How to think when making Bonsai

At Herons we hold montly bonsai workshops. In this video I show you three separate trees, a Maple, a Pine and a Larch and what helpful in terms of how to think when shaping them.
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[@beaumontmajor3547]

I spent a day with Peter when I was around 22 years old, I don't think he thought much of me ha ha but I remember the time with amazing detail, I was there for a job interview on his Bonsai farm. Instead of grilling me, he took me around his farm, showing me everything, talking about his life, memories, lessons, rules .. then we sat down and he gave me a lesson in Bonsai, I accidentally broke a maple tree branch after he told me to be slow and careful ... he looked at me with such a face of disappointment ha ha then quickly we moved on- -to the next area of the farm. This exact moment was when I became obsessed with Bonsai (to this day) and strive for perfection in many things that I do, I actually have this occasion in my mind with my fine art business when making difficult decisions, slow, careful, observe and understand a small move without consideration can cause a long term effect.. Long story short Peter made a life long impact on me in just 1hr, it was inspiring in many ways ...... I did not get the job ha ha

[@smack09]

Obsessed!!!

[@akundert7]

Great story

[@peterchan3100]

I don't remember this episode but I am glad you didn't get the job on our nursery because you were destined for greater and better things - all things happen in life for a good reason.

[@averyprice9422]

Master Chan is the best.. just look at his comment

[@NorthworthySagasStories]

Such a cool comment and story. Thanks for sharing this!

[@dedisupriadi2340]

by watching your 29:44 minutes video, I feel like just finished one-day training on my first step into Bosai world. Thank you very much, sir. I'll always remember your beautiful quote about the tree for bonsai. "Tree is a problem, and every single problem always has more than one solutions..." Peter the master of Bonsai

[@jglitch0]

To take that tree there and tell that man to cut as much as he wanted away told me he was very humble. You're there to learn from someone who has been doing this for years and even mistakes you can learn from greatly. It's crazy to see that in communities I wouldnt have ever expected

[@user-mp9rd4hg8b]

I love this. When I think about trimming, I don't know where to start because I don't want to mess up. My mind starts racing, I get anxious, walk away and think, "I thought this was supposed to be relaxing?!?" LOL

[@wagessin3596]

Your sketches should be in a bonsai museum🙌🏼

[@detykketrner3331]

I love your casual apoach to bonzai and remember to tell people that its mostly for there own injoyment they should make bonzai !!

[@octoberblaze8554]

As I watched this video one of Peter's best quotes from a different video came to mind- "you have to be prepared to cut otherwise you will not make much progress in bonsai"

[@GrahamWhatmough]

In video editing I've heard it called 'killing your babies" it's a bit of a hyperbole but it helps to understand the mindset you need to get rid of everything but your best footage. Sometime you need to even cut what by itself is the best clip because it takes away from the video as a whole

[@Praj1991]

i wish i lived somewhere nearby where u are at sir ! salute! i just lost 11 hours watching ur videos back to back !!! ♥ i will continue keeping up with whatever ur doing sir! your experience sir is my age i really want to get the most out of you ! HATS off !

[@shidiskas]

this is real business, guy is honest and still making his money

[@grannysb.s.4209]

I am only a little over 12 minutes into the video and I already find myself enraptured by the content. Thank you so much for today's upload. It's not only informative, but easy to understand for the beginner.

[@coolstuffin5]

20 seconds in and i know im going to love this video the lecturer seems cool

[@bravofoxable]

Experience, wisdom, patience.... Not something you just go and buy... Takes years and years to develop. I respect you

[@scherpebocht]

Love this style of videos where u fix a tree and share ur way of thinking while cutting branches

[@jsmith3980]

A master at work...so inspirational.Thank you for posting.

[@markcook7371]

Thats my favorite Hawaiian Shirt. It looks great on the Master.

[@MidniteSan]

Hope to see more videos like this one where Peter interact and shape trees into bonsai..splendid Peter..can't wait for the next one.

[@grannysb.s.4209]

Midnite San My sentiments exactly. I thought the topic was fun and incredibly helpful for any bonsai enthusiast and I would LOVE more videos just like this one.

[@malakingdude]

Thanks for sharing your passion with us. Your clips are amazingly informative.

[@vizovolmekro9970]

I have learned so much through your videos. Your knowledge on bonsai art is absolutely amazing and you are an excellent teacher. Thank you Peter Chan.

[@geoffreydowen5793]

such a wonderful environment you have nurtured Peter thank you again for another gem

[@lizraper3667]

He’s the Master, a lifetime of knowledge 🙏

[@wjhdrew]

What an amazing teacher and bounty of information. Thank you so much for sharing. Quite amazing to have this as a beginner bonsai enthusiast.

[@BruceSeesall]

I really appreciate your informative videos . Amazing.

