Interview with Peter Chan from Herons Bonsai

[@HavocVulture21]

It would be very hard to get such generous knowledge from a much younger man who is still trying to compete with his peers. KZbin has created an unprecedented opportunity for us to learn from older ladies and gentlemen who are willing to part with their wealth of experience. We are very lucky to have Peter. He could have chosen to hoard his knowledge forever!

[@peterchan3100]

By giving - you get lots more in return. You get what you sow!

[@davedevon8177]

He’s a top guy, haven’t been to his Bonsai nursery 20 sadly,

[@henrychan1]

Peter, you look fantastic at 79. Cheers to your lifetime commitment to bonsai and thank you for passing on your knowledge to the world.

[@kosmozova]

Your passion is contagious. A lot of thanks and respect to you, Peter.

[@janbregula127]

Well said !

[@otofait7714]

Thank you Mr. Chan for your bonsai work, art and learning many people all over the world! Many greetigs from Czech republic.

[@surendrapatel2573]

What a wonderful story about your passion. We were privillaged to visit your nursery and you were kind enough to come and talk to us . You even gave two maple seedlings to my brothers grandchildren and they were thrilled. Thank you. Surendra Patel. Maple Ridge, British Columbia

[@peterchan3100]

Nice meeting you Surendra bhai!

[@anadelao1170]

Thank You Peter, it is a privilege to see your videos.

[@shor8959]

I can say for certain, you are an icon of the modern day bonsai community, we treasure you.

[@gone4204]

Your not like the other bonsai guys that wanna sell you everything and to teaching, that's why your number one in UK.. Your just a great person and that's something you dont find anywhere else!!! Thanks for all you knowledge and for making bonsai a great life time experience!!!

[@kgnarayanan2]

Peter, Greetings from an old friend from RK Hall. Wonderful to learn about your work and expertise in Bonsai . - KG Narayanan

[@peterchan3100]

Hi KG - which year were you in RK? Cant remember if. you were there when I was there. My Professors would be turning in their graves if they knew what I do for a living now! Joking only - because I know that dear Prof Sanyal was very proud of me and what I did for living. Whenever I visit Kgp, he used to take me round and tease fellow Professors and students to guess what I did - He used to say that "Peter is in the plant business" to which the others would say " Gas plant? Chemical plant? or Electrical plant?" - to which Prof Sanyal would reply - "No No - plant plant". Do email me when you have time.

[@newingtonrock4562]

79! I'm only 61. Very inspirational. I will be visiting Herons' nursery this weekend

[@peterchan3100]

Please ask to see me when you come, as I am teaching on Saturday and dancing Sunday but I am around.

[@newingtonrock4562]

@@peterchan3100 Thank you Peter, I will certainly ask to see you

[@DiamondCutter423]

A very magnanimous person.....thank you Peter.

[@hdg9860]

Peter I am forever grateful that you have chosen to share your knowledge with all of us. You are truly a bonsai master and I wouldn't have the level of confidence that I do today if it weren't for your videos. Thank you.

[@EnSnusTack]

You are such a huge inspiration! Thank you so much for all the knowledge packed youtube videos.

[@angie3504]

What an honour to have learnt of your origin and the steps you took over the years that has lead you to your dream. You are truly a passionate and inspiring mentor. Thank you so much for sharing and i hope to see many many more KZbin videos...

[@dongcana4078]

One of the best feeling you can have is knowing that you have become a vessel of blessing to others. Please dont get tired of sharing to us your knowledge about bonsai. More power to you, Mr. Chan.

[@sunsetvibes556]

What's your secret to staying fit and healthy? You look and sound so much younger then your age. Love all your VIDEOS, watch them all. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so so appreciated! You are very kind. I'm a beginner and learning so much from you ♥️

[@peterchan3100]

Bonsai and calmness and a balanced lifestyle is what keeps me young and fit. Also blocking out the 'noise' from negative people I find is important.

