The Black Pondo Podcast

In this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast, I sit down with Sean Smith, an exceptionally talented craftsman whose work in bonsai display stands, root stands, and suiseki daiza carving is among the best in the field. Sean shares insights gained from years of studying a wide range of bonsai-related disciplines in Japan under some of the country’s most respected professionals. We get into his approach to craftsmanship, the process and considerations behind making bonsai stands and root stands, and the art of carving daiza. We also spend time discussing tokonoma display, exploring the thought and knowledge that go into creating thoughtful and compelling displays. In more recent years, Sean has taken on another incredible project: building his own bonsai studio. I was particularly impressed by the tokonoma he incorporated into the space, and we talk through the entire process, from bringing in Amish craftsmen to construct the exterior to Sean’s own work designing and building the interior. It’s a fun, engaging conversation filled with craftsmanship, experience, and plenty of insight into some of the finer details of bonsai and its related arts. I really enjoyed this one, and I think there’s a lot here for anyone interested in bonsai display, woodworking, and the artistry behind it all. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and the root stand origin story(00:03:24) - Root stands in Japan vs. imports from Southeast Asia(00:04:36) - Dwindling Japanese craftsmen and bonsai club statistics(00:08:58) - Overview of topics and root stand making process(00:12:31) - Creativity in root stands vs. traditional tables(00:14:58) - Finding and making large root stands(00:18:08) - Childhood, father's influence, and discovering bonsai in Berlin(00:23:23) - Learning bonsai and meeting Jim Doyle(00:25:12) - First bonsai tables and selling through Jim Doyle(00:31:57) - Meeting Bill Valvanis and starting the table business(00:35:57) - Going part-time and building the table-making career(00:41:03) - Workshops, teaching, and the joy of root stand carving(00:48:05) - Favorite woods and carving hardwood vs softwood(00:55:43) - History of Japanese bonsai tables and craftsmanship(01:02:30) - Famous table makers and value of antique tables(01:06:03) - Matching stand color and style to trees and seasons(01:11:29) - Philosophy of tokonoma display and common sense(01:14:54) - Wabi-sabi, wear, and the hierarchy of tree, pot, table(01:25:03) - Experience, exposure, and the reality of Japanese bonsai quality(01:29:27) - Studying under Mori Mai and the Kato study group(01:43:39) - Mr. Negishi and the meaning behind suiseki stones(01:48:01) - Learning daiza carving from Kuji Suzuki(01:54:05) - What separates quality daiza craftsmanship(02:01:17) - Teaching an apprentice and running workshops(02:04:38) - Building the bonsai studio and tokonoma space(02:10:13) - Touring the studio and closing thoughts

In this episode, I sit down with the two founders of Bonsaigers to hear their stories, learn about their backgrounds, and discover how they built the successful Bonsaigers company and virtual bonsai exhibition. We focus on Bonsaigers X 2026, an innovative online bonsai competition that continues to grow year after year, bringing together bonsai enthusiasts from around the world. Participants submit photos of their trees and compete in a bracket-style tournament, with trees eliminated round by round until a champion is crowned. With some really cool prizes up for grabs, this unique format makes bonsai competition fun, accessible, and engaging for the global bonsai community. It was awesome hearing how the founders' vision has grown into such a successful event and learning more about the people behind it! Learn more at Bonsaigers.com, and check out the Bonsaigers X 2026 competition using the link below! Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and greetings(00:01:55) - What is Bonsaigers and the origin of the name(00:04:16) - How the founders met(00:06:21) - Starting Bonsaigers during COVID(00:09:54) - Building the Instagram community and inspiration(00:13:15) - Deeper meaning: bonsai and connecting with nature(00:15:16) - Products, services, courses and team building(00:20:01) - Shoutout to designs and early merch success(00:21:58) - DJing side passion(00:25:47) - Future vision for Bonsaigers(00:28:44) - Climate awareness and bonsai's role(00:30:40) - Orticolario fair experience and hands-on courses(00:34:19) - Engaging new generations into bonsai(00:37:32) - Tradsman inspiration and Japan comparisons(00:40:21) - Bonsai heritage project for artists' collections(00:46:49) - Switching to the Bonsaiger X competition(00:47:00) - What the virtual exhibition is about(00:52:49) - Breaking traditional exhibition norms(00:55:58) - Submission dates and bracket tournament format(00:59:15) - Judging system and community voting(01:00:48) - New best in show weekly categories(01:03:24) - Importance of participation and education(01:10:35) - Photo rules and authenticity concerns(01:14:58) - Selecting this year's judges(01:17:51) - Idea for judge commentary on trees(01:21:14) - Prizes and trophy reveal(01:24:03) - Idea of a future champions showdown(01:25:08) - Community, positivity and growing bonsai culture(01:27:02) - Final call to submit trees(01:29:53) - Closing thoughts and thanks

