Making Formal Upright Bonsai from Alberta Spruce

In this video I take some raw material (Spruce) and create an informal upright bonsai.
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[@joshuacruise6626]

When he said that the purpose of this video is not to show off (his) masterpieces but to help the beginners to make bonsai making enjoyable, i felt his sincerity. Bless his heart😊😊♥️♥️🙏

[@katreyu2967]

Joshua Cruise that’s when I knew this was the right video

[@hamidghasemi9612]

hi my dear. this video is only for testing .

[@coliren5]

@@katreyu2967 h

[@johnlaraway3008]

I love how he throws in bits of philosophy and wisdom that don’t just apply to Bonsai.

[@solbadgear]

Such a heartwarming and down-to-earth person he is. He cuts and then looks at the camera to interact with the viewers. I'm glad there's a Mr. Chan in the bonsai world and hope that there is one in every world.

[@brookiemonster9581]

“Every time I explain it and repeat it you will learn something” So wise

[@ilovemikerogers]

The instructions are so clear and I've watched this a bunch of times, yet when I do it myself I'm still absolutely clueless 😂

[@crystalm4324]

My Grandpa planted 3 trees when my Grandma and him bought their first house. One was an Alberta Spruce he planted on two copper pennies!The copper pennies were important to make the spruce a poor man’s blue spruce. It did indeed turn a bluish colour. 75 years later the trees are massive, beautiful, and considered historic. (And structural in an Edmonton Suburb) So even though the house was torn down last year, my daughters still love the stories of the trees and can go visit Great Grandpa’s trees and the bench we put at the entrance to the park across the street. **the other tree is actually two giant maple tree that have grown intertwined with each other. They have a plaque with my Grandparents names, one tree for each, forever together.

[@jidoc4877]

im curious what these trees look like, im also in edmonton.

[@icarusalchemist1398]

That's a beautiful story and a great living memory.

[@cabanabarry9796]

Beautiful

[@annettearellano9482]

Wow that's interesting story😊

[@crystalm4324]

Jireh Climaco - Sorry for the time lapse, I didn’t see the reply. The trees are now Heritage Trees. Unfortunately, the plaque is gone right now. But, they are located on the South Side near one of the Entrances to Mill Creek. If you’re familiar with Argyll or 91st at all you’ll find it no problem 9112-71AveNW - it is a BEAUTIFUL Ave for old trees 🌳. Also, please walk down the entrance to Mill Creek just across the street to your right and you’ll find my Grandpa’s Bench!! When you look across from there you might be able to see a little cement from a huge drain pipe into what used to be a part of Mill Creek. It was a huge swimming hole for my Mom and Uncles! For us it was a smaller creek style splash area at the right times of year when we were very young. It’s amazing how the land changes. All those bridges used to be train trestles as well, you had to watch your step. In my mom’s youth Trains still ran through there!! They had barrels on the side of the longer trestles you could jump in if you couldn’t make it to the end😱. The world didn’t take it self so seriously then. Slowly we wrapped ourselves and kids in more and more bubble wrap.

[@andreachang9998]

I love how ruthless he is. Bonsai pruning is not for the faint of heart.

[@waynethebarber1095]

Boy are you right.... It takes a lot to cut up a 75 year old tree....

[@nokiddin3045]

Its the wiring of the branches and bending them that scares me..

[@circularpizzabox2134]

Your teachings are better than 98% out here on YT. You explanations, the way you’re promoting there’s no “one way to do Bonsai”. Everything I’ve heard and learned from your channel has driven my passion to become a better student at Bonsai.

[@rufinhambrook-rose7791]

your totally right!

[@rudyschwab7709]

When he does this, he makes beautiful bonsai. If I did it, I would make a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

[@zacharynoragon4030]

What ever makes YOU happy!

[@kurtbarlow9402]

I got a rock.

[@kfroetta4325]

You’ll never know if you don’t try!

[@alvinwhitley1490]

Charlie Brown trees are Good !

[@haraldisdead]

I KNOW! ME TOO!

[@ExpertOfFX]

I awoke to you still, frozen as the KZbin video had paused itself! I started it back up & saw BONSAI! Thank you my new Master, I have grown today my own new branch, & immediately purchased wire & watched you contently! THANK YOU!

[@consciouswriter6531]

I have learned more in the last hour watching your videos than in my entire “bonsai/pruning self teaching/experimentation” over the past 30 years. This is going to be my next project. Love it so much!

[@peterchan3100]

Keep it up and keep experimenting - that's the best way.

