Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Winter Garden Recap 2023

We take a moment to catch up on Mirai's busy winter season as we ascend into the spring of 2023—recapping the highlights of our bonsai repotting season and sharing new insight into recent nutritional discoveries that have helped advance our knowledge of the bonsai model and further influenced our tree care practices.

Ceramic Creation with Jan Rentenaar

Jan Rentenaar—a local ceramicist and art legend, joins us to celebrate the release of her latest collection of ceramics in collaboration with Mirai. We chat about her introduction to art, her ceramic process, and what motivates her as an artist. 

Check out her new ceramic collection, available now on Mirai Goods: https://goods.bonsaimirai.com/collections/vendors?q=Jan%20Rentenaar

Iseli Nursery with Joe Harris: Part 2

In the second part of our discussion with bonsai practitioner and nursery professional—Joe Harris, we continue our conversation on his transition from a bonsai apprenticeship into his nursery industry career. We dive into his work with high-level maple cultivation, how he's applied bonsai knowledge to large tree formation design, and his position at Iseli Nursery, one of the most famous specialty nurseries in the Willamette Valley. 

Learn more about Iseli Nursery: https://www.iselinursery.com/

Bonsai Apprenticeship with Joe Harris: Part 1

We traveled down to Iseli Nursery to chat with Joe Harris—one of the original North American bonsai practitioners who apprenticed under Mr. Hashimoto at Kanuma Nature and Bonsai Park in Japan during the mid-1980s. We engage in an enlightening discussion on our shared apprenticeship experiences and educational lineage—touching on stories and memories from his time studying bonsai in Japan. 

Sequoias, Seeds, and Conservation with Steen Christensen

We are once again joined by co-founder of The Jonsteen Company—Steen Christensen, as we continue our deep dive into his insight on collecting seeds and preserving the genetics of the North American forests. His specialization on Giant Sequoias and his work in the Redwoods takes us on quite the journey as we catch up and explore all of the vast knowledge this individual has to offer. 

 

Learn more about The Jonsteen Company: https://www.jonsteen.com/

 

 

2022: A Year in Review

Deep dive with us into a 2022 recap as we unravel the layers of Mirai throughout this past year. Celebrating the highlights and carefully working through the low points while simultaneously recognizing that as bonsai professionals, we have an innate ability to endure whatever life throws our way and remain grateful for the journey ahead. 

Fungi and Bacteria with Karen O’Hanlon

Founder of Probio Carbon—Dr. Karen O'Hanlon joins us from Ireland to share her rigorous knowledge about fungi, bacteria, nutrition, and bonsai biology. Her new product Danú was developed in 2021 specifically for the bonsai community and has helped to increase plant health and cultivation for bonsai and beyond.

 

Learn more about Probio Carbon: https://www.probiocarbon.ie/

 

The olive trees of Puglia need our help! Discover how you join us in our conservation efforts: 

https://bonsaimirai.com/blog/mirai-wild-puglian-olives-fundraiser

Ceramic Discussion with the Triskele Collective

The Triskele Collective includes Tom Benda, Andrew Pearson, and Thor Holvila—a trio of exceptionally talented ceramicists in the bonsai realm. Each member brings unique skills and styles to every collaboration, creating one-of-a-kind works of art that are beautiful and functional. Tune in as we increase your understanding of the bonsai vessel during our ceramic discussion with these three incredibly talented and well-known bonsai ceramicists.

 

The olive trees of Puglia need our help! Discover how you join us in our conservation efforts: 

https://bonsaimirai.com/blog/mirai-wild-puglian-olives-fundraiser

Pacific Bonsai Expo Recap with Hugh Grant and Randy Knight

We gathered our good friends—Hugh Grant and Randy Knight, to delve deep into our Pacific Bonsai Expo takeaways and experiences. Enjoy a recap of our combined perspectives on a truly remarkable first-of-its-kind event for the western bonsai community and beyond.

The olive trees of Puglia need our help! Discover how you join us in our conservation efforts: 
https://bonsaimirai.com/blog/mirai-wild-puglian-olives-fundraiser

Ancient Forest Society

Through research, outreach, and exploration, founders of the Ancient Forest Society—Anthony Ambrose and Wendy Baxter, discuss their efforts to conserve the world's tallest and largest trees, the giant sequoias and coastal redwoods.

Learn more about their organization: https://ancientforestsociety.org/