[@PlanetRockJesus]

This is my favorite bonsai channel.

[@themidger1]

Such a great way to show your approach to visualizing the trees potential! I have a few juniper procumbens nana that I’ve styled from small nursery stock and every year I’ve pruned them harder and harder until this year there is hardly anything left on them. And they’ve looked better each time I “overkill” the pruning - the less foliage there is the more the eye focuses on the trunk which really is the soul of the tree

[@joshhhuagarcia1890]

Greetings, excellent video. Advancing in the bonsai implies drastic changes in our trees, it means that our look goes further, but we must not forget to enjoy each stage, after all it is about that. Those who suffer today when a large branch is cut, if they keep moving forward, they will see it as a necessity. It has happened to me.

[@sebastianserrano6837]

Thank you for another great video, master!

[@dienadel30]

I watched his ficus videos it's responding very well after the trimming was just a long branched sparse house plant. But now growing into a wonderful Bonsai thanks Home Depot lol And more thanks to Herons !!

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks Kevin - good to know that it worked for you.

[@TravelAgentCale]

I love your channel so much! Thank you!!!

[@Drayran]

Interesting workshop. Seeing the material, especially the Chinese larch, I could only think of your summary of the Zen prinicple 'less is more'.

[@ygrajaputra7292]

Thanks for your coaching of Bonsai Sir, love Bonsai

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Thanks for the free class Peter, always new info, I have a Mugo and Birds next pine, everyone says that those are their favorite. I may have to take a look at the Mugo again, I thinned it out but it looks like a Joshua Tree which I like but not very Bonsai like.

[@BackGardenBonsai]

I hope the lady with the 35yr old pine gets Peter to style it for her. It had such great potential 👍👍

[@TomTomTomTom538]

God I hope not, it deserves so much better!

[@fmls8266]

@@TomTomTomTom538 like who?

[@alexandrecastagna9578]

This tree deserve some more time. The most important thing in bonsai... ♥️

[@peterboneg]

@@fmls8266 Someone like Ryan Niel or Bjorn Bjorholm are experts on styling collecting conifers like this. They both have excellent KZbin channels. Look them up.

[@fmls8266]

@@peterboneg I already know them. It's not like everyone in the world can get their tree styled by them. Bonsai would not exist if only the top in the world could style a tree. This being said, Mister Peter was doing bonsai before those two guys were even born, he's more than good enough to style a conifer.

[@WonderMagician]

Thank you for your wonderful teaching video's.

[@danachannel2404]

How to think when making bonsai.....good tips👍👍

[@paullill5604]

Another great vid👍

[@cocina-jardin-nirossacjr3554]

bonsai plants are awesome...

[@MikesStory1990]

I saw that the Master sometimes with some trees wasn't happy with how they've been left after a small pruning or some cuts because the owners didn't want to wait or to be cut so drastically. As he said.. ''some are bushes and if you enjoy a tree that looks like a bush, then you have to be happy because only you can see it''. Too bad..

[@ashvini6106]

👌👌 wonderful teacher…every problem has more than one solutions…life and bonsai training class in one session….

[@gemonehandedlife7348]

Love this guy

[@syddiesel8420]

Magnificent channel Peter subscribed with pleasure 😊

[@rkurup2003]

very good , Dedicated presentation

[@nickizcool20]

Wow so awesome!!!

[@melvyn3426]

Hello master Han you are so efficient with your information I feel I can attempt to make one myself I have a small cutting which is doing well so I might use it as an example thank you very much for your instruction

[@mattbrennan647]

Always inspirational, thanks Peter.

[@triple_gem_shining]

thank you for teaching this ancient science and art. When I found out what bonsai really was I was totally taken back with amazement! So cool!!

[@saizen4209]

This most definitely is the opposite of science, it's art.

[@darrenfisherman3838]

You are my bonsai master good of bonsai.

[@myfairyterracegarden]

Nice video Thanks for sharing 😊😊😊💓

[@astromania5253]

The king of bonsai.

[@byatse3013]

hello from Mongolia very nice for teaching tank you man

[@koikichi3]

Very Interesting.

[@MsSaudm]

Please Mr Chan do a single video styling the French pine : )

[@nancyfahey7518]

Good one. 👍

[@kalandrakasartbonsai5400]

Im a big fan...

[@J3unG]

Visiting this man's nursery is reason enough to take a trip from America to the UK. I should hope to do that someday after all this unpleasantness is finished.

[@Alypinkflower]

I wish Peter have time to do the cascage tree...great info n techniques...great master indeed..always enjoy ur video

[@rebeccagandi5301]

I am always watching you way from Sierra Leone, Watching how this Bonsai Bougainvillea Will come up Thanks for the art of Bonsai growing Rebecca Old Gardener

[@chrismotha88]

Thanks Peter sir 🙏🙏

[@georgesmith6501]

Very nice 👍

[@inGodweTrustForever]

Thank you, sir.