[@apoklyptykl13DMT]

you can see the experience from how easily he cuts the length of the wire ... was thinking to do this when I saw them in the shop now I know that is was a good idea ... thank you for everything .... ignore the people that say you talk to much talking is information ... much love and respect

[@raqueljovellanos8411]

Clearly demonstrated... KZbin stude here from the Philippines

[@slamboy66]

You know your in for a wild ride when Peter says " Just for the heck of it, let's see if I use low branches what would happen " .

[@MrMartyn1212]

Such a joy to watch you create ,I have learned so much from watching you for hours and days 🙏🏼thankyou

[@jhanks2012]

That bonsai on the left of screen has really got some character to it

[@SchultzFamilyHomestead]

I watch these videos on the front room TV all the time, sometimes sometimes ones that I even watched before. My wife finally picked up a baby blue spruce for me 2 days ago. And it's been some of the most relaxing times this last week, getting to shape and prune and care and have it grow into my vision. It's videos like these that allowed me to realize that I could do it too.

[@florianartus3231]

As an architect, your mind process echoes a lot with what i shall take into account when i'm dealing with a new site or a new refurbishment... with any creative process opened to the environment i guess. Don't hesitate to repeat, both because you're a patient teacher, and because as a foreigner, i do appreciate the clear and delightful english you're using :)

[@Cherryparfait41]

I hated to hear him mention that some may think he talks too much…if that is the case, then they might be missing something or are not an ordinary mortal 😅 such as I. It’s where the magic happens for those that can benefit and are willing to take in everything that he is generously sharing.

[@trieuvu3536]

The master makes everything look easy, quick decisions, amazing dexterity and know how. What saves the learner is the clear explanation, step by step reasoning. Thank you!

[@cochise185]

Seriously who gives this a thumbs down? this is a very educating and helpful video. THANK YOU!

[@carmenbitzer3583]

We appreciate that you talk through your process because its helpful for us to hear the thought process. Thank you!

[@aoiahiru670]

"You need to show some TRUNK!" Quote of the day.

[@timdady4660]

I have been fascinated by Koi carp and Bonsai trees all of my adult life , I have kept koi for over 30 years but have struggled with the knowledge of Bonsai and the skill of making my own trees. When I first started, there was very little in the teaching a few books , I have tried but ,I guess I got to eager and once the branch is cut !!!!! Finding this site, late I know has given me the push I need to try again. nothing boring in the teaching just a love of what you do, some people can talk to you with out it being too much the voice ,calm, informative, passionate, I will now be checking in every day until I have watched all. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@tinaschilling3259]

Lovely Lovely....I am so engrossed in your style of training, your tone and full explanations ...thank you so much ...from Cape Town South Africa...new bonsai beginner

[@mikenco]

Thank you Peter. This one is an absolute masterclass on removing branches from congested trees.

[@victoriousmale1430]

this style of bonsai is my fav together with forest bonsai. I prefer vertical bonsai its more natural to me.

[@shmickyshmoe]

You certainly do not talk too much!! I thoroughly enjoy watching and hearing your refreshing simplicity and wisdom. It has given me more confidence in doing bonsai / Penjing. Thanks so very much! Hoping you are staying very safe and well during the pandemic!

[@msanchez7317]

This is great! I have two spruce in a smallish set of pots at my front door, this looks like a fun weekend project for them.

[@PCat620]

"You must be wondering..." Just that phrase makes my day now. Love your spirit, Peter!

[@conspiraterry7393]

yesterday I went to lowes to buy a spruce and a mugo pine to play with. The line was 30 people long (all 6 feet apart of coarse) outside the store just to get in! Your videos are such a help during this ridiculous lockdown. Thank you so much Mr Chan!

[@lindarodman5014]

looks like bonsai teaches patience in more ways than one...stay safe!

[@Hateweek1984]

I love this guy...I could watch him work all day!...and learning about Bonsai too is a great side effect...

[@edsonlopes434]

Bonsai is the art of cutting, you have to be brave and go for it!!!

[@claydupuy7327]

You don’t talk to much. So fascinating to watch and so helpful. Thanks you.

[@drolsisusej100]

i love what you do , THANK YOU for passing down your knowledge for free to all of us, a true sign of a master. i have learned so much and for that i thank you for this invaluable information.

[@kastironwoman6009]

That's me, "an ordinary humble mortal" and the thought that I could make my own bonsai is astounding!! Thankyou for teaching this to us all over the world. From Utah, USA.