In this episode, Jeremiah Lee sits down with Sergio of M5 Bonsai Works for a wide-ranging conversation about bonsai, art, garden design, and the journey of becoming a serious practitioner. Sergio shares how his early fascination with plants eventually developed into a lifelong practice, how he taught himself bonsai through books, magazines, online resources, and working alongside other American bonsai artists, and how his background in art continues to influence his approach. They dive into Sergio’s personal style, designing and building his bonsai garden, creating a dedicated studio, managing light and shade, working with local stone, rock plantings, root grafting, and selecting Japanese maple cultivars that are well suited for bonsai. The conversation also explores the challenges and failures that come with experimentation, the difference between being a plant collector and a bonsai practitioner, developing trees for the long term, and knowing when it’s time to let a tree go. Jeremiah and Sergio also discuss the future of American bonsai, the importance of regional shows, display standards, workshops, and Sergio’s involvement with Bonsai Central. A thoughtful conversation about craft, creativity, horticulture, and what it takes to keep pushing bonsai forward in the U.S. ️ Featuring Sergio of M5 Bonsai Works Bonsai • Garden Design • Rock Plantings • Root Grafting • Japanese Maples • American Bonsai Chapters (00:00:00) - Bonsai Central Expo Sponsor Intro(00:02:06) - Meeting Sergio and Talk of National Shows(00:04:47) - Sergio's Early Life and Discovery of Bonsai(00:08:51) - Learning Bonsai the Hard Way and First Real Tree(00:10:48) - Becoming a Serious Bonsai Practitioner(00:14:56) - Self-Teaching Through YouTube and Modern Resources(00:17:51) - Japan Apprenticeship vs Learning in the US(00:20:43) - Going Full-Time and the Meaning Behind M5 Bonsai(00:23:53) - Describing His Bonsai Style(00:26:37) - 2026 Business Growth and Type of Work Taken On(00:31:05) - Building His New Bonsai Studio(00:34:18) - Designing His Bonsai Display Garden(00:38:50) - Sourcing Materials and Garden Design Philosophy(00:45:27) - Technical Tips for Building a Bonsai Garden(00:52:34) - Shade Cloth System and Garden Tinkering(00:56:03) - Long-Term Bonsai Goals and Collection Philosophy(00:59:16) - The Story of the Sentinel Cork Bark Elm(01:03:07) - Selling the Sentinel to Longwood Gardens(01:12:56) - Reflections on Losing the Sentinel Tree(01:15:56) - Approach to Rock Plantings and Stone Selection(01:21:56) - Specific Rock Planting Compositions and Collaborations(01:28:15) - Philosophy on Stone-Tree Composition Sustainability(01:32:27) - Multi-Species Plantings and Watering Challenges(01:35:05) - Root Grafting Techniques and Success Rates(01:39:05) - Choosing the Right Japanese Maple Cultivars(01:46:26) - Bonsai Central Lineup and Regional Shows' Importance(01:52:28) - Workshop Material and Bonsai Central Details(01:55:39) - Raising the Bar for American Bonsai vs Europe(02:00:48) - Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a professional bonsai artist—and what that client/professional relationship actually looks like? For Episode 46 of The Black Pondo Podcast, I sat down with bonsai professional Julian Tsai his client, Geoff Martin, a high-level bonsai collector and enthusiast from Southern California. We talked about the benefits of working with a professional, things to consider, favorite trees in our collections, and plenty more. An interesting conversation about bonsai, collecting, and the relationships that help us grow as artists and enthusiasts.  Episode 46 — now available!  Julian Tsai- Instagram: bontsai_ Geoff Martin- Instagram: geoff_martin_ Chapters (00:00:00) - To Baby Trees(00:01:04) - Teaching Bonsai to the Professional(00:02:55) - Julian and his fiancee talk trees(00:05:46) - Julian's Bonsai Collection(00:11:30) - Bonsai and the saltwater aquarium hobby(00:12:26) - Bonsai Is For Real(00:14:32) - Jeff Stern and Julian Bonsai(00:17:03) - What are your goals in bonsai?(00:19:28) - A message from Julian Bonsai(00:21:38) - Julian Oakley's role in Southern California bonsai(00:22:24) - Bonsai Clubs(00:32:01) - Julian's Bonsai Club(00:40:34) - The Working Relationship of Julian Bonsai(00:49:54) - Julian and the(00:54:26) - Jeff and Julian's Tree Selection(01:02:04) - Julian's 2019 PBE(01:08:27) - My Top 3 Trees(01:11:38) - How to fulfill a bonsai client professional relationship(01:19:04) - The Best Trees For Your Property(01:22:00) - How To Rank Your Bonsai Trees(01:27:34) - The 3 Best Trees in Your Collection(01:29:43) - Do Chinese Quinces Bonsai Well?(01:34:23) - How to grow a deciduous bonsai tree(01:42:33) - How to grow a Bonsai with clean water(01:51:45) - How to Prevent Juvenile Growth(01:58:49) - How to Supplement Your Trees(02:09:44) - The garden as a guinea pig(02:11:36) - How to care for juniper trees--(02:20:29) - Jeff's rocky mountain juniper(02:21:49) - Rocky Mountain Juniper Grow in Southern California(02:25:47) - John Naka Memorial Bonsai Exhibit(02:30:13) - Jefferey At The Trees 2016(02:31:55) - Interviewing Julian and Jeff(02:32:47) - I'm Not 100% Honest With Clients