[@norhaimendayag2813]

i like this bonsai

[@samarthd9948]

Thanks alot for the knowledge sir .Great video

[@angie3504]

Love this workshop... I felt like I was there

[@mariale-bron9034]

Excellent Learning Tutorial--- WOW!

[@Bassonaitor]

Is there a video about that cascade pine? I'd love to see the result 😁

[@GoldenGolem444]

This dude saying “radical” is my new favorite thing

[@jdavi-uu1yl]

That mountain pine didn't need to be messed with!

[@dlugokecki]

True MASTER

[@tiborfekete7902]

Love your videos they are awesome! I’m learning a lot from them! I’m just wondering have you ever created a platform tree like the ones in Japanese forests? I recently had watched some videos on the diasugi technique, and I am very curious if this technique can be achieved with more species off trees. Would be greatful if you can shed some light on the subject!

[@lynnhollander6679]

A talk on fertilizer--when and what-- would be most helpful.

[@JeroenFleer]

The mountain pine awesome material!!! please cascade it down!!

[@sallyhumphreys2410]

It felt like I was actually there in the workshop....... until the end and I realised I wasn't 😕 Nice job, Peter and thanks again for another great video. NZ

[@deedahl2866]

I really need to know how to propagate those cuttings! I've pretty much no success at rooting cuttings of these. Is there a follow-up video of how to propagate these cuttings?

[@dibiodepaint]

keren banget

[@lightwayvez2]

I wonder if "back budding" theory can apply to cacti. Out in left field I know, but I received a Hildewintera in the mail and some of the base needles fell off in transport. And so when I saw you removing the quills my mind wandered.

[@stevenschnepp576]

The glochids grow back, but the spines rarely do except on young parts.

[@iamscoutstfu]

1:57-2:16 This man explains the entire Tao Te Ching in 19 seconds

[@gregf8167]

Did you say the pine is 15 years old? Sounded like 50 years old. Thanks for the constant great videos

[@jimjam6598]

I think he said 50, the lady had owned it for 35 years.

[@rebeccagandi5301]

Growing plant is not always One Solution you very Right

[@maskotik]

Mr Chan, did you made video about styling second tree as mentioned? I am really curious about which was the final decision and how it looks now,after some time =)

[@Alfakatt]

What about using wire to bend some of the crossing branches? Is this something you could recommend?

[@leneecasteel2005]

Peter, your videos are so informative, and I love watching them!!! Don't ever stop sharing the depth of knowledge you have with us, please. 💕🌲🌿🌴💕 I am brand new to bonsai, tho it's something I have wanted to do all my life. I'm medically retired now, so I finally have the time to devote. So here it is October, what can I do and what can I not do? After watching Peter's video, it seems I can cut and wire but I cannot root prune. Do I have that right? I live in Oregon, USA so we don't generally get harsh winters, if that makes a difference. I really want to do something now and not wait for spring. Can I get some advise, please? Yesterday I bought 3 different types of plants: Pyracantha angustifolia, Juniperus chinesis, and Thuja occidentalis. I figure if nothing else, I'll get practice wiring. Thanks for all who have the passion and willingness to share. 😎🙋🌿

[@peterchan3100]

Last Sunday I had a guy from Seattle attend one of our workshops - he is going home inspired. Guess your weather is similar to his. But you can do lots especially if you can protect the newly made bonsai in a frost free shed.

[@leneecasteel2005]

Thanks for responding so quickly Peter! Yes, I do have an area to protect my trees from frost, and if I get to many for that area I always have my garage. So was my summation of do's and dont's fairly spot on? I don't have any bonsai pots yet, so I'm not really worried about root pruning and repotting yet, but I would like to trim and style. Will that be OK to do before spring? Is there more that i can do? Thank you for your help. Lenee

[@MR-rt8bx]

I need some big trays like that.

[@peterchan3100]

We sell them!

[@DVincentW]

"Transcendence and victory on a small scale."

[@robynfortinwadman6818]

Should I put pebbles in the dirt un Dade aa!!up

[@robynfortinwadman6818]

Should I add some white pebbles to qakoe olan

[@robynfortinwadman6818]

Should I add some white pebbles to akar fb gerout

[@Trondheim46]

Good sensei!

[@diveactive]

i would have left that other branch you cut off taken out the one you wanted. ginned the bone left and the taken away to top branches leaving some on the ens Perhaps left a bit of growth on the back of the S bend

[@7rocedural6en71]

I don't disagree with your entire solution - I watched this ages ago but just now as soon as he snipped it off I re-sorted comments by new and I'm glad someone else had the same thought. If I could see the tree in person I might have trimmed it back a bit but probably not as much as he did. I also like peter's primary solution of removing the entire top of the tree. However that would be a devastating solution, simply from losing such an intersting growth of foliage, but I think the end result would be worth it.