[@turkey0165]

The greatest gift one human being can give another, is the gift of knowledge and experience! Thank you for your gift it will last me my entire life! I can’t wait to start Bonzai ! 🌲

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you - What a lovely saying you have just made about the gift of knowledge.

[@annotten7413]

Foxtrot Oscar those same 2 idiots have posted the exact same thing on many channels

[@ADRIAN-zh4ti]

i prefer money gifts

[@loturzelrestaurant]

@@foxtrotoscar4284 'Tag Teaming'? Whats that? ?

[@dailyguy6189]

It’s called bonsai not BANZAI!!!

[@DiscoStuLikesDiscoMusic]

I am very in tune with event around my life. I decided to begin bonsai, ordered tools from amazon and happened to buy a dwarf alberta spruce from store. I get my supplies and look for some direction from youtube. I discovered your video on turning my exact tree into bonsai. thank you! your guidance in all things bonsai is a gift!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

I could watch you doing that all day long! It would still take me days to decide on one branch! Hahaha! Thank you for the lesson! Be safe.

[@edlacap3714]

Thanks to KZbin we can enjoy watching all over the world talented people in all kinds of different knowledge.

[@maanjezus8622]

Loving these trees. I can imagine myself sitting beneath them and reading a book.

[@oeufsnstuff.2731]

This is a great informational demonstration of techniques and approaches. Bonsai has three basic technical principles, root work, pruning work, and wiring work. Whats worth pointing out is, In a year, stick to one thing, and you'll make fantastic trees. Working roots, wire, and doing hard cut backs all at once will invariably end the tree.

[@gustavfranklin]

Dear Peter, thank you, as always. I was wondering, would you consider showing us going from a early styling to more refined? We've seen a lot of first stylings/semi stylings, and a number of maintainance, as well as a few restylings. A few "next step", or late intermediate ones would be wonderful.

[@TomTomTomTom538]

I think for this kind of work you're better seeking Bjorn bjorholms videos, he studied refinement for years in japan and has plenty of videos on the subject. Peters expertise lies more in semi trained raw material I think

[@robertbrandner]

@@TomTomTomTom538 Peter Chan got tons of prices for his exhibition trees. He's just doing his videos here for "ordinary mortals" as he put it, who are doing bonsai as a hobby.

[@gustavfranklin]

@@TomTomTomTom538 thanks but Im familiar with eisei-en, mirai and those guys, but I'd love to see Peter's take as I know he has some spectacular refined ones.

[@CalmPlains]

@@gustavfranklin EXACTLY.

[@pinuuturner7777]

@@TomTomTomTom538 he has many videos on all stages.

[@jasonlockhorst1505]

You are a very generous human being. Thank you sir

[@DarkMatterExists]

Peter, I’ve learned so much from you, watching your videos. Thank you for filming and sharing your knowledge of this beautiful art form. I really appreciate it. ~ A loyal U.S. viewer and bonsai student.

[@marlaseegerstein3158]

I love watching you work and seeing you vision come to life

[@asmolbean9300]

Just found this channel, it's amazing. Your narration really makes this the best bonsai channel, I could fall asleep listening to you work.

[@Arnoldbonsai75]

You are the best bonsai tutor I’d ever seen. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless you and your family.

[@patchoulidragonsblood882]

Thank you for this video. This is the most informative video I have seen yet. This cleared up so many questions. I have been paying too much attention to my houseplants and have done all I can to them during this long quarantine. All 200+ have been repotted and trimmed. They look better than ever. But. I need to start a bonsai or I will go crazy.

[@sheliaglover565]

I never see them watering Bosnia how often and how much do they get watered

[@sheliaglover565]

I think this is something I would really like to try what would be the best plant for me to buy to get started

[@sheliaglover565]

Where can you purchase Moss to cover the top?

I really appreciate how you show every step and explain your thinking as you go along! It's extremely helpful for a beginner like me to watch an expert with decades of experience.

[@lisawagner6076]

These trees came out so lovely!! I love them, the one on the left is my favorite. I like the lower branches. Wonderful demonstration, thank you so much!!

[@ashleeaustin358]

There are some beautiful little trees where I live. I hate seeing them mowed down. So, I think I'm going to rescue a few and see if I can make some bonsai trees out of them. Thank you for these wonderful videos! Very enlightening! 😊

[@bieuxyongson]

I am just new to bonsai. This was the best video for a beginner. Your explanations are simple and you make it like a conversation. I can hardly wait to start. Thank you. I'm looking forward to viewing your other videos.

