Crazy Bonsai Waterfall Rock Mountain Terrarium (Cloche Penjing Landscape)

A few weeks ago I was really inspired by the bonsai trees at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (see this video for more • I Need Your Help (Sear... ). They had a great display and I've been thinking about them ever since. In fact, I've had these trees since the day after I got home. I immediately went out to get some for this build.
Although I'm very intrigued by bonsai, penjing is probably more up my alley. Penjing, for those of you who don't know, focuses on creating a mini landscape which conveys emotions, as apposed bonsai which focuses solely on the tree. In fact, penjing came before bonsai. Both are incredible forms of art, but I like the idea of creating scenes or landscapes.
In some ways, you could argue that I've been making penjing on the channel already, but this is the first piece that I've made with that in mind. Being that I just saw the trees and was inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Florida, it only makes sense that this is the route I went.
I really enjoy the final design and can't to see how the trees grow over time. What do you think, though? Let me know in the comments!
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00:00 Intro
00:19 The Bonsai Trees
00:47 The Cloche Container
01:07 DIY Planter Pot Basin
02:28 Creating the Hardscape
03:43 Planting the Bonsai Trees
06:03 Creating a Waterfall
07:07 Adding the Moss
07:54 Final Touches
08:17 The Completed Design
08:38 Closing Thoughts
#bonsai #terrarium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

As I discussed a few weeks ago, I was really inspired by the bonsai trees at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. That display has had me thinking about doing something with them ever since. I knew I wanted to do something like this, though. Although I'm very intrigued by bonsai, penjing is probably more up my alley since it focuses more on the big picture. I really enjoy the final design and can't to see how the trees grow over time. What do you think, though? Let me know!

[@woodfield9584]

I think it's beautiful

[@jorgemeza6148]

Beautiful

[@Rplant421]

I have an idea for what you could do next. I don’t know if it would fit in with all you projects but maybe you could try saltwater tanks? But that terrarium is beautiful. You are really inspiring

[@rat_dragon]

I like it. Hey, how's the jumping spider?

[@rat_dragon]

@@Rplant421 he mentioned that in the last vid - he might *eventually* try saltwater

[@63yearoldskater]

Great job! As a bonsai grower for 40 years, I am impressed with how instinctively you shaped your trees. Might I suggest that you research "root over rock bonsai." You could easily encourage and train the roots of your trees to cling tightly to the rock as they work their way down to the water source. I look forward to your revisit videos!

[@magisterc4t66]

Have you seen coco palm bonsais? They are AMAZING, its root over coconut, and sometimes bonsai makers even make them float in the air, The art is in the roots instead of the trunk and leaves.

[@63yearoldskater]

@@magisterc4t66 I have not, but I'll look it up!

[@jeanettebarr1282]

@@magisterc4t66 sounds amazing I'm going to look them up this instant! I've never heard of them 😃

[@amandakelley1665]

I am working on something similar right now. I have an 18 in pottery bowl, dragon stone and a Fukien. I’m planning to do something similar to what he’s done without the glass cover and with roots cascading into the soil/water.

[@sandy_carpetsthesecond5013]

@@magisterc4t66 I just googled this, and they make me weirdly happy. 10/10 would google again.

[@adamtownshend3719]

Don't even think it was intentional but the rock at 8:05 gives the illusion of a giant stone face watching the path and I think it makes the setup look incredibly cool.

[@eviskopsisko9802]

wow! very observant. and moss on it is like hair. so cool!

[@rubybonsparkletits2323]

Good eye, I love it!

[@klytuko]

the bone-sai looking good :)

[@jaysvlog9803]

We definitely need update videos on this progression. Maybe a constant update series? That would be really cool

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Yassssss

[@danielgoetze]

You should try to find a really large glass dome, and then do a "flat earth terrarium", with some bonsai trees, a waterfall, river and lake and maybe a little village. Awesome work on this as always.

