Little Things for Bonsai People

Howdy do, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen talk about intensive programs and how to up your bonsai game by learning with professional in your area. Also, Evan and Carmen have time for a few critiques towards the end. This is gonna be a good one for a long drive or if you're hanging out with a cup of coffee.

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

How's it, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Carmen talks with Michael Bruneau about his experience as a bonsai garden curator. Even more unique to this conversation is the fact that he is co-curator at the same garden Carmen works at! Listen for more and more insight into what the life of a professional bonsai curator is like and maybe this will further encourage more people to look into the career path.

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

How's it going, Bonsai Buds! On this episode we welcome Mike Lane back on! After months of tracking him down, he has returned and has a lot to say. Evan and Mike break down the "Japanese aesthetic" and dig into why those who are new to bonsai are distant to it. There's a lot of Western culture influence and Evan and Mike push on a few hot takes. Be warned, this episode may challenge your bonsai brain!

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

How's it going Bonsai Buds! We have a yet another North American native species episode for y'all. On this episode of Little Things, Evan chats with Michael Alford about Ashe's juniper, juniperus ashei. This species of juniper has a lot to offer to the bonsai community of the southeastern United States. It thrives in hot humid climes and doesn't mind short winters. Listen as Michael talks with Evan about collection techniques and the little surprises found with working with the species. Yamadori in Central Texas and more on this super sweet episode!

Check out Michael's trees and yamadori at https://www.i-digit-bonsai.com/

That's I-Dig-It-Bonsai ^

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy-do, Bonsai Buds. On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen tackle a tough topic and a controversial one at that. Should bonsai be judged and presented awards at exhibitions? Does the bonsai receive the award or does the person who owns the tree receive the award? What about amateurs vs professionals? Listen as Evan and Carmen work their way through these hot takes on bonsai display.

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

How's it going, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things for Bonsai People, Evan and Eli Akins talk about a dream come true for a bonsai potter. One of Eli's containers was selected to be used for arguably the most important bald cypress bonsai to exist. It's a perfect blend of a legendary North American bonsai combined with a legendary North American bonsai potter's work. Listen to hear Eli's impressions and other banter between two bonsai buds.

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy Bonsai Buds! This episode was recorded live at C'est Bonsai 2026. Evan had a panel discussion with Guy Guidry, Dave DeGroot, and Randy Bennett about 50 years of Louisiana clubs. These three gentlemen definitely have a lot of history in Louisiana bonsai and so much more. This is another capture of the history of bonsai in the United States.

Thank you Tyler Duplechin for recording this special moment in time! @tylerjduplechin

Watch the live recording here with video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIQwGUtFIns&t=3411s

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy Bonsai Buds! On this episode, the Little Things talk with Todd Schlafer of First Branch Bonsai about another important pioneer species, the Colorado blue spruce. Todd has many years of experience with this spectacular species for American bonsai and has loads of insight to share. Todd even goes into the nuances of the species and other Rocky Mountain native trees.

Check out Todd's work on his website or Instagram:

http://firstbranchbonsai.com Insta- todd_schlafer_bonsai

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Wakey wake, Bonsai Buds! After sleeping off the C'est Bonsai 2026 mayhem, Evan and Carmen are back to talk about pioneer species.

Again, thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Undersell Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

A massive thanks to our producer, Matt O'Donnell for editing every episode!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

https://www.underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

https://www.bonsaibar.com

How's it going, Bonsai Buds! Evan and Carmen are back at it again. After I short break, the Little Things are returning to bring you more quality content about everything bonsai. From reviews of recent bonsai shows/exhibitions, bonsai critiques, bonsai care guides, special guests, and more. If you're new here, welcome! Many thanks to your Bonsai Buds for supporting us and being patient with us as we took a short break :)

Also, C'est Bonsai 2026 is on the horizon! Click the link below to preregister for tickets and workshops here:

https://event.fourwaves.com/cestbonsai2026

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Greetings, bonsai lovers! This time on the podcast, Evan and Carmen are joined by John of Joshua Roth and show producer Matt O'Donnell for a look back at everyone's 2025 and the state of the podcast going into the new year. There are laughs, trivia, badly pronounced names, and a trio of giveaways! Sit back and enjoy!

Also, C'est Bonsai 2026 is on the horizon! Click the link below to preregister for tickets and workshops here:

https://event.fourwaves.com/cestbonsai2026

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Happy Holidays, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan talks with long time bonsai friend and mentor, Dawn Koetting. Evan and Dawn go through the details of the first US National Tropical Exhibition that will be happening in 2026, September 5-6. This will be the first ever 100% tropical focused bonsai exhibition in the United States. Listen in as Dawn shares all the juicy details of how they put the show together and the amazing guest artist line up that will be headlining the weekend!

Preregister is opening soon! Click the link to get tickets or submit your bonsai for the jury:

https://usnationaltropicalbonsaiexhibition.com/

Also, C'est Bonsai 2026 is on the horizon! Click the link below to preregister for tickets and workshops here:

https://event.fourwaves.com/cestbonsai2026

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy do, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan talks with Brian Hollowell about another favorite species, American hornbeam. Evan and Brian talk the dos and don'ts of collecting and developing American hornbeam and why they might just be one of the best deciduous species available in the United States for bonsai.

Check out more of Brian's bonsai on his Instagram @brianhollowellpga

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan speaks with Kurt Dillow about collecting developing shortleaf pines, pinus echinata.. Kurt's approach to collecting and working with a relatively understudied species is great information for those looking to experiment with their own native trees for bonsai. If you're looking for a good guide on how to start stewarding a new species that could make a difference in your local bonsai scene, this is the episode for you!

Check out Kurt's work in bonsai photography and his work on his own tree on Instagram, @kurtdillow

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy do, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen discuss the Plant Collections Network. The PCN is an amazing resource for public gardens to find guidelines on how to improve public garden spaces and even get accredited. If you are a curator or an aspiring curator, this is the episode for you!

Check out the PCN here:

https://members.publicgardens.org/plant-collections-network/

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

How's it, Bonsai Buds! Welcome to another episode of Little Things for Bonsai People. On this episode, Evan and Carmen discuss an amazing species that is great for beginners, the yaupon holly. The yaupon holly is native to the southeast United States and it is tough and forgiving. Listen as Evan breaks down all details that makes this an amazing species for beginners and advance bonsai practitioners alike.

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen talk about their experiences at the 9th National Bonsai Exhibition. They share their thoughts on what the show looked like a few years ago and where it may be heading in the future. There was a lot to take away from this year's show and there's a lot of insight and hot takes on this one, just what the Best Buds like!

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Hello, bonsai fanatics! On this episode, you’ll hear a series of short interviews that Evan conducted at the 9th US National Bonsai Exhibition, held in September 2025 from Rochester, NY. Hear from longtime cohorts of the show, a couple of best buds in the flesh, potters, vendors, and event organizers. Even Carmen makes a couple of appearances!

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

https://www.mattodonnell.com/

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Howdy do, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan speak with Jamie Harrington about their mentorship and budding new bonsai business. Evan and Jamie get into some deeper dives about bonsai culture in the States and how younger bonsai practitioners are adapting. Check out the collaboration that Evan and Jamie put together on YouTube! Link below:

https://youtu.be/U-k8i97X2Po?si=UgwS1-t-IhHU6RZZ

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, and Bonsai Bar

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks for editing every episode and meeting deadlines!

http://mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

http://underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

http://bonsaibar.com

Music composed and engineered by Matt O'Donnell.