View Online Today!

Researchers across Canada and the USA tracked 1.3 million people in 30 cities over 11 years and found that those who have more trees and vegetation around where they lived had an 8 to 12 per cent reduced risk of dying compared to those who didn’t. They also found that having green space around your home has greater benefit than weekly trips to the park. What a good reason to add more bonsai to your collection or to enlarge your bonsai garden!

But don’t get carried away. Too many trees can be a problem. In Principles of Bonsai Design, by bonsai artist David De Groot, one chapter made a big impression on me. It was full of practical and inspired advice for anyone starting or maintaining a bonsai collection. David kindly agreed to update this chapter with BCI readers in mind, and the product is the lead article in this issue.

After I sent Carlos Morales the first draft of his article on the inaugural US National Shohin Bonsai Exhibition, we lost touch with him when Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria. A big thank you to Louise Lester, one of the event organizers, who helped finish the article. We were relieved when we eventually heard that Carlos was OK.

 Read More