[@sunsetvibes556]

@@peterchan3100 Thank you Sir 😊 I will implement.

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

I agree... I’m very new to bonsai, niwaki, horticulture, gardening... but it gives me the MOST enjoyment, excitement, gratification, calming/relaxation, etc. out of any hobby I’ve ever done (and continue to still do); and I do many hobbies to an obsessed level. Cooking (30+ years) Cars (on and off for 25 years) Music production/making, music playing, record collecting/listening (20 years) Photography (15 years) Bonsai and plants (only 1.5 years, I just started last year) Bonsai and plants easily has the most enjoyment, excitement, gratification, calming. ✨✨✨

[@peterchan3100]

Wow - you have a lot of interests!!

[@Masherful]

I love to listen to this wise man, I could do it all day. -And in case you see this, question 5 in the description is missing a word :)-

[@chinhongchua7603]

You make me pick up bonsai as a hobby. Very relaxing one as well. Thank you sir.

[@MrMajkrom]

Thank you Mr. Chan. I now realize from this video that you have been practicing bonsai for as long as I have lived. I am 50 years old and have caught the bug. I've watched all of your videos and love them all. Thank you so much for your inspiration! Mark

[@adolfogonzalez3051]

Hi Peter, I have always enjoyed Bonsai but living in a south-facing apartment since 2013 with not balcony has hampered anything bonsai related for me. Your videos are by far the best bonsai videos on KZbin. You have really opened my eyes to the beauty of the Japanese Maple. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you Adolfo - you can still grow bonsai on. you balcony - that's how I started - if I had not lived in an apartment with a balcony, I may never have got into bonsai. Such is fate!

[@adolfogonzalez3051]

peter chan I meant without a balcony! Alas, grow lights and a fig for me it is!

[@flipmode9236]

Thank you for understanding that passing this knowledge, helps so many people that are Intrested as beginners. It has helped me so much. Many other people are charging money for what you are teaching all of us beginners, in this art. I never thought I would be so infatuated with bonsai. I do, think all day about my young trees. .

[@321ebby]

You're so inspirational. Bonsai is something I started for many reasons. To have something grow with me to pass down the generations of my future family. And to grow me as a person, patience and calmness and being zen is a big part of my life now. When I'm with my trees and occupying myself with them its my form of meditation. I love my trees. I need to visit your nursery and hopefully meet you soon

[@mattbrennan647]

Just fascinating. Thanks Peter. I too am totally consumed.

[@bonsaibob8253]

Please never stop teaching, all of your world wide students would miss listening to your abundant amount of knowledge. I myself have recently purchased one of your older books and always look forward to the next video. I can not thank you enough for all I have learned from you. Thank you again Peter for everything, I truly hope I can come and meet you someday! Bob G

[@martinfernandes4941]

Thank you Sir

[@craighunter3273]

Well said. Everything you said is so true. Good on you. You have lived your dream and achieved your ambition through focus. And by the way you look 20 years younger that your natural age. Keep doing the videos. Cheers again from NZ.

[@trcmustang]

Thank you for sharing. You have given inspiration to many. More than you could probably imagine. Hello from the United States. (Ohio)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great questions and great answers, thanks Peter!

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks Nigel

[@thenaturecreater8906]

Peter is a legend.

[@MF-fc5vk]

Keep them coming Peter, love watching your vids. Your trees are amazing. 😊

[@LoukasKar]

He is lovely.....

[@mulletjc]

Peter, I consider you a 21st century bonsai equivalent to Bob Ross. Such a well-spoken, calming personality teaching both artistry and life lessons. Like our trees, your KZbin channel will continue to grow.

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks for your encouragement Jacob!

[@paulusmorales8678]

Thank you so much, masterpeter! Hats off! From the Philippines..God bless you! Long live!

