How To Make Bonsai On The Cheap 

I'm impressed by the fact that although you deal in high end bonsai , you make videos which absolute beginners can relate to.

"You have to be prepared to cut. If you are not prepared to cut your progress in bonsai will be very slow." I felt that.

All of the other bonsai videos I've watched said to use special soil and buy kits. I love that he goes at it with a pair of scissors and some wire and gets beautiful results.

I know this video is from 2 years ago but it's one I revisit often to remind me of just how truly simple and uncomplicated this Bonsai love we all share can be. Sometimes we tend to forget the why we started Bonsai to begin with. Me I got interested at an early age, my great Aunt from Sweden who met and married my Grandmother's Brother when he was stationed in Europe after WW2. They then returned home to the States and settled in California and lived next to a Chinese man who owned and ran a Nursery. Long story short we went out to visit them one summer, I was 14 and my Aunt took me to the Neighbors Nursery and it was the absolute most beautiful place I had ever seen on the inside. From outside it looked like a normal plant and flower nursery boy was I surprised. She introduced me to their Neighbor and he showed us around and his Bonsai Garden just grabbed me , the Art, the beauty, the patience, the knowledge, the vision it took to look at a little shrub looking ordinary juniper and to see it as a 50, 75, 100 year old Bonsai just floored me. That day he helped me create my very first Juniper Bonsai that I still have today and I was hooked. It went from a tiny little bit of artwork in a very plain clay rectangular bonsai pot you could hold easily in one hand to a 18" tall spread out twisted Tanuki Juniper Bonsai that I am very proud of. It was a 2 yr old bit of ground juniper when we made it into a bonsai 38 yrs ago so this next spring it will be 40 yrs old and growing strong. I won't let it get any taller but it's got a lot of time to spread out to get to where I will call it finished. For a long time that was the only living plant I owned and where I moved it went with me. Now my wife and I own and operate our own little family run logging company where we remove trees in the mountains that are needing thinned out to lessen the spread of fire or Mountain Pine Beatle that has devastated so much of our NATIONAL FOREST'S. We have built our own log home here in the Mountains and built an indoor/outdoor greenhouse kind of we call it our "outside in room" but it's really part of our home that's a year round sun room full of life and plants of all types. And we spend about 60% of our time in that part of the house. This is just one reason I return to this video about once a year just to remind me. Thanks Mr.Chan so very much.

This man is straight savage when exposing the roots compared to other videos I have watched. Just getting into bonsai, will definitely subscribe. Thank you for the educational video.

This man has me riveted. His language, his skill, the way he makes it seem so much easier than I would have thought. Love him❤️

This tutorial worked great for me. I've never done Bonsai, but within a week I acquired 7 plants. 4 I bought from the gardening center for less than 65€ total. I also dug up 3 nice maple plants from the wild. For wiring I used copper wire as described, which was also very cheap. For substrate I used different things I already had in the garden, where I also collected a little moss collection for decoration. These videos make starting Bonsai really simple, thank you!

hes goin at that tree like it owed him money

Peter, you're an absolute mad man. I literally screamed during the pine pruning. I could never do that. Love your videos!

Every plant, I was thinking "well no way that's going to end up looking like a bonsai". Some digging, a few cuts, and a bit of wire - every one of them did! Amazing :)

This channel has made me want to restart with bonsai. Thanks!

People who are afraid of pruning their plants should try growing tomatoes for a season or two. The regular indefinite vine kind and not dwarf or cherry. They can become unruly lucious monsters in a span of week or two. At first you're afraid to touch them but then they swallow you, your house and your whole neighbourhood and you only feel satisfied after you pruned 70% of the shoots and leaves. Ofc after a week you need to do it again. Great exercise.

I have one of your books from the 90s , i didnt realise i had watched your videos until i finally read the authors name and realised it was you , thanks for all your knowledge

Genius! Making the hobby less specialized and accessible. Thank you master

I've just started learning about bonsai and really want to start my own. It so nice to see that I can buy simple garden "bushes" and turn them into beautiful bonsai. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and passion for bonsai!

