapiers and longswords and can't even ward themselves correctly because "longer blade=longer reach=better in tournaments"). It's actually similar for the Japanese because they're also much taller, with longer limbs, than their ancestors, so the martial art school developed in 1650-1700 isn't actually fully applicable if they use a weapon lighter and shorter in relation to their body than it would be for the master. I cna also assure you that no 1,8m jacked samurai of the old would order a standard size sword, it's in fact a common trope across the globe that big people carried bigger weapons!

[@airgunningcolorado78]

At 25 min. That grouping splayed out would look amazing on a nice big rock. Just a boulder shape not flat. Very cool stuff

[@kusumverma9738]

Nice way of teaching Very happy to see ur video Thanks alot

[@philiptavella1856]

You are brilliant, smart, creative and wonderful. You are a great teacher I wish I knew you personally and then you would be my teacher. I cannot thank you enough for your teaching videos they are a great help to me in learning the correct way of creating bonsai. Thank you again, sincerely, Phil😍🥇👍

[@tedyboybonsai]

Nice work Peter and happy bonsai greetings from Indonesia

[@dougg1075]

I’ve just found this channel and I swear I love this man:)

[@aparnabairagi7950]

Learn lots of things from your videos. Thank you very much.

[@EnchantedwithPoodles]

Very interesting and informative video! And, I'm not surprised to see Mr. Chan hanging out with the Queen.

[@drbob528]

A superb teaching session born of great experience and patience. You inspire me to consider taking up Bonsai again. Many thanks.

[@vinitasehgal677]

The way u handle roots is very harsh.. and i love it.. ❤️

[@brianappletree]

Fantastic video Peter. I'm putting some forests together at the weekend with a friend. You've given me some great ideas. Thank you.

[@NCHARACTER]

I’m a bit impatient, but for some reason or another provide proliferation of life. I came across this looking for advice on planting and leaving to grow without constant contact of a few clippings of Mother Oak, a very old Oak that stands atop the hill I live on. Bonsais are incredibly beautiful! Glad the KZbin wormhole brought me here! 😉

[@animaloverload7465]

I have learned so much from your videos, thank you for another winner! I have always loved the forest grouping, looking to create one that is full of autumn colors.

[@angie3504]

Peter you mentioned that you added trees to the forest group. Could you do a video on how to do this please.

[@louiseboutin4266]

What an incredible experience to learn from you, like a true genius you are so great at explaining and sharing what you have learned so well. Thank you.

[@jeanbuyl]

Most that I like about the forests are the Conifers wired ,I was verry interesting how you make them , Your a great Artist !

[@Lisa-no4jv]

Absolutely wonderful teaching through stories and examples...thank you so much!

[@abelorozco960]

Forest are one of my favorite..they're Amazing !

[@oscarvazquez7751]

Thanks 🙏🏼 for all your help and videos GOD BLESS

[@BonsaiBear27]

My next project! just need to decide on which type of tree to choose?🤔🤔🤔.

[@robsarabia]

I enjoyed this video tremendously-thanks Herons Bonsai ‼️

[@Cling30]

Goshin is hands down my favorite bonsai.

[@blairgrdn]

Thank you for your videos Peter. I'm a big fan of your work.

[@Tiger313NL]

Excellent video. Interesting take on the numbers, odd or even, and very much inclined to agree with you. Also the way you set them up is very interesting indeed. I'm inspired! :)

[@amateurambience]

Peter, will you wire maple forest when you first establish them?

[@barrylonergan4541]

great video peter.im hoping to visit your nursery this year.greetings from dublin

[@peterchan3100]

email me before you come - [e-mail]

[@Dragonstylejb1]

Shi is 4 in Japanese wich also means death so they replace it with the word yon. Odd numbers are just more pleasing to the eye..I remember as a chef I was always taught to plate food in odd numbers so it is more attractive. With bonsai I get it but I love that you challenge the basic rules. I also agree that once exceed about 8 ot 9 the odd rule of eye appeal no longer applies. Your trees are so beautiful and I could probably spend a month just walking your nursery each day for an entire day and feel I did not waste my time.

[@colinhargreaves4768]

, hi Peter that was an excellent video and it as inspired me with a few forests to make this summer

[@peterchan3100]

Just do it - I am sure it will come out good.

[@tannermulford2033]

I'm really enjoying these videos

[@jam884]

great Peter, your videos are always very interesting

[@franciscoarce7907]

hello Peter you are a great master, another video with amazing content, I wish I could grow maples down here in Costa Rica

[@peterchan3100]

Maples could be difficult as they need very cold winter temperatures for the trees to go into dormancy

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

If you look for beauty you will find it, all things created from nature and shaped by man are beautiful.

[@sergiyradonezhsky634]

Hello Mr. Chan, say I've been thinking about getting into bonsai; but, you see I've noticed there's one particularity to the art, and that is it takes a very long time for you to see the result of your work. As a 24 year old, what do you recommend I do to stop thinking about how long it will take and more about enjoying the process?

[@peterchan3100]

I didn't even start bonsai till I was 27 - so you will have a head start if you do bonsai now.