[@Qvigg]

Peter, in a moments notice, I'd move myself and my wife to the UK to work for you. To listen to your stories would be a dream come true. I hope to one day have my feet in similar shoes. Growing and raising bonsai, kusamono, shitekusa. I won't be content till I've shaken your hand, an formally met you, sir. Very much love from Tennessee, and from the Quigg household

[@peterchan3100]

Come and spend some time with us here. We have a guest house for visitors to use. Would love to see you and your wife.

[@Qvigg]

@@peterchan3100 That is fantastic! It is only 9:15am here in Tennessee, but you've made my whole day😊 I'd love to come spend some time with you. You'll be the first to know, when we plan this trip!! I'll talk with you soon. _Quigg

[@cision5007]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a backyard full of trees started from found material thanks to you! Mostly Privet, Azalea, Winged Elm, Red Maple, Eastern Red Cedar, and a few Willow Oaks! We even learned how to make pots and a fountain. Your influence and knowledge is growing here in Arkansas, USA.

[@peterchan3100]

Glad to know that.

[@shokobongo1]

It is the first time I'm writing you a comment but I've been watching all of yours videos so many times. I just want to say you a Great Man! There is something magical when you explaining all the tricks and techniques about the bonsai I can watching for hours. Thank you very much for shearing all this with us. We are hungry for more. God bless you! Thank you

[@tomtom7963]

Peter you rock ! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am happy to see that a part of it is well received here in Australia. Cheers...

[@jfarrell50]

You are a real inspiration, Peter. Every video you make is packed full of information, knowledge, tips and history. Your legacy is growing every day and long may it continue to do so. My very best wishes to you sir.

[@ioanalenesiu6344]

Mr. Chan, you are amazing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@arturomanquero7571]

Greetings from USA mister Chan, i admire hard work and perseverance, i came across your channel researching bonsai art and methods; i really enjoy watching you work and learning from your vast experience . May you live a long life and thank you for sharing your life's knowledge, your admirer Arturo.

[@pamsmith4148]

I began learning the art of Bonsai about 35 years ago when my husband gifted me an olive bonsai that a friend of ours grew. That friend continued to share his knowledge with me through the years until he passed away. Your gift of sharing your knowledge is invaluable to me. You inspire me. I only have 2 bonsai presently but enjoy them so much. I have been able to use your knowledge in other ways in my garden. Please continue teaching and thank you.

[@jeromepineau3032]

merci monsieur Chan de nous transmettre toutes vos connaissance. merci

[@maryshoemaker1437]

Thanks for being you. It’s very obvious that you love bonsai, love sharing your knowledge, and seeing that bonsai is so popular world wide. I for one appreciate your sharing your knowledge with us!!! Thanks Peter

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks Mary.

[@emmabb2076]

World wide bonsai love! Thank you from Australia Peter.

[@d7cmr]

I visited Herons in 1990 and will never forget how much his Bonsai inspired me. Great Man, Great Nursery.

[@garymcdermott8748]

Thank you Sir , you are true gentlemen & teacher .

[@roberthannigan4382]

Peter, Your videos are excellent and I look forward to watching them. I have learned a lot. I am glad that you get enjoyment from making them. It shows. Thanks.

[@prehistoricliving]

You are an amazing example for all of us Peter, what an inspiration you are, thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge with us!

[@HappyGrower]

I started my bonsai journey last year. This channel has been a huge help and inspiration for me. I've been thinking for taking up bonsai as a hobby for many years but I had no idea how to do it. I haven't even seen a “real” bonsai in person. This channel has been really helpful. I can't thank you enough.

[@TheNatrjack965]

Thank you peter for sharing your experience and knowledge and wow your amazing for your age I thought you were much younger .

[@timcouch3232]

My name is Tim, I'm from the U.S. I enjoy your videos and they inspire me all the time and I learn a lot. I also greatly appreciate your non ridged style. Thank you!