I have around 20 trees now, and every single one i have found in the mountain/forest. I live in Norway, so i am very lucky when it comes to yamadories because of all the mountains and the weather. Your videos is a great inspiration. :)

3 yrs ago I bought your book at a thrift store. I subscribed to your channel about a year ago and just recently discovered that you're the author of this book. I've learned so much from you and have finally bought my first Black pine this past May. Keep up the great videos :)

I should be doing my maths online school but Instead I’m bored and wanna make bonsai lol

OMG, the picture of you on that book is adorably nerdy! I love it!

This is like a masterclass 101 in Bonsai making in under 40 mins ! Thank you master !!

This distorted a lot of my perceptions of bonsai. I love that pine and I'm going to try something similar soon.

I have always thought of bonsai as an expensive hobby that require a lifetime daily commitment, but your videos taught us that it could be done on the cheap and lesser time spent with fine results. This made me think of those twenty years I have lost without trying to do bonsai while some materials of cypress and pines are available in my neighborhood.

met this gentleman years ago at the nursery down south back in the day..spoke to him about things in general nice person he never seems to grow old ..lol

Thank you so much, I’m going to start bonsai for all my family (5 kids 9 grandchildren)❤️

'in a twinkling of an eye' I adore this energy. thank you for creating :)

I have wanted to start bonsai for a long time and thought it would cost so much, but thanks to your video I can start without spending a huge amount on special bonsai tools. Thank you so much 🙏🏻😇

Master Chan, with out me knowing you and before I started watching your videos I too was doing the same thing! I would go to garden centers and ask neighbors for there old dying plants and I would revive them. I would dig them up in the field on service calls because I fix tractors 🚜 out here in Houston, Texas, USA... unbelievable how great minds think alike but after I saw your first video last year for first time I was hooked! Master Chan you are indeed the best and all time bonsai master in the universe, I too am an artist, a painter at that, but I have found a second canvas and they are well alive and how you say it, nothing is ever wasted. Thank you Master Chan for these amazing and wonderful videos, when I save enough money I will come visit you some day...

This was probably one of the best videos Sir Peter has done. It speaks to those of us who are beginners and couldn't attend a class due to being so far away. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Watching the trees emerge was delightful! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.

This was absolutely fascinating to watch. You had me totally engaged every step of the way. I really enjoy these longer format videos, especially as you express your thoughts and reasoning for certain decisions as they are made. This method helps me determine the questions I should be asking myself as I work on bonsai. I look forward to many more of these videos.

Oh yeh, I am about cheap. Good to know I am not abnormal. Just loved your comment “think about it and make a decision” - this is so true on so many levels. You should have been involved in Brexit discussions. Thks again for producing a very nice video. I have told all my son's friends to start watching your channel and to stop annoying me with questions. You have a polite way of saying it so succinctly. Please keep them coming. Kind regards Craig

I love the fact that you do these videos to get beginners involved in the art. Most professionals just do videos on giant expensive trees. Keep up the good work Peter Chan!

This channel is where i come to relax, Even if i don't have any from of interest in Bonsai i still think they are beautiful too look at. And i enjoy watching how these plants are turned into something beautiful.

I hope I'm as successful in my plant business and still as humble as you one day.

Thank you Peter. You made it possible for me to start simple bonsai at an affordable price. Not scared to hack away at cheap box store plants to enjoy.

In the USA we can get end of season nursery stock that is abused or damaged very cheaply. Your video restoring the dried out tree comes to mind

I appreciate your teachings! This is really amazing!! It’s hard to find bonsai locally but we can find these plants easily and it’s fun to create your own little pieces of work. Just hope I have the same success as you. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your love of the art of bonsai. My affections and respect for you is cemented in your matter of fact genuine sharing of your knowledge for everyone and you have zero pretense in your attitude. Thank you 😊 I’ve learned more than bonsai art from you 💚💚

I mean no disrespect. I hold you in high regard Mr Chan. I understand as a businessman you’re in the business of selling bonsai. If I were so fortunate. My only complaint is the hurry with which you are working. Of course I was in a big hurry to make a bonsai when I first started bonsai but as I became immersed in bonsai care I no longer needed a masterpiece right away. Maybe your hurried example is the only way to reach an instant audience but we both agree bonsai is a pass time where the time passes as you spend time in natural wonderments with your trees. I hope you too can still enjoy bonsai after these many years in business.