[@sergiyradonezhsky634]

@@peterchan3100 Thank you kindly.

[@3sechsund80er]

Great video, as always!

[@chrisswales1174]

Love this Peter. I’ve just started on my Bonsai journey but would love to have a go at a group planting. Is it too late this year to do one - would it be best waiting till spring? Cheers

[@debradurling317]

You have inspired me to do a acer forest , I have 5 young ones iv purchased a bonsai pot and away I go. I will try this and see how I go fingers crossed can I put spagnunt moss in with the mix ? Thank you

[@angelrodriguez5192]

Excellent video Master, im learning alot with you

[@rosanadancel7225]

Dear Mr Chan, when you make this group? Thank you

[@WoodCat]

I would love to see 'a day in the life' at the nursery.

[@j.d.8075]

I always learn so much

[@avinashm8815]

Me too

[@nickizcool20]

Me three (three is lucky number ha!)

[@slisser]

Greetings from Chile thanks for you're knowledge

[@davidryle1164]

'Birds flying through the branches' John Naka

[@arifgerrard]

What a tree Beautifull form of that bonsai gruping

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Nice info! They remind me of how Nandinas naturally grow/look. 🍁

[@maverickstclare3756]

watches one video, buys 10 larch from ebay

[@sergiyradonezhsky634]

hahaha dude I almost did the same...

[@katman734]

Should of bought eleven! 😃

[@joopsmid6251]

Ilearn much

[@peterboneg]

My understanding of why odd numbers are preferred is a little different and relates to visual perception. The mind will naturally try to find patterns and partition objects into equal groups. If it can’t do that then the result looks more disordered and therefore natural. Prime numbers would therefore be the ideal. 3, 5 and 7 are primes. 9 is not prime, but by then there’s too many for the eye to partition. 6 for example can be partitioned into 2 groups of 3 or 3 groups of 2 and will therefore look less natural.

[@japanesemaplesbonsai7133]

Brilliant!....thanks Peter.

[@katcoe1079]

4 has always been my favourite and lucky number haha

[@johnfloydman7735]

Thankyou for the informative video, very inspiring..

[@elmarmeurer4362]

Excelent video. Thank you!!!

[@jarheadbonsai]

Thank you for all the information!!!

[@123chrismd]

Oh my, the way he recounted the story about the Bonsai enthusiasts in Birmingham had me in tears laughing.

[@Dovietail]

It's funny that just as you said you can almost see birds flitting around in the branches, I was getting ready to type in a comment that you should build some little nests to indicate birds and squirrels and so forth in the branches.

[@johntad751]

Great video Peter, Could you tell me a beginners tree that produces tear drop leaves?

[@peterchan3100]

What do you mean by 'tear drop leaves'?

[@lisasternenkind6467]

So beautiful!!!Do these Bonsai grow outside or in the green house?

[@peterchan3100]

They are outdoors

[@extraslow7340]

I like the 5 set.

[@squirrel7t7]

I think the odd number means you can have a center piece with even numbers either side but if your design is good what does it matter how many trees you use??

[@my_bonsai_and_koi]

great suggestions and wonderful inspirations!

[@picciafoobar]

Very inspiring, as usual! Thank you.

[@NuLiForm]

i agree, he was most certainly incorrect..lol......This!...is what i hope to start..today......i have several maples which grew wild from seed last year, that i just dug up from the yard and flower beds....one must have hidden in the vines running up the porch and has be a few years old as it has a thicker trunk & a lovely little crown of branches, but, is not as tall as the others...still..i am placing it in the centre of the basin with a special granite rock and the younger ones around it......my hope..is to re-create a sense of the forest that surrounded my home on the mountain....in miniature. Fascinating to know what the number four means!..i learned to count and speak a few phrases in Chinese in karate class, Tang So Do...but had no idea the number was unlucky! i am a Native woman in the usa, near Canada..4 is a sacred number to us..it represents the four directions, and several other good things...interesting! Thank You

[@pockypockpock]

The pronunciation of the number 4 in Chinese sounds very similar to the word 'death.' That's why it is unlucky. Good luck with your bonsai forest!

[@peterchan3100]

Different cultures and different religions believe in different things - just respect them and you will be at peace.

[@ow4227]

As a landscaper numbers arnt important but placement is... the Dice layout works for balance everytime!

[@astralvirtues]

Beautiful!

[@pacovl46]

That maple group is absolutely stunningly beautiful! How much would a group like this be, if it was for sale?

[@peterchan3100]

Our smaller maple groups are around £150 but the very large one is about 10K Sterling

[@pacovl46]

peter chan Thank you for the reply. I love these groups!

[@masonsnelling861]

That's beautiful

[@oliverclaffey5186]

Again great instruction. Do you recommend mixed planting like woodland?

[@nancyfahey7518]

I was wondering that. Like a main tree maple and some Fukien Tea trees to the side...

[@peterchan3100]

Nothing to stop you trying - I must try this again. I did try some mixed forests years ago but they dont look nice. But I must see if they can be made to look good.