[@PrairieDancerRose]

yes I appreciate your step-by-step procedure, talking us through it. thank-you ever so much!

[@SilverbackWrestling]

Just got into bonsai and your videos are by far my favorite

[@mrcool7100]

They are beautiful. They look like my property trees. Except mine are Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Sometimes when I do a pine bonsai I think it should resemble the 80 foot trees out side. Then I learn from you. I hope you don’t mind me saying ‘less is more’ every day. You are the Master of Bonsai. Thank you.

[@yuki-loakeng379]

Thank you for your kindness for the beginners

[@cwbrooks13]

you have inspired me to take up bonsai as a hobby and I love it! I'm learning so much from these videos, so thank you for putting out this content.

[@ajwadey77]

This guy is very very good at bonsai teachings. Would like to be half as good as him, then i might have a half decent garden. Thank yoh for explaining 👍👍👌

[@dagneytaggart5993]

Thank you so much for this awesome video sir! Beautiful trees and I can’t wait to try it myself! I really love the upright form. You’re a great teacher! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@adamrodgers9175]

Trimming and leaving smaller branches is just like trimming down below for guys, Makes it look bigger 😆😆. The ending result literally looks like an older tree, that's awesome.

[@CaligulaMain]

I envy his quick decisions on pruning lol. im always overwhelmed by vigarous raw meteial.

[@coinage8356]

I had a panic attack when he started "hacking away." I think there is a lesson on learning to let go of things that you THINK are good in order to let the things that really ARE good shine through.

[@paulwhittaker5195]

I became disabled 2yrs ago. Since then I haven't been able to do any hobbies that I normally did. After finding this video you have given me a challenge that I look forward to. Thank you very much for the wonderful information you have given. I never thought I would do anything like this.

[@nailbendert4569]

I'm making one. Thank you Mr. Chan for the lesson. Reminds me of a giant Redwood but miniature. Some have dead tops and they look interesting

[@francaevans4326]

Love you’re philosophy on how you teach, I wish more teachers encouraged the freedom of expression. Thank you, you’re awesome😀

[@mykorizzo6579]

I hope you're keeping well Peter, I would love to see several of the videos you've previously done with a then and now update and how progress with them. Thank you so much Peter!

[@markdyer2155]

Outstanding and so very relaxing just to hear the quality of what you say and the calm way in which you say it.

[@Tarian_475]

Peter: “sometimes choosing to cut branches is a daunting task” Meanwhile me sat in my kitchen surrounded by juniper clippings

[@newingtonrock4562]

@Christopher Manella Peter's nursery is right next to Gatwick

[@joesgrillnchill223]

Love it! I am going to make one and put it by my koi pond!

[@ibaneztwo]

How therapeutic. At one point I got lost in it and actually felt I was beside this man learning. Thank you sir, you have inspired me to try this hobby again after failure to keep my first 2 purchased bonsais alive. That was before YT. God bless YT and those like you that take the time to teach others.

[@lukenicholson9808]

I've got one in a pot in the garden! I've been waiting to train it, just need to get some wire and a shallow pot.

[@apriliaric]

You could wire it to set your branches.... Enjoy its new look long before moving to its pot... Less stress on tree than all at once... Just a thought... I'm just beginning myself....

[@MsSaudm]

I always use the leftover large diameter nursery pots ( cheap black plastic like large shrubs come in ) and cut them down so they are about only 4-5 inches tall. Then I use these to train my bonsai instead of an expensive pot to start The wire is inexpensive colored aluminum wire sold on Amazon craft section ( gauge depends on the branch size ) Hope this will help Enjoy your tree

[@coreymcgee8283]

Love formal uprights! Very independent, bold, majestic, just like in nature.

[@timcouch3232]

This video came out in perfect time. I literally just bought one of these trees this last weekend. And was wondering how I'm going to do it.i tried with one before and utterly failed. So thank you for this video and rather all your videos. They help so much!

[@nordicson2835]

Learning so much just watching you work , thank you.

[@DarleneBoyd]

Love being an "ordinary, humble mortal" who enjoys this activity.

[@marphtwo]

"Lovely growth" *chops it off*

[@mysterysnailpros3265]

My hero!! My virtual mentor! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the world! You have achieved true immortality! Not only through your trees that will live on for centuries but through your teachings you will forever be roaming this Earth!! I envy you and hope to make just a smidge of an impact compared to what you have achieved. ❤️

[@Bluetoothedshark]

I couldn't live with that constant airport noise, it would drive me mad. I think it's wonderful that you share your experience with the world, I'm going to have to at this with some dwarf Conifer

[@nabeeldraws506]

The way he talks to the viewers shows that he is a great teacher ❤ Much respect to you sir

[@rjmorstad852]

You surely are ever teaching in your creating. Never boring in what you say sir!