Last summer, this must've been the third, or the fourth video I watched from this channel. Since then, it seems I've been pillaging the landscape and chopping on every plant in sight...lol! Thank you, Peter, for this great new obsession of mine.

Much respect and appreciation for your camera crew!

I have been wanting to learn the art of bonsai for quite some time now and thought I wouldn't be able to afford the tools, supplies, etc. necessary to start. This video has given me some hope and encouragement that with the ordinary tools I have now and my passion for plants, I'll give it a shot and see if I am successful. Thank you for your videos.

I think now I have found a new life long hobby in Bonsai. Liked & shared.

Finally ! A no horseshit guide! I love this!

Lovely to meet you today Peter, Herons is truly an inspirational experience - Cheers, Simon.

Do more of these, it is really nice and helpful to watch you go through the process like this! thanks you

10 MInutes and there is a pretty little Bonsai. That is Art!

This man is a special gift to humanity! May the creator bless him always.

This was so helpful thank you so much, I always thought bonsai was a rich person hobby after looking at some of the prices haha.

Great to see the master at work again Peter you are a genius and a inspiration to my self and I guess many others .thank you ..

Your videos about how to make simple, basic bonsai are world-class, Peter!

"You got to prepare to cut, I know sometime you have to think about it, and then make a decision. ", very meaningful word not only apply to Bonsai, but also to real life. Make a decision, you either gain valuable experience, or a valuable lesson.

"You may cringe and say ooo and aah" Oh we're ooing and aahing alright, but it's because we are impressed!

I can't wait to start to make one of my own! This channel has inspired me tremendously! Thank you so much! Love and respect from New Zealand.

MY FRIEND, MANY THANKS TO YOU FOR INTRODUCING ME TO BONSAI. I AM 66 AND RECOVERING FROM DROPPING DEAD SEPT 25TH 2021, AND NEEDED SOMETHING TO EASE MY STRESS. BONSAI HAS HELPED ME RECOVER VERY QUICKLY SUPRISING MY DOCTOR . I AM NOW CREATING MANY NEW BONSAI'S . I HOPE THIS LETTER FINDS YOU IN GOOD HEALTH ,THANK YOU AGAIN . SINCERELY RICHARD TOWLE PORTLAND, MAINE 04101 USA.

I found a signed, 2nd hand copy of that very book a few years ago. It's what started me on my own wonderful and inexpensive bonsai journey. It's also one of my prized possessions!😁

Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! You encouraged me to go out and try some of this myself.

I did this. It turned out beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration

You can tell he genuinely loves this he can’t resist to make them into bonsai

I'm a 26yr "beginner." The branch selection is still my biggest issue that I battle with especially with larger trees. I wish I lived there so I could attend your workshops. You are a very good teacher thank you!

Awesome video, Mr. Chan. Thank you for your wonderful explanations of the essence of bonsai making.

I'm going to look for the book. Sounds great.

Having taken early retirement I have just started to look into growing my own Bonsai and am so so impressed by your videos, which demystify the otherwise apparently complex world of Bonsai. Thank you so much for doing them; they really give an amateur such as myself a degree of confidence and enjoyment !

Peter Chan thank you sir, for showing me this art form can be accomplished by every day people like myself.

Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. It is perfect for a beginner like myself. I have learned so much. Peace and love x

"you have to be prepared to cut"......I would end up potting up all the cuttings, trying to let them root.....can't throw away anything :)

Loved this second Bonsai presentation with this cypress. I liked the finding of the trunk and branches and then jumping into the wiring aspect of the branches, along with the one wire for two branches philosophy. Very nice. Thus far, I haven't used wire to create my outdoor Bonsai.

i do believe i'm going to pick up those plants on my way home from work today and have a go at it! thank you!

this is a great video for the every day gardener thanks!

I've got two chestnuts I've had for 25 years, it's such an enjoyable hobby.