[@andrewic]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@AleshaRamadhani]

Maple😍

[@maxkinmonth1407]

What became of the pine? what a great yamadori

[@iggswanna1248]

thank u mr myiagi

[@rebeccagandi5301]

I am also watching Bonsai Growing. You doing,

[@jayoutdoors4811]

Hello Peter great video!! I'm in the position of moving house what's the best way I can take my Maple up from the ground today as it must come with me! potentially it's going to be a bonsai and it's about 21/2m tall? Many thanks 🙏

[@peterchan3100]

Are you in the UK? If you are in the Northern hemisphere then early Spring from Feb - early April, is the best time to dig the Maple up. You can also do it now but need to protect it over winter. Plant it in as deep a pot as possible. Reduce some of the foliage also when planting so that the roots dont have to work too hard to supply the leaves with water.

[@jayoutdoors4811]

Thank you, I love your work and personality 🙏

[@lealea5892]

I think the tree just need tidying up a bit & angle it to show the trunk like he just showed & it’s already a beautiful bonsais as it is ...☺️

[@burhanuddin95]

Dear sir your videos are very informative and great....most of my bonsai tree dies as i do some work in it...please help on that

[@peterchan3100]

Unless I watch what you are doing - difficult to diagnose your problem.

[@burhanuddin95]

@@peterchan3100 That's true sir...hope some day i visit your nursery and learn directly from you...or may be i will record a video of myself doing work on bonsai and send it to you and later you can see and tell me what mistake i did

[@stevenschnepp576]

How long do you have a plant before you work on it? I've found that if I work on something the same year I got it at the store, it's going to have a bad time and I'm not good enough to keep it alive through a heavy shock. Contrariwise, plants I've grown a year take being abused a bit better. Except for junipers. I just kill junipers.

[@maverickstclare3756]

I can see why you didn't go far with that larch, that apex whorl was a monster. "Just enjoy it as it is"

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

I would chop it, even if you have to wait, when it looses all it's needles those branches are too large that high on the tree, I have an Acer that had fallen I assume at a nursery, one hole side most branches broken, all the survivors sticking strait out the side on what used to be up. I did some cutting and lots of wire braces with fiberglass screen used around the wood so not to cut into it, stripped a lot of leaves and it is looking beautiful now only 3 months later, keeping the broken side to the sun right now to balance the tree.

[@efethecaptain6]

"My fingers, my arm..!" "We don't need most of them"

[@KristalStar1311]

Good sir I would like to grow a rainbow eucalyptus bonzi

[@KristalStar1311]

Is that possible

[@mehukattti]

I love your shirts 😅😭

[@moihawk666]

"if you dont like it you can take another one" ...... most baller/confident thing I've seen a Gardner say EVER

[@bonsaihorn]

Do you go from the bottom up, top down, inside out, or outside in? Or do you just make the cuts?

[@peterchan3100]

Bottom up is the best way although it isn't a rule. If you are clever enough you can tackle it the other way round.

[@sophiaangelini4368]

It is extraordinary to see Humans thinking about something (Trees) other than money.

[@thedevourer.]

I love your videos and especially with maples and pines...really wanna buy some of your stock...but your too far away :( I'm in Scotland

[@peterchan3100]

We send to Scotland - only £7 for upto 20kg parcel

[@thedevourer.]

@@peterchan3100 I really want to order but there arent many pictures online. Thank you again for all your videos and wisdom you share I have several of your books too

[@carolinephillips741]

@@thedevourer. you can pull up scots pine by the road where I live, and get maples from lidl and aldi in the spring. Also, larch is line a weed up here in the highlands.

[@thedevourer.]

@@carolinephillips741 I'm wanting to get up north again on a yamadori hunt, too scared to take scotch pines as they are a declining species :( but would only be saving them I suppose lol have quite a few maples I bought from morrisons all seed grown but I'm after the breeds I dont have mountain, trident & deshojo. I wont buy online as I prefere to see the shope ofvthe plant first and dont care for finished products to me bonsai is all about the creation and fun along the journey but thank you :)

[@carolinephillips741]

We plantScots pine as a forest crop on the east moray coast. Small ones grow in the durch at the sides of the road and are just chopped away when the roads are serviced.

[@tristenhunt8400]

just wondering with the European pine you were working with 20:15 , it looked like you "topped" the tree. I could be mistaken but i thought that isn't usually recommended. is there any reason you would cut the top of the bonsai like that? just wondering for future reference.

[@peterboneg]

Why wouldn't it be recommended? Bonsai trees are developed by reducing larger trees in this way. It also creates taper and movement in the trunk line.