After a quick bathroom break, Jeremiah and Peter return to a deep-dive Q&A that shifts from practical bonsai technique into the bigger picture of the craft. Peter answers listener questions on ramification, branch structure, cut paste, and grafting, while also sharing his broader philosophy on patience, refinement, and the long game of developing trees. A major focus of the conversation is apprenticeship: Peter compares the apprenticeship model in the United States and Japan, reflects on the value of learning from skilled professionals, and talks candidly about his own apprentice Travis. He also shares that he is open to taking on a second apprentice, making this second half both highly educational and especially relevant for anyone serious about bonsai as a craft or career. Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo: Auburn Water(00:00:45) - Your Bathroom Is The Best Bathroom In The World(00:02:40) - QUESTIONS FOR THE ACTIVITY(00:03:05) - US Bonsai Apprenticeships vs Japanese ones(00:07:34) - Would You Take Another Apprentice?(00:12:03) - Looking for a Bonsai apprenticeship(00:15:17) - How to Up Your Bonsai Game Most efficiently(00:20:19) - Bonsai Teacher Peter Sink on His Hobbies(00:22:44) - Should Age Be Included on the Rubric for Bonsai?(00:30:47) - What is the marker of age in bonsai?(00:34:10) - Peter Bonsai's(00:35:01) - What's the most satisfying thing you've done in life?(00:38:56) - Do Japanese Bonsai Pros Get Criticism in the US?(00:44:35) - American football fan on Japanese culture(00:48:52) - Inventing Bonsai: A Personal Style(00:54:20) - Zen and Japanese bonsai(00:59:16) - Bonsai: Worst Advice Ever Heard(01:01:42) - Cut Paste vs. Bonsai Healing Wounds(01:05:57) - How to Heal a Wound(01:08:44) - What's the Worst Advice You've Ever Heard?(01:12:41) - What is a technique that you use in your bonsai?(01:15:24) - Thread graft, approach graft, and scion graft(01:21:35) - Grafting Scion graphs(01:26:08) - Thread Gardening: Approach Graph and Thread Graph(01:30:35) - Do you defoliate the whole tree for a thread graph?(01:35:15) - Q&A With(01:35:27) - Peter the Pie Maker

Episode #44 & upcoming #45 is a two-part conversation with Peter Tea of PTBonsai.com. In Part 1, we dig into one of the biggest challenges in deciduous bonsai: building fine ramification when internode length isn't cooperating, with a particular focus on Japanese maples. Peter shares the techniques, thought process, and long-term strategies that have helped him become one of the country's most accomplished deciduous bonsai artists. We recorded this one over a pour of scotch and a slice of what we both agreed might be the nation's best pie, so the conversation is relaxed, wide-ranging, and full of practical takeaways. In Part 2, Peter returns to answer listener-submitted questions in a dedicated Q&A. Chapters (00:00:00) - Whiskey for Kids: Shield Egg(00:01:30) - The Best Pie in the Country(00:04:38) - Pecan Pie With Whiskey(00:07:49) - Peter Barton on Starting a Bonsai Business(00:10:49) - Oh yeah, Japan(00:11:10) - Insecticide and fungicides(00:16:15) - Bonsai instructor talks about life(00:17:07) - How do I get more branches on my bonsai tree?(00:21:34) - 6 Different Pillars of Bonsai Craft(00:27:07) - How to shade your yard with a 50% cloth(00:28:00) - How to grow a Japanese maemon(00:31:19) - How to get Japanese maples shorter(00:32:31) - Cutting a Japanese Maple(00:36:14) - How to Get Your Maple Shorter(00:41:44) - How to Pinching a tree during spring growth(00:44:59) - What are sacrifice branches in Japanese maples?(00:49:51) - Bonsai: Cutting Branches to Slow the Tree(00:54:04) - Have Too Many Branches For Bonsai?(01:00:40) - How do you get more ramification or short internals in your(01:04:20) - How to Get Out of Your Own Way(01:07:53) - Do Conifers Need More Branches? vs Deciduous(01:14:00) - How to fix a deciduous tree branch(01:14:51) - Japanese Maples vs Black Pine(01:20:44) - Learning Bonsai Through Reading(01:23:02) - Ramon on Ramification(01:23:17) - People Try Their Pie