[@Grace-er9ep]

Maybe doing an inlaid table like the terrarium desk would provide the largest amount of space for the scene? If it was a dining table it could be pretty massive but still a usable space in the house. Lmao what if he just started making his own line of terrarium furniture

[@danmorris7599]

Haven't watched episode fully but wow man, almost 4k views in less than an hour. Your ability to stay innovative every single week is inspiring. You bring imagination back to adults and young alike. I watch every week in awe. Keep up the good work!!! Edit: video was perfect. Turned out unbelievably.

[@CameronT93]

Ok so I said last weeks build was one of my favourites, but THIS is definitely my number one favourite! 😅 Reminds me of one of the floating islands from avatar. Absolutely beautiful build. You sir, are an artist and a genius.

[@Grace-er9ep]

Incredible how he manages to top himself every week

[@CameronT93]

@@Grace-er9ep right?! It’s so nice to have something to look forward to every Saturday.

[@arla.s720]

it really is stunning

[@tracybowling1156]

This was a very fun episode! I love how all of the elements came together to form something that looks very natural. I'd definitely and happily visit a place like this in nature!

[@natetransitions8379]

My dude, I appreciate all of the little touches and upgrades you've been doing. Such a simple yet delivered design, yet took you so little time compared to some in the past. Everything from the music to the quality of the setups, love it man.

[@robertforrest7956]

This is more along the lines I used to build as table top fountains a few yrs back. Made many custom types, and sold 100s of them. This is a fun project the whole family can get into making... Each supply an item to build with. Check landscape and rock supply outlets for project stones etc..... 👏👏👏. Thank You Tanner!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@youtubeviewer9523]

Great job Tanner! You seamlessly combined my two favourite things; waterfalls and bonsai trees. Keep up the great work and your creativity is super inspiring

[@URANUSguys]

He did

[@franciscocontreras4450]

It looks so natural and realistic, great work very professional.

[@doloresphifer5077]

I love Bonsai Trees and this is a terrific way to bring them inside.

[@thegreenthumb6184]

That is......the best bonsai set up ever!

[@feefifofum04]

I want to steal this build idea for my new praying mantis. I LOVE it.

[@karalynhubbard3710]

Omg...I am a cloche collector and love terrariums, I have been struggling with how to create a base to achieve this effect! Thank you so much for sharing this video, very inspiring. I love what you did, it is just so beautiful. Fantastic idea on the soil bag. I'm surprised they can grow with such a small amount of soil. A couple of months back, I made a mesh/substrate bag that I covered with moss to grow a bonsai tree above our Japanese themed aquarium, on the top of a stump. It seems to be growing nicely so far. I used a Japanese Japonica Cherry. I love your work, keep making beautiful scenes. :)

[@wavesounds9231]

on behalf of the south-east coast australia bonsai community can i just say...nice aerial roots 😎

[@martinsapsitis4292]

This is just a comment of thanks to you. My son of 6yrs has been enthralled by your activities for a very long time, which he and we watch on a large tv. We owe you countless, most days, thumbs up! We have watched many repeats and seen your production skill growth over time. We have gone on many adventures collecting materials and life, for his mini gardens, terariums and tanks. You have given him significant appreciation and activity which respects the environment and learns with it. A personal thanks to you Serpa Design and your endevours, you are a great role model. Regards Marty and Louis.

[@randystache78]

Love the happy accident reference! This is really one of my favorite builds to date. Definitely one of a kind!!!

[@shiny-dust]

terrarium is cool and all, but the t-shirt is STUNNING

[@mynutshellmail]

I love bonsai, and watching you create this was a real treat for my eyes and imagination! Truly beyond beautiful, kudos. 💗💗💗

[@avilacanario]

Tanner, as usual, I am simply amazed by your talent. You produce one gorgeous project, one after another. Your detailing each is beneficial is the added bonus. Well done, sir. Thank you.

[@RainBoKatchr]

Amazing doesn't even cover what you do. Beyond beautiful!

