Little Things for Bonsai People

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:

firstbranchbonsai.com Insta- todd_schlafer_bonsai

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

Also, a...

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:

underhillbonsaistore.com

Book classes at your favorite brewery:

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...

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

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...

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...

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

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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...

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...

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...

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!

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Ro...

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...

Music composed and engineered by Matt O'Donnell.

This one's for the long time listeners of our show! A remaster of Episode 2, Bonsai Misconceptions. The previous episode is a commentary on this remaster a much more recent conversation with Mark Coulon. Make sure to listen to Episode 123 before this one! Check it out - Mark

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!

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

underhillbonsaistore.com<...

Howdy Bonsai Buds! On this special episode of Little Things, we bring back Mark Coulon from when our podcast show was called Bonsai Southeast. Evan and Mark reminisce about the early days of recording and working on the show and where it is now. Listen as they breakdown the difficulties of hosting and editing a podcast and what it takes to bring the show to the next level and a boarder audience.

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

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks...

How's it, Bonsai Buds. On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen wrap up the questions for the bonsai lifestyles questionnaire. They also talk about all the other exciting things on the horizon for the end of this year and what the hopeful future in bonsai holds. The Little Things crew would like to thank our Bonsai Buds once again for being so amazing and supporting the show. These episodes are our favorites to record and share with the community.

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

Also...

WUD UP, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Carmen and Evan review the responses to the bonsai lifestyles questions and discuss them on air. There's a lot of deeper cuts on this episode and there was so much to discuss, it has been made into a two part episode!

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!

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:<...

How ya goin', Bonsai Buds. We're thrilled to welcome Jonas Dupuich back onto the show once again! This time Jonas will talking about his newest book called The Essential Bonsai Book: Techniques for Making Beautiful Trees. This newest book truly does have amazing techniques to do just that. Listen as Evan goes through his favorite sections of the book with Jonas and gives a "critical" book review.

Make sure to pick up your own copy of Jonas's book today. This book, as well as his first book The Little Book of Bonsai, can be purchased on Amazon...

Howdy, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Carmen and Evan discuss the concept of bonsai as a lifestyle. There will be questions for our patrons in the discord to give us feedback on this episode as well. Answering these questions honestly with yourself will tell you how much time you have for bonsai and how precious our free time is.

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!

mattodonnell...

How's it, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen speak with John Eads about how things are going at Left Coast Bonsai. Evan and John discuss the ins and outs of running a "bonsai farm" and what has worked and what hasn't worked in the trade.

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!

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

How ya goin, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things for Bonsai People, Evan and Carmen speak with Angelica Ramirez and Karen Harkaway about the upcoming ABS Learning Seminars. Angelica is very excited to discuss the North American bonsai pottery competition with us this week! It's going to be a big event for the American bonsai scene as it is happening on the same weekend as the National Bonsai Exhibition. Listen to find out all the details!

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

Also, a...

Howdy Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen go through listener submitted critiques on trees in development. Also, there's some hot takes on creative displays and a lot to consider when it comes to the impact it they will have in for the future of bonsai in North America. Listen to find out more!

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

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

mattodonnell...

Howdy, Bonsai Buds! On this Episode of Little Things, Carmen and Evan discuss 3 things that they would like to emphasize when teaching and working with students. There's a lot of good discussion here about not only why these 3 things are important but how they should be taught in the proper setting within a bonsai collection. There's also a lot of deeper conversation in general about bonsai here to be had. Enjoy!

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

Also, a massive thanks to our editor...

Howdy, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan sit down with Adam Lavigne to discuss the history of the Bonsai Societies of Florida state convention and what it takes to run a show with a rich history. This was an interesting show for the Florida scene this year, "Let's Do Something Different" was the theme. Listen to find out just how different this year's show was from the last!

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

Also, a massive thanks to...

Howdy Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things for Bonsai People, Evan and Carmen discuss what shows and conventions they have been at recently. Also, they get into a deeper conversation about the 3 ages of bonsai trees. What are the 3 ages and how can they help you with your practice in bonsai? Listen to find out!

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

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

mattodonnell.com<...

Howdy, Bonsai Buds. On this episode of Little Things, Carmen and Evan discuss what makes bonsai tree "expensive". Should you be paying tens to thousands of dollars for bonsai materials? Or is there another way to evaluate bonsai trees? Listen to hear Carmen and Evan's side of the debate.

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

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

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's...

Music composed and engineered by Matt O'Donnell.

Howdy Bonsai Friends! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen recount the weekend of C'est Bonsai 2025. It been a topic the crew keeps going back to but it's for a good reason. C'est Bonsai this year made a huge impact on the local scene in the southeast United States and even elevated the Little Things as well!

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

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

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Howdy Bonsai Friends! On this very special episode of Little Things, Evan, Mike, and Carmen recorded in front of a live crowd at C'est Bonsai 2025. This is the first live take and won't be the last. Go to Underhill Bonsai's channel on YouTube to see the Little Things critique. You can actually see the Little Thing crew in person for the first time together!

Click the link to see our live critique:

https://youtu.be/nGNrASb83jQ?si=gZw4lK5wfailutAg

Again thanks to our sponsors: Joshua Roth Tools, Underhill Bonsai, Greater Louisville...

Hey Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen talk with David De Groot about how to relate bonsai to music and a little bit of New Orleans history. This is a great episode for a long laidback car ride or over a warm cup of coffee. David is always an amazing guest and has more incite than most when it comes to discussing bonsai.

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

Also, a massive thanks to our editor Matt O'Donnell. Thanks...

Howdy Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen dive into a deep conversation about proportions and leaf size. There is a little bit of debate and a little bit of back and forth on ideas and concepts on this episode. If you're up for a challenging conversation about bonsai, then this episode is for you!

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

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

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Howdy Bonsai Buds! On this episode Little Things, Evan and Carmen discuss the SCIENCE behind flowers and how they relate to new growth either in the spring or fall on our bonsai. Treat this episode as if it is a spring time check up!

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!

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

underhillbonsaistore.com

Book...

Howdy Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan talks with Rob Kempinski about the BSF (Bonsai Societies of Florida) Convention and "creative" displays. Rob has put together several unconventional displays in the past and also collaborated with Laurent Darrieux recently. Evan and Rob do a deep dive into art for art sake and how to cross over into bonsai art.

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!

mattodonnell...

Hey Bonsai Friends! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen speak with Aarin Packard. Aarin is the curator at the Pacific Bonsai Museum located in Federal Way, WA. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is brought up in many episode throughout the show and it is a real pleasure to have the curator featured on this episode to give us insight into what it takes to run a public collection and how to plan out high level exhibitions.

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

Also, a massive thanks...

Howdy, Bonsai Buds! On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen discuss the ethics of collecting wild trees from nature for bonsai. This is a very hotly debated topic in the bonsai world and it's time for the Little Things to get on their soap boxes!

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!

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

underhillbonsaistore.com<...

How's it, Bonsai Buds. On this episode of Little Things, Evan and Carmen discuss the ins and outs of greenhouses and cold frames. Evan relays his experiences with a commercial greenhouse and Carmen discusses the cold frame at the public collection she maintains.

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!

mattodonnell.com

Buy Joshua Roth tools on Underhill's online store:

underhillbonsaistore.com

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