This episode is a little different from our usual bonsai conversations—but I think many of the ideas we explore will resonate far beyond bonsai. I sat down with Avram Dalton, an American garden craftsman who studied the Japanese language and spent years training in Japan. Today, he designs and builds authentic Japanese gardens throughout the United States. Based in the San Diego area, Avram has devoted his career to understanding the principles, aesthetics, and philosophy behind the Japanese approach to craftsmanship. Our conversation goes far beyond trees and stone. We discuss Avram’s approach to designing Japanese gardens, how the principles of Japanese landscape design translate from Japan to projects throughout the United States, and what distinguishes truly exceptional Japanese gardens. Along the way, we explore concepts like shokunin and several other uniquely Japanese ideas surrounding craftsmanship, beauty, discipline, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence. Whether your passion is bonsai, woodworking, gardening, martial arts, or any other craft, I think you’ll find something meaningful in this conversation. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the Japanese way of thinking about craftsmanship, and I think you will too. Instagram: @daltonlandscape Website: daltonlandscape.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo on Chatting With Seth Nelson(00:04:08) - Phil Dalton on Starting a Landscape Company(00:10:37) - San Diego Mayor on His Home Town(00:11:37) - Bonsai Artist on His Career(00:12:56) - Japanese bonsai apprenticeship(00:24:07) - How to Become a Buddhist Temple Apprentice(00:26:38) - Multiple Specialties in Japanese Gardens(00:28:47) - Do Japanese Gardeners Plan Their Projects?(00:38:07) - How To Build a Japanese Garden in America(00:42:55) - David Suzuki's work(00:49:04) - Bonsai Apprenticeships in Japan(00:55:16) - Ex-Japanese workers speak fluent Japanese(01:00:01) - How Japanese Garden Builders came to San Diego(01:08:22) - Do Japanese People Talk About Landscape Gardening?(01:14:15) - A Taste of the Quiz(01:14:43) - Japanese Landscaping(01:24:03) - What is a tea garden?(01:32:57) - Tea gardens: A mountain life within the city(01:36:50) - When You Design a Japanese Garden,(01:38:50) - Oak and Manzanita in California(01:44:06) - Japan's plant selection(01:46:49) - Taste Japanese Traditional Arts and Crafts(01:50:38) - Using American tools in the excavations(01:52:43) - Importing Japanese stones for your garden(01:58:44) - Bonsai in the Garden(02:02:11) - I Would Love to Consult with You on My Japanese Garden(02:06:56) - Workouts on the Bay(02:07:44) - Talks of Shuhari and Zen(02:12:32) - Experiencing Japanese Culture(02:17:55) - A Shokunin(02:26:26) - In the Elevator With a Master(02:27:29) - The Importance of Japan(02:38:27) - Talking to People With Metadata(02:38:57) - A Talk About Talking(02:39:31) - Philip Glass on Working with Dalton Landscape(02:42:23) - A message from the Divine(02:43:42) - Do You Think You're an Introvert or an Extrovert(02:50:10) - Amino On Japanese Gardening(02:52:24) - Honoring Hiro Aki eto

Episode 42 of the Black Pondo Podcast features a deep and engaging conversation with bonsai professional Peter Tea. Following his recent trip to Japan, Peter shares his experience attending the historic Koku Fu 100 exhibition and visiting the renowned Aichi-en nursery. From there, the discussion dives into the technical side of bonsai design, with a detailed exploration of apex creation and how the apex influences the structure and development of an entire tree. The conversation also explores Peter’s growing study of Japanese aesthetics and why he personally feels it’s an important area of study for his own artistic development and understanding of bonsai. Along the way, we discuss oak bonsai, artistic philosophy, tree design, and much more. Whether you’re interested in advanced bonsai techniques or the broader artistic ideas behind the craft, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. You can find out more about Peter Tea at PTbonsai.com or on IG @peterteabonsai. 