[@ladydamemarvelous-micynyc7265]

Love it. I think you should put a black stand around the bottom so it doesn't rock at all and give it a more finished less time capsule sort of look. Check out Japanese lamp and vase stands. That idea would work and you could make something similar. Great work.

[@YOYOY2K]

What a beautiful and creative project! I love how everything cam together! Thanks for sharing.

[@jodihelffenstein6647]

Such an amazing design! I love the patches of moss that you added under the trees and the waterfall was amazing too. Keep up the great work, can't wait to see another video!

[@Grace-er9ep]

I have no words but just so much happiness now

[@kaitlynlancaster4655]

A beautiful build as always! Thank you Tanner!

[@cindywiner2772]

Oh My God Sweet Heart, That is so very beautiful!!!!!!!! Thank You For Sharing. love cin

[@jiggermole]

Seeing all those roots take over the mountain slowly is gonna be pretty sweet!

[@rosemaryortega9879]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! I lost my breath when you added the large piece of moss, OMG! The whole time I envision having one like this in my daughter's room, she is a BEAUTIFUL and ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS young TEENAGER with Special Needs. I just adore her! You are very SKILLED and IMAGINATIVE, I love your Gift! Thank you 4 sharing. :-)

[@charliblake8551]

I am OBSESSED!!!!! I’ve wanted to do basically this exact idea for YEARS! You’ve definitely re-awakened the itch to actually start the project. Thanks for you’re videos mister….they are a constant inspiration 🤗

[@MissChelle]

Absolutely stunning. I love your diy projects. You have inspired me to have a little ‘serpa’ corner in my living room. I’ve just made a mini version similar to this with a Java moss bonsai. Thank you so much❤️🇦🇺

[@NeonDecay]

Definitely one of my new favorites!! You inspired me to get into this as a little side hobby, and it’s been such a great stress reliever! Thanks for the awesome content

[@sentinel_2551]

I've been watching you for 2 years now, still haven't lost your energy

[@CherriesJubilee]

Wow I love this so much!

[@nielchristiancollantes1999]

This is without a doubt one of your finest masterpieces. Looks simple yet very amazing.

[@jill5758]

You have the best imagination ever!!! Thank you for all you inspiration 🙏

[@ZachBombon]

Simply beautiful. One of the best terrariums I’ve had the pleasure of watching you build!

[@paisleykitty7]

This project was AMAZING! So cool.

[@eddiefniii]

Wow. Just wow! Spectacular!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aburkart84]

Again and again your creative use of materials in your designs are truly inspiring and beautifully thought out!

[@alexiscondit898]

Came together so seamlessly. I love your ability to create something new and creative so often. As always it came out wonderful. Great work!

[@mariemine1314]

Awesome job! Just love the elegance of it and how dramatic it looks.

[@user-xh9xg6oh6o]

Thank you! It is very interesting! I love how you make beautiful things from scrap materials. Your videos are my source of inspiration!

[@watchingthewheelsgoround260]

I’ve just started learning about bonsai, my first is a fig as well. I have small terrariums around the house to, but small and rudimentary. I really enjoy seeing you put together amazing living art! Your passion is beautiful!

[@cathrynlisa]

Absolutely beautiful! Another stunning project. Amazing!

[@judymckerrow6720]

It’s amazing how creative you are ! You come up with some brilliant ideas, all of them stunning ! Thank you for showing us your creations . 🌷💚🙃

[@boarbot7829]

I’ve gotta say I definitely prefer the natural looking ones.

[@DragonHeart5150]

Every one of your creations is amazing and wonderful. ❤️

[@brendapatterson7123]

What a beautiful project. Stunning as always

[@neverhawks]

Wow! This is definitely one of your most stunning scapes yet. Well done.

[@edwhite7457]

Your talent is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@jaranth]

For a first try at a bonsai terrarium, it looks great! Going for height instead of width was a neat creative choice!

[@therapium3dbackgrounds]

Just great!! I love how you use all kinds of stuff and adjust it to what you need. Fun to see

[@brandilapointe4539]

I get so excited to wake up to a notification from your videos !!!! You do such an amazing job 🫶🎉🥳

[@arla.s720]

same 🔥😀👏🌱

[@dmc3489]

Brilliant engineering! The pump vault was especially ingenious...

