To Be A Bonsai

To Be A Bonsai

Share

Teaching the art of Bonsai, one branch at a time🌿
Workshops | 1-on-1s | Trees for sale
Helping you grow your Bonsai journey.

YouTube CHANNEL:
https://youtube.com/@tobeabonsai?si=g7xan7kz3rRHH6XS

Randpark Ridge (By appointment only) 🌿

14/06/2026

What do YOU think separates a good bonsai artist from a great one?

Is it technical skill? Patience? Creativity? Experience? Or something else entirely?

I would love to hear your thoughts 🌿

👇 Drop your answer in the comments:
What separates a good bonsai artist from a great one?

Then head over to YouTube to watch the full conversation with Branden , where we dive into his bonsai journey, lessons learned over the years, favourite species and much more.

🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube- link in bio.




Conversation with Branden Nixon | Bonsai Grower & Enthusiast 13/06/2026

In this video, I sit down with fellow bonsai enthusiast and grower Branden Nixon to talk about his bonsai journey, what first drew him to the art, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the passion that keeps him growing and developing trees.

We discuss everything from getting started in bonsai to the challenges, rewards, and experiences that make this hobby so addictive.

https://youtu.be/oxKR5h-kYjE?si=Fiy5IRvKvFGE83mD

Conversation with Branden Nixon | Bonsai Grower & Enthusiast In this video, I sit down with fellow bonsai enthusiast and grower ...

03/06/2026

🌳✂️ A little maintenance session on my Cotoneaster Bonsai.

The long extensions have done their job, so it's time to trim them back and bring the tree back to its silhouette. I generally like to let the shoots grow out before cutting them back, as this helps build strength and improve ramification over time.

Most of the growth is trimmed back to the first two sets of leaves to keep the tree compact and continue developing the finer branching.

The full-length video is now on YouTube if you would like to see the entire process and hear my thoughts behind the pruning 🌿 Link in the BIO!

Have you worked on a Cotoneaster before? Let me know in the comments! 👇




How to Prune a Cotoneaster Bonsai Forest (Step-by-Step) 30/05/2026

In this video, I’m trimming and maintaining my grouping landscape- showing you exactly how I control growth, build density, and keep the whole composition balanced without losing that wild, natural feel.

If your Bonsai is getting messy or losing shape, this is the kind of maintenance that makes all the difference.

https://youtu.be/lEaoCYvZS5Q?si=_5ule5K9TECKYksy

How to Prune a Cotoneaster Bonsai Forest (Step-by-Step) This is how I keep my Cotoneaster Bonsai forest looking clean, natural, and full of life. 🌿In this video, I’m trimming and maintaining my grouping landscape...

27/05/2026

Just a small glimpse of what landed in South Africa.

The full journey, unpacking, and a closer look at the trees is on YouTube 🎥

Trust me… you will want to see the full video.

Link in the BIO 🌿




17/05/2026

The journey of getting the Japanese import crate off the bakkie 😅🇯🇵🌲

Definitely not as easy as we thought it would be… but seeing the trees for the first time made it all worth it. They look absolutely incredible 🤯

If you want to see what’s inside the crate and the full unboxing, you will have to watch the full video on YouTube 👀🎥

Link in bio 🙏




This Bonsai Shipment from Japan Blew My Mind 16/05/2026

What’s inside this crate from Japan…? 🇯🇵🌿

In this video, I’m joined by Richard Wright as we unbox a shipment of imported Bonsai trees straight from Japan. This is one of the most exciting moments for any Bonsai enthusiast- seeing these trees for the very first time, fresh from their origin.

From the careful packaging to the first reveal of each tree, we take our time unpacking, inspecting, and appreciating the craftsmanship and history behind these incredible Bonsai.

Every tree has a story, and you will get a close-up look at the quality, structure, and potential of authentic Japanese Bonsai.

If you have ever wondered what imported Bonsai look, or what makes Japanese trees so special, this is a video you don’t want to miss.

https://youtu.be/AgIj9NdPnZ4?si=WWv_l_K4YfHaTq8i

This Bonsai Shipment from Japan Blew My Mind What’s inside this crate from Japan…?In this video, I go on a journey with Richard Wright as we unbox a shipment of imported Bonsai trees straight from Japan...

12/05/2026

The early stages are where great Bonsai are made 🌿

Small decisions now make a massive difference later on.

If you want to see the full process, the full YouTube video is live now 🙏🎥




To Be A Bonsai 02/05/2026

Learn how to create movement in a young juniper Bonsai- one of the most important techniques for developing a powerful and natural-looking tree.

In this video, I show you how to wire and bend a young juniper trunk while it’s still flexible. Starting early allows you to shape the structure of your Bonsai with ease, setting the foundation for future growth and ramification.

If you wait too long, the trunk hardens and becomes much more difficult to bend- so timing is critical.
This is a must-know technique for beginners and anyone looking to improve their Bonsai styling skills.



To Be A Bonsai 1 comment. "The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make With Juniper Bonsai (And How to Fix It)"

29/04/2026

Look a bit closer at a bougainvillea 🌿

The colour you see… isn’t the flower
Those are bracts
The real flowers are small, right in the center.

Easy to overlook, but that’s the interesting part 🌸




Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Johannesburg?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Telephone

Address


Volstruis Crescent, Randpark Ridge
Johannesburg

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 15:00