You’re literally the Bob Ross of bonsai. I love your content, great work!

I found your channel last week because I received a bonsai at Christmas and it badly needed a trimming....now, after watching this tutorial I want to go out,search for plants have a go at making some myself......and my original little tree is now nicely trimmed too....thank you !

Very articulate, easy to follow, a wise bonsai master.

A great master. I will follow his intructions and see if I can get his book.

This is a very good opening. You discuss your beginnings and how you started. That always presents very well from anyone meeting you for the first time. Bravo. Then you continue. Junipers such as ground cover are mentioned. Another revelation for me: you discuss using a good pair of ordinary pruning shears that appear to be of the by-pass variety as the sharp blades to not meet one another but one sharp blade passes by the support on the shear. Another strong point of this presentation. Thus far, I'm using only pruning shears of this type. However, I'm working on Olives that grew from plantings on my property that my wife decided she wanted or that was part of a landscape put in by a pro landscaper when some cement path and wall work was completed. My Bonsai Olive trees appear to be somewhat different than other Bonsai that I've seen on the net. AF

I've been doing Bonsai since 1975. I have all your old books that gave me a start. Thank you, Peter.

Really excited to give my first Bonsai a go, Thankyou so much.

you are great teacher .....thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience

I first tried bonsai more than 50 years ago, it was a failure. Then my wife gave me a beautiful bonsai about 10 years ago. Now I am going to try again. I already bought a few plants from a local nursery in Portugal.

You’re brilliant and I love you. I have to keep pausing the video out of excitement! I appreciate you for making these videos. I can’t wait to start! You’re my new favourite person

the master of bonsai you make it look so easy many thanks sir

This is the best video i about starting with mew bonsaithat i have ever seen. Thank you for your detailed examples on hoe to make nice bonsai from simple plants.

I’ve never had any ad on the channel! I’ve literally binge watched all lot of your videos during the past few days and for once if wish I could give back for what you teach us

Awesome as always! Unlike the other bonsai folks on RU-vid you explain what were and how Your truly a remarkable man thank you for your time with us all

hello Peter you make Bonsai-making very easy n inspiring

You are a gift to me. Thank you.

Love the root cake cutting. Another great idea you’ve given. Ty

Thank you so much for the lovely videos! You make me less afraid to try my own bonsai.

6:40 That is a beautiful sounding snip coming from those scissors.

Thanks again Peter, another great video and your production quality and pace are always great, others that stop and talk get boring very fast, your videos are always a pleasure and always learn something new.

Thank you Peter, my favorite tree was the rhododendron. Going to the nursery to get one. Thanks for another great video.

" The Bonsai Whisperer" Wonderful !!

Eres todo un maestro un saludo desde España

You are a great teacher. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us.

This is my new happy pill videos...I like watching the master turning plants into bonsai! kudos!

As always, the love comes through so much! You're so good at your job but more importantly teach us peeps about saving the earth too! I love you!!

Your videos are very helpful. Thank you so much.

I love your analogy to cake slicing for reducing root system. You look like the trees are treated quite rough but it must work. Love your work. Just subscribed.

as usual this was a great video to watch Thank you Peter you are a great bonsai master

LOL..what a Wonderful video!...i do hope your book is for sale on Amazon, i simply must have it!......my father got me interested in growing things..we lived in the mountains & he was always stopping to dig up roadside plants & wild flowers before the highway people mowed them down...we had lovely gardens, for absolutely Free..eventually we ran out of room so he shared many of his rescues with others who loved them.......i grew up virtually in the forest which was just at the edge of our rather huge lawns....and i found many young trees, some were with large root bases because the deer continuously ate them down...they made Beautiful Bonsai in my gardens...i had no idea what i was doing i just did what came natural, dad said i was making Bonsai...he was so proud of my gardens, he tried to find me some "proper pots" but never could...i am reminded of this because i too used wire to make branches go where i wished..and in recent years..people are shocked to see this & tell me "No, you have to cut them! They will not grow right"..But.. here...i see you do the very same thing i did..and feel redeemed! Thank You!