There are so many videos etc out there with advice on growing bonsai it can be a bit of a minefield. Far too many are easy to access but are full of bad information and advice and if you follow some of the techniques found on them you will likely end up very disappointed with slow growth and maybe even dead trees..
This is by no means a comprehensive list. They are the ones I personally think are informative and accurate with the information they provide that will not oversimplify things to the point of being detrimental to what is being taught.
There are of course many others but they haven't made it onto my list. My advice is watch everything you can and work out for yourself where the good information is coming from.
So, here are some of the people, websites and videos I highly recommend. The information is founded on their years of experience and will guide you well on your bonsai path.
First of all is Bjorn Bjorholm at Eisei-En.
He has studied bonsai for many years in Japan and completed his bonsai apprenticeship at Kouka-en Nursery in Osaka. Upon his return he opened his own bonsai nursery and school in the USA.
He explains things clearly, not only giving out techniques freely but also providing reasons why we do these things.
His series of teaching videos called Bonsai-U is a valuable resource for anyone serious about keeping their bonsai in tip top condition.
Among the many videos he has on YouTube is a series called the 'Bonsai Art of Japan' which are great to watch again and again along with his other videos.
Eric Schrader of Bonsaify
Eric has produced many superb videos on a wide range of subjects and species that make learning easy. From growing seeds to refining more developed trees they are a valuable resource for any bonsai hobbyist.
Bonsai Empire
Oscar has produced a website that is packed with information and helpful advice. The simplified format makes it easy to refer to and quickly find advice on numerous topics.
There are also bonsai courses that you can sign up to and find experts from all over the bonsai world teaching all aspects of bonsai from growing from seed and cuttings to masterclasses by the famous bonsai god Masahiko Kimura.
International Bonsai Online
This is a fantastic magazine resource from the USA. William (Bill) Valavanis has produced this magazine for many decades and it is a superb publication that is now available online. It is a huge library of bonsai literature and many of the articles are absolutely free to read and they are inspirational and educational in a way that some other publications are not. Subscribe for free to get notifications of new articles. Back issues are also available to buy.
Bonsai Focus
This is the international bonsai magazine that is published 6 times a year and is packed with information for the beginner and expert levels of bonsai.
It is a great site full of videos of high quality demonstrations and teachers from all over the world.
There really is something for everyone on this site and I can recommend subscribing to the magazine which is an inspirational publication.
BonsaiQ
This is a YouTube channel that is full of Japanese bonsaiists going about there bonsai work with a refreshing enthusiasm that is quite inspiring. From the older masters of their craft to the newcomer eager to learn more, there are videos that cover a wide range of topics as well as visits to other bonsai businesses around Japan. Including walk arounds at Kimuras bonsai garden and others these are fun to watch too.
Peter Warren - Saruyama Bonsai
Peter trained in the art of bonsai in Japan for many years and completed his 6 year apprenticeship under Mr. Kunio Kobayashi at his world famous nursery in Tokyo, Shunkaen Bonsai Museum. When he returned to the UK he set up his own bonsai studio and teaches bonsai there.
Terry Erasmus - Bonsai Tree South Africa.
Terry has produced a series of videos on YouTube that are very informative and cover a large range of topics. From seed growing to field growing and everything in between.
Haruyshi Bonsai
Some great videos that are mainly concerned with working on shohin sized bonsai presented in a relaxed way that is easy to watch.
Haruyshi is a bonsai pot maker and seller and makes these videos of him working in his small workshop. He gives a running commentary as he works and often reveals some tips about small bonsai that are missed elsewhere.
Ryan Neil - Mirai Bonsai
Ryan will introduce himself and tell you all about his apprenticeship under Masahiko Kimura himself.
He covers a lot of topics and goes into great detail about everything. He can be a bit long winded and often uses words that seem to be invented which sometimes makes it hard to understand what he's saying but on the whole his videos are a valuable resource full of detailed technical and botanical information.
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