[@sagnikbanerjee9381]

It makes me so sad to hear that you had to leave India for sixty's Indo-Chinese war. But here in India, among bonsai enthusiasts, we have a huge respect and love for you sir. We hope to see you in India again. Lots of love.

[@AnyFuleKnoThat]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of this beautiful art with us.

[@mickeyd4012]

Yes Sr Mr Chan, you are putting lots of knowledge and ideas on the table for us Bonsai enthusiasts. I can say I am very blessed to learn from you and your videos. I enjoy them more than you can imagine. I would like to tip my hat and thank you very much for your wisdom and knowledge... Thank U! 👏👍

[@Acollyt]

We all hope you continue to create and share your vast knowledge with us. Thank you.

[@stevelacroix2917]

I enjoyed your story and hope you live forever!

[@SRM_NZ]

How does one write to you, explaining how your KZbin video's inspire someone in a few sentences?.........I'm close to 60 myself and have been gardening since I was being babysat by my grandmother at age 4. I gardened as a hobby until my departure from the corporate world some 20 years ago, where I returned from Canada to my homeland to "garden until they throw me in the furnace".......which I have done....I guess I'm now considered a 'Master Gardener'...so where does one go when they reach a pinnacle in their lives...they reach higher.....I've always wanted to become a Bonsai Gardener and have attempted it a couple times over the years with 'limited' results....Always being a bit nervous about 'teasing roots'. But your video's have given me the confidence and pointers to go a head and do it - which I have started. I also have a few gardens that I have Bonsai topiary's and your video of trimming your Black pines helped me alot....all these years I've wondered if I was doing things correctly and it seems I have been...That alone demands a huge thank you from me.....Ta Peter for sharing your knowledge....as I will and [do] pay it forward as well.......Steve

[@peterchan3100]

Hi Steve where in Canada do you live? I have 3 sisters who live in Toronto and I go there from time to time. If every you wish to visit England come and stay with me. If you wish to communicate you can email our office or use my email. which is [e-mail] One is never too old to learn. Keep it up and good luck.

[@SRM_NZ]

@@peterchan3100 Wow - Peter thanks for responding - however I left Toronto some 18 years ago to return to [my home] Auckland, New Zealand...there are better odds of becoming a professional gardener in a location that you can earn money 12 months of the year - albeit it does get a tad 'slow' June through September. I will contact you via email as there are always questions......I've found no matter how much experience one has, all that does is produce more questions. So as not to give my personal details out publicly please look for an email from .........co.nz - Steve

[@algimantasverbutas8298]

Mr.Peter Chan, thank you! Greetings from Lithuania

[@davemiddleton4971]

Great work Peter and your crew at Herrons. Your videos have taught me a lot as well as inspired me. I now have several great trees.

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks - and thanks for mentioning my 'crew'. I wouldn't be able to do these videos without "Bodhi" who is camera operator/ film editor/ office manager and a lot more at Herons!

[@215BlackMoses]

Thx for everything you do on this channel. I've been into bonsai for 6yrs now and I learned so much from you. You're a big inspiration to my craft. Thank You.

[@terrysharing]

This video is a treasure. Freely given and gratefully received. Thank you.

[@sallyhumphreys2410]

Great interview. Peter Chan really is a legend. Thanks again, Peter.

[@censusgary]

It’s good to know a little more about Peter’s personal history. What an inspiring gentleman he is!

[@desertioon]

An Absolute Legend! Thank you Peter!

[@johnfloydman7735]

Thank you Peter for the very interesting insight into your life 🙏 you are more than just an inspiration for my hobby but an inspiration for my life ✌️god bless you and the youtube community you have created . Great to see no thumbs down on your videos , it is a credit to your personality 👍🇬🇧👍

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you John - I have enjoyed doing the KZbin videos - which is only very recent - but more importantly I enjoy reading the feedback that I get. Most of it is positive but I realise that there are negative people who are envious and it is they who give negative feedback. Luckily - I am strong enough not to be affected by them as I believe I am doing the right thing by sharing whatever knowledge I have on bonsai. It is people like you that give me encouragement.

