Little Things for Bonsai People

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....

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'...

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...

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 hi...

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 brewe...

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...

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 fo...

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 h...

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 A...

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...

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-netwo...

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 practitione...

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 thank...

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, Under...

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-I...

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...

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. A...

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 episod...

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'D...

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....

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, Und...

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....

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 Bo...

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 Lo...