[@eliotdaoust3765]

You do what you want and if you dont like these long videos you do not have to do them, but I for one really apreciate those long repetitive videos, i listen to you while i do other chores around the house or clean my aquariums.

[@paullill5604]

Part 15 of Breakfast with Peter, only been waiting an hour today. Stay well Stay safe

[@kendalbridges897]

I was wondering what time this guy posted it's 2 a.m. where I am

[@fabij.5928]

coffee and peter part X ... regards from berlin

[@peterchan3100]

@@kendalbridges897 We post at 8AM British Summer Time

[@jasz6327]

Morning tea with Peter

[@gillafunk]

After watching this video I picked up a spruce and did this exact same thing today. Super helpful video

[@ghostypup]

I could watch you and listen to you all day long. Thank you.

[@robthesamplist]

Thankyou Peter for giving me the inspiration to go out and make bonsai, has given me so much joy already in 3 months of the hobby im going to have it for life.

[@shawnreed25]

I throughly enjoyed this video. Satisfying and captivating, calming and informative. ❤

[@jamesgray4037]

This man and another 4 people led my interests all through the 80s I'm 42years of age I have trees iv had over 20years and take everywhere I live..dan Barton Harry tomlinson John naka and pius notter some of the true greats in the modern history that's shaped the bonsai for the masses into the homes of many not just the few ..Here Peter is showing true mastry of his trade the magic that is" Still " bonsai with ever true flamboyance in his own natural movement this is so 'wu shu .it embraces his true narrative of pen tsai he shows the crafted stone in background for inspiration 👏

[@TraitorVek]

Imagine the Root as Life, The Trunk, the paths of Metaphor

[@johnstubblefield3734]

Bravo! Concise very well produced. Great background for viewing.

[@danielcanchola1070]

Thank you Peter-I'm always inspired after a few minutes with you. I believe you when you say that there's no RIGHT way to create a 'Tree in Pot'. Your many years of experience are so exceptional, truly you are a 'Master' of your skill-set. Confucius reminds us that, "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.".

[@zroform7004]

Question: did the trees survive ? a lot of other youtubers mentioned that these spruce dont like to be pruned a lot and will not survive the first styling. is it true ?

[@sharondellinger1656]

I am new to bonsai. I ran across this video and I'm glad I did. I learned a lot and I actually have a ten-year-old tree of this species that I bought as a tiny Christmas tree. I now have an idea of what to do with it. It will be my second bonsai. You mentioned in the video that you don't like to repeat too much, but for me it was great to watch you repeat the process on the second tree. Thank you so much!

[@Suth1172]

25:37 "Ordinary Humble Mortals" lol

[@Morning1217]

Beautiful transformation！

[@sothanakma6781]

I wish he shows this tree after a few weeks. I followed this technique and my Alberta spruce is pretty much dead.

[@kenmahannah7509]

it could be the time of year you pruned it hard like this ...my thought is to do this when the trees are still dormant.

[@VictorHernandez-lr2un]

I appreciate the way you explained it

[@rharn2864]

I for one, enjoy your repartition. Thank you.

[@viksa78]

What I like the most Peter is the way you make bonsai close to the ordinary people demonstrating once again in this video. Stay well and in good shape.

[@aidanocampo2840]

When would be the best time of the year to prune turn spurce or shrubs into a bonsai?

[@peterchan3100]

Anytime

[@artistocracy]

The second low hanging one is my favourite, but I learned a lot from the first one which was more like my Chinese juniper, so I went straight outside and got half done before the light went. Hello, Peter, from me in Australia. I am a beginner yet am a visual artist of 35 years which means I have a good eye already! Your mug shots look great! I just love formal upright. 🇦🇺🌲 🌲

[@peterbathum2775]

Thank you for your kind consideration in sharing your time here, as you like to do. Your enjoyment comes through and is compelling. I am most grateful for your sharing and grateful as well for the repetition, "Repetition leads to long term memory retention" my first aid instructor always said when the class mock groaned about repeating a skill training yet again ...

[@Dovietail]

Thank you for being patient with us and repeating useful videos. It's true, every time I watch one of these I learn a whole passel of new things!

[@greenguy1408]

I don't watch many 1 hour long youtube videos.....but for you sir I have all the time in the world :) Thank you very much.