[@johnfloydman7735]

@@peterchan3100 here's to many more years in the hobby and may you be as strong and healthy as your trees 🌳🌲🦋

[@MrStuarto]

Thanks Peter,I look forward to hearing more of your most valuable knowledge thank you

[@247ahmad]

An excellent history lesson about your passion and yourself. You are still young at heart master Chan

[@bobandmaryw4336]

Thank you sir ! I am glad I have found you and your many inspiring and helpful video's! What I value most is we are very much of kindred spirit in this love and passion of bonsai and yes, we really do dream of it and start to see it in our association with plants and trees everyday! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@aidatakizawa9944]

Thank you Peter. You are amazing. I am so grateful that you share your knowledge. 🤗 From California

[@paulbache3940]

Peter, your videos give us all a great deal of pleasure and the knowledge you pass on is invaluable, many thanks ( and don't stop !)

[@brianmagaar8767]

You are a true inspiration Peter , i am loving it every moment with my bonsai. This is everytime a relaxing breakaway from my stressful job. Your calm,caring approach towards plants are applicable for the same reason towards people - im hooked. Thank you for sharing your knowledge all the way to South Africa.

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you Brian. Your feedback is one of the reasons for me continuing to do this.

[@paullill5604]

Watch the comments come now on your legacy to Bonsai, as a pure amateur my journey,love,hobby and passion has been set in place by one true great Gentleman.One of the most humble ,decent and down to earth people to walk this planet who to me comes second to the memory of my late dad.It is my honour to read your books watch your videos and I thank you for helping guide my life.

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you Paul for your gracious comments. I wish you well on your Bonsai journey.

[@MidniteSan]

More tips and tricks please,.and thx for sharing as always Peter.

[@KentPittsburgh]

Dear Mr. Chan, Thank you for your videos. This year I have gotten into bonsai and have four bonsai trees, one in the mail today, seeds coming, and several cuttings that I have been able to take root. I am really enjoying bonsai and look forward to continue to gain knowledge from your videos. Thank you! :)

[@gone4204]

Peter " Be the bonsai be with YOU!!

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Always great to listen to you Peter, hope we can do the Bristlecones next year, was moving so didn't get to do it this year. I have about 60 trees now so there is always maintenance to do on one of them, I think that is how you get the patience, having only 4 trees would drive me crazy waiting to do something to them. I have 1/2 of them outside my home office window so I get to look at them all day, it's really calming.

[@HernanRodriguez-zf6qr]

Hello Peter, thank you for sharing this excellent interview. Greetings from Argentina!

[@johnhierons1691]

Well said Peter, and I very much enjoyed the video. Been waiting for you to do something along those lines. Please keep them coming. Great stuff, and I see you are wearing that bad ass shirt again. LOL

[@peterchan3100]

Ha Ha - I need more funky shirts buddy

[@deepakrubdy170]

Thanks Peter, sir I really enjoyed your interview, and I'm a follower of your Utube channel . I have just started my hobby and I am so much into it, I regret being so late, I too could have started earlier, but came to know about bonsai just recently. Your videos really help. God bless.

[@peterchan3100]

Nothing is ever too late in life - I learnt to swim when I was 55 and went on to be a swimming teacher. Took up dance at 68 and now very good at that - so its never too late to start anything.

[@deepakrubdy170]

@@peterchan3100 Truely. Thanks for the encouragement, sir.

[@Steven3D8888]

Thank you Peter for sharing your work and tips, I like to watch your videos very much and have learned so many useful things about maintaining these trees in the past month! Very nice nursery you got there! Thanks and greetings from Belgium.