[@glassEeter]

Looks incredible! Uh oh, I'm getting inspired!

[@ghomerhust]

you can never go wrong with elephantskin stone. i love that stuff! i really like how you designed the soil pods to keep everything small so that moss could cover it. very seamless.

[@JesusismyGOD]

I bet you had so much fun making that! Great job! Teresa

[@edwardcarvajal9201]

Magnificent anything you do is magnificent. That was extra special. Thank you.

[@ebenoid6643]

Awesome! I was just on the patio earlier this week and noticed some maple saplings and started to research bonsai trees! Thanks for the video!

[@stevenwatson9555]

Another amazing build. This one is breathtaking.

[@sbgsteppa6307]

Tanner you’re an absolute artist you are one of the greats and these videos give me so much inspiration and motivation to make terrariums because you make such beautiful artworkv

[@EnchantedwithPoodles]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@darrenderousse4804]

This looks so cool Tanner! I always wanted a bonsai! Perfect use of the materials! Keep up the amazing content! 👍

[@torquess454]

I didn’t think I could be shocked anymore with your creativity, dang I want one of these so bad!

[@bjszoowildlife4148]

Love it! A great combination of elements, thanks for sharing.

[@SableRain]

This is so rad! I especially love the path you added at the base to play with the scale of the whole piece. 👍

[@person893]

This is one of my favorite builds you've done, love it!

[@LittleParade_]

Came from your One Year Keyboard Terrarium update, and your work is seriously amazing! I had no idea making terrariums could involve so much personal design and creativity, I can't wait to see what it ends up looking like!

[@loriw2661]

Just gorgeous!!

[@antubasak2719]

One of the most beautiful I've ever seen.

[@avery21026]

This is a beautiful art piece! I love looking at it.

[@sarahwatts7152]

So cool, I'm looking forward to seeing it grow in

[@duck6885]

I would love more satisfying & relaxing builds!

[@silviavoss6411]

Stunningly beautiful, love it!

[@woodfield9584]

Gorgeous! Wow!

[@adamnagy4544]

Such an awesome art, and artis as well! Thanks for your work SerpaDesign!!

[@jorie42]

Absolutely gorgeous build!

[@KevinTraversphotography]

Amazing! Always love your builds. Watching is cathartic!!

[@sc12346]

Honestly probably your best work yet imo. I would totally buy that

[@Grace-er9ep]

Tanner takes the natural world and then creates his own art from it

[@rickolson1711]

Another amazing build in the books. You are so good at this and you have inspired me to make many of my own. Amazing as usual and keep up the good work!

[@janinebean4276]

absolutely gorgeous!

[@wosiewoze5223]

I can't express how amazing this is. Tanner, you're such a huge inspiration to me and honestly, I'm always so excited when you upload! Keep being awesome

[@lizzw4216]

You blow my mind every time! This looks amazing

[@snakenator2189]

i think this is the best one yet

[@pierregissinger4826]

Un grand merci à vous pour le partage!

[@debh3404]

Mind BLOWN! 😍

[@haruka6844]

I love it! it's always nice to see my favorite youtubers expand there skills ❤🤟🏻

[@veronica5896]

Wow, just wow... This!!!

[@CricketsMa]

Breathtaking!

[@thuydao8945]

As always, you got immediate clever and neat solutions for your artistic work.

[@Cumupins69]

Absolutely amazing as usual!

[@deannarichardson9377]

So love this, Tanner! I would like to see an update on this one later down the road! I love your work! 🌿🌱🪴❤️😊

[@henrycabrera1422]

Absolutely awesome! Thnx for all your Vids and ideas.. 😎👍🏼😎

[@WildWyomingProductions]

This would be awesome for some Shocking Pink Dragon Millipede with some Cuban Spiny Isopods

[@effy_kujo]

Came out incredible 😍