I am completely fascinated by the Japanese Art of Bonsai- and when I wanted to include it in this episode of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom”- I was looking for someone that could help educate, enlighten and share their own personal passion about Bonsai. I always find that talking to someone whose interest- turned into hobby- and then turned into passion (or even obsession) … it’s fun- and it can help – because we learn by doing- and that includes making mistakes.
Dusty enjoyed his flower crown- it’s a fun “Life in Bloom” Traditions for our Guests!
My “other Mom” – Dorothy- always encouraged me to jump in- and make mistakes- and thus LEARN- because as long as we learn from our mistakes- they are truly “Never mistakes at all” … they are the process for learning.
I’ve demonstrated several times at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World in Orlando- and they ALWAYS have a tremendous collection that they put on display… and there is a local Bonsai chapter that hosts a booth in the Festival Center- and I can spend hours looking at the different Bonsai trees…
This simple Juniper Bonsai- is what you may see at at a grocer or nursery
I’ve always wanted to learn more … and I remembered that my Photographer Friend Dusty Brown- had several Bonsai trees and we had spoke about his trees and his hobby. Dusty and I worked together for many years – Dusty is an accomplished Photographer- and he worked at local studio that photographed Flowers and Flower Arrangements for the John Henry Company- where I worked as the Creative Flower Director on their book publications for years.
Dusty brought several different kinds of Bonsai Trees to Life in Bloom- and shared his favorite tips for making this hobby fun and exciting!
Learn more about Dusty and his photography – on his website- “Dusty Brown- your Life – your Style”
Since then- we both headed different ways- but our lives continued to intersect- and Dusty did Senior Pictures for my Niece Grace (you’ve seen her on the show)… which were amazing! So I gave Dusty a call- and he was happy to help out and share his expertise. I was so excited to have him come on the show- and he brought some his Bonsai Trees- and really got me inspired to start my own collection…
Dusty inspired me to get started on my own Bonsai collection- and I’m having fun and enjoying it… stay tuned!
You can see from my “collection” – that I’m still a beginner- but I’m started- and I’m making mistakes- and I’m learning – by doing- and that is how we become inspired and empowered. Thanks Dusty!
Dusty sent me some updates of a few of the plants he brought on the show- and also one that was unable to come along that day to the studio… I love how Dusty dove into the process in this segment- and how he wasn’t afraid to prune, trim or cut away at the trees- and also how he fully embraces the calming – Zen like process of Bonsai.
Dusty sent pictures of his Bonsai- enjoying the summer!
This is the Japanese Maple Dusty brought to Life in Bloom- enjoying the summer outside!
This is the Bonsai- that Dusty Trimmed on the Show- while sharing with us- how to prune your Bonsai!
You can watch Dusty and I in action- on “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom”- Episode 5 -Traditional Japanese Flower Art- at this link!
Dusty showed us how to prune and trim our Bonsai Trees for best results!