[@curious9801]

Hello Peter, I love your energy and enthusiasm, you have great talent and are very generous in sharing your knowledge and skills! Thank you for all you create. I have always gardened and grown from seed and cuttings. I have admired the art of bonsai for many years. At the ripe age of 80 I have decided to learn your art form! Your utube videos are wonderful and give me great confidence and encouragement! I appreciate the way you just get on and tackle, with such fearless gusto the re shaping and potting of all your subjects! Fabulous!! I love your hands on approach and down to earth methods describing how you started and showing basic techniques. I have several plants grown from seed or cuttings but never knew how to create them into bonsai! Hopefully with the help of your channel I feel I should just go for it! Like you say, they will always carry on growing despite the harsh treatment. I couldn’t believe how many plants you made from the honeysuckle!!! I think I am going to try that! I have two young grandsons whom I hope will inherit theBONSAIBUG, Many thanks, regards, Wendy

[@jimtorode9330]

Keep on keepin' on, Peter! :)

[@florantegarcia2971]

Being a beginer in this art form, I am totally inspired by your whole hearted dedication to bonsai Mr. Chan. I salute you!

[@zelinalangford571]

Keep the video's coming Peter, very educating, thank you.

[@mykorizzo6579]

I just love seeing your passion and love for Bonsai

[@briandegoede4483]

thank you mr Chan! I am honoured and grateful to see your videos. Love from Cape Town , South Africa

[@jimvogt4405]

Thank you.

[@elrahmanelteritorial9461]

i always love your bonsai trees and all of your video's. thank you so much for sharing your stories. love from Indonesia

[@bgertsma]

You are an amazing person, Person. Hearing some of your life story has helped me to answer some of my questions for you. Your videos have helped me to no end and I'm back into bonsai as it always seemed so daunting in the books I found. If I had found your books years ago I could have saved all of my seed grown trees that were over watered while I was away. I have started in again with an Okame cherry blossom tree, Blood Good Japanese Maple and a tiger bark ficus. I have some others growing from seed. Many thanks from Iowa in America.

[@Raaf_81]

Thank you mr Chan for all your videos and insights in Bonsai. It is very well appreciated. I have been learning alot.

[@garydumbauld4212]

What a varied and interesting life you have had. Thank you for being here and sharing your knowledge. We surely do appreciate you (and your bonsai knowledge)

[@paulagoller7893]

Thank you for your personal story. I too dream about bonsai trees! Guess I am hooked. Enjoy your videos very much. I have learned so much from you. I have only been at this for three months, but have always had flower gardens. It was an easy transfer of knowledge. I do know plants and how to keep them happy. My bonsai trees seem to be happy as well. I am 74 and hope to continue my new hobby as long as I can. Thank you for your encouragement.🙋‍♀️

[@richardbarksdale3810]

I love this kind of stuff, I have watched a few of your videos and have started to grow some bonsai. I will share how they are coming along. I live in Massachusetts, United States, thank you Heron for sharing this with us much appreciated!

[@mansourawadh5243]

🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️Thanks for sharing you knowledge with us👍

[@maplejapanese9375]

Thank you very much for sharing Peter with us your knowledge and experience, from here Argentina, to the other side of the world, I send greetings and congratulations. Your genuine passion transcends borders and distances ... thanks again!

[@muhammadhanif3671]

I have great love for plants and had acquired a lot knowledge through different videos shown by you. Very very thanks Sir.

[@jasonjanke7638]

The knowledge you have shared has been of much help and is definitely appreciated, I have learned alot more about the art of Bonsai even though I've been interested and involved from a young age. Thank you and once again much appreciated

[@7Spronge]

Thanks Peter, for all that knowledge. Doing bonsai a little over a year now, and I learned a lot from your channel.

[@joannevandyke5112]

Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge thru KZbin!

[@CardThrone]

i hope to continue learning from you for many years to come!

[@Synplicity]

Thank you for taking the time to create these videos. Having only started enjoying bonsai recently, they have been a massive help. All the best.