I sat down with Todd Schlafer of First Branch Bonsai at his studio and home in Lakewood, Colorado, for a conversation that explores both the technical and philosophical sides of bonsai in America. We discussed the influence of Jerry Morris and his contributions to dwarf conifers, along with how natural forces—like rock fissures, elevation, and microclimates—shape the growth of compact, character-rich trees in the wild. Todd also shared insights from collecting and propagating native and rare species across the U.S., emphasizing both practical techniques and responsible practices. The conversation touched on strategies for building and maintaining bonsai in severe climates, as well as the importance of legacy planning—ensuring collections are preserved and passed on thoughtfully. Todd reflected on his own career through stories of apprenticeships and collaborations, offering a glimpse into the path of a professional grower. We also explored how bonsai aesthetics continue to evolve, requiring deeper levels of appreciation as trees mature, and the vital role that community, competition, and ongoing learning play in advancing American bonsai. You can find more about Todd: Instagram: todd_schlafer_bonsai www.firstbranchbonsai.com  Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo Podcast: Your New Garden(00:02:46) - Spruce and birch in Montana(00:04:44) - Exploring a microclimate in the woods(00:08:47) - Some locals use native plants as accent plants(00:09:21) - Colorado Bonsai Background(00:12:04) - Bonsai instructor on going into the mountains(00:12:52) - Bands in the 90's(00:16:42) - Bob Dylan on Bonsai(00:17:45) - When Did You Start Studying With Ryan?(00:18:20) - How Is Your Time Divided Up?(00:19:57) - Bonsai Professional travel the world(00:24:51) - Francesco's Apprentice Tree(00:28:04) - Bonsai Garden Plans(00:32:44) - Isaiah Akigitsuni Bonsai(00:34:01) - Imagine a $200,000 greenhouse for your garden(00:38:02) - American Bonsai Champion Ryan Smith on Colorado's climate(00:41:26) - The Harder the Trees(00:45:52) - Do You Need a Dingo to Move Trees?(00:49:30) - How to Build a Dingo Stand(00:50:10) - Jerry Morris(00:55:45) - Bob Hoskins in the documentary(00:57:23) - Dwarf Conifers For Bonsai(01:01:49) - Tree collections in the Ponderosa Mountains(01:05:42) - The First Branch Bonsai(01:06:58) - Are There Any Other Environments That Dwarf Trees?(01:12:37) - Bonsai instructor talks about selling trees(01:16:22) - Jerry Morris Tree for Sale(01:18:59) - Bonsai Producers Talk About Legacy Trees

I recently sat down with the incredibly talented bonsai stand and furniture maker Austin Heitzman for a conversation that I’ve been looking forward to for a while. We got into some of the exciting projects he has in the works, explored his approach to crafting those signature bonsai stands, and talked through his perspective on pairing stands with trees in a way that really elevates the composition. I also brought in a few listener questions, which led to some great insights. It’s a conversation I genuinely enjoyed, and I think you will too. Chapters (00:00:00) - How To Dry Wood(00:04:41) - Does the thickness of a board affect its stability?(00:11:10) - How To Get A Hernia Fixed(00:18:52) - Bonsai Stand for Frank Lloyd Wright House(00:22:44) - Frank Lloyd Wright Made a Mahogany Planter(00:25:51) - Walnut and Manzanita Stand(00:29:10) - Have Your Tree Been Accepted Into the PBE?(00:30:54) - The PBE National(00:34:23) - How To Design a Bonsai Stand(00:41:34) - A Woodworker's Paint(00:42:53) - Green Felt Table Coverings(00:45:44) - How To Store Bonsai Stands(00:52:00) - Woodworker's Secret Lives(00:53:05) - Bonsai Wood Fits Well(01:01:14) - Blending OSMO and Osmo Wax(01:03:41) - ASMR: First Coat(01:06:52) - What is Joinery in Bonsai?(01:10:38) - What is a Miter Joint?(01:18:24) - Do you ever bounce ideas off of other Bonsai Stand M(01:24:41) - Tell the Bonsai Stand Story(01:29:20) - Bonsai: Less Liberal Than Some Other Arts(01:31:45) - Pacific Bonsai Entrance(01:35:27) - Frank Lord Reich on Root Stands(01:43:52) - The Secret to Trees(01:44:19) - There is one American who makes root stands(01:46:00) - Would You Take An Apprenticeship?(01:48:48) - Woodshop instructor private lessons and advanced classes(01:53:43) - Tree Stand(01:57:52) - Wood Stand(02:02:19) - Bonsai Artist's Top 10(02:07:33) - Ranking Bonsai Trees(02:10:29) - Tony Bonsai On His Surgery