A Bonsai Side Quest

This week on A Bonsai Side-Quest, Hugh and Jarryd battle the sniffles and post-convention burnout as they hunker down at home, firewood chopped and fireplaces burning in the changing season. Still recovering from what they dub “convention COVID,” the duo digs into all things Canberra 2025 AABC—covering standout trees, winning displays, demonstrations, and display conventions. It's a cosy, congested, and comprehensive recap you won't want to miss.   2026 AABC Convention - https://aabcconvention2026.square.site/ Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/   

In this episode of A Bonsai Side-Quest, Jarryd and Hugh welcome Harry Lush—a passionate advocate for Australian native species and a dedicated bonsai enthusiast. Together, the guys all take a deep dive into the Nothofagus genus, exploring its ecological significance, traits, and aesthetics. Additionally, Harry introduces his non-profit organisation 'The Gondwana Project', which aims to conduct research, bio-banking, education, and conservation projects, all aiming to understand, protect, and spread awareness about precious relic forests.   The Gondwana Project https://thegondwanaproject.org/   Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In continuation of the much-loved and never-ending series of "Australia's Top 20 Native Species" the boys come back to cover all of 2 epic species this round. Of course, they start with a delightful side-quest of bird watching and a recent Nothofagus Cunninghamii styling demo. Hugh's pick - Banksia marginata Jarryd's pick - Podocarpus lawrencei Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

They're back! After some time off the radar, the guys return with big news and bigger stories. Hugh tied the knot, and not long after, he and Jarryd disappeared off the grid for a private honeymoon hike (not with Hugh's wife, just the two boys). Now reunited post-bucks party, they're catching up on everything from Jarryd's time at the Bonsai by the Beach event, to dramatic new angle repots, and the standout moments from their annual autumn hike in the Tasmanian wilderness. Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this continuation of Australia's top 20 natives for bonsai discussion, the guys only manage to cover 3 more (with a minimum of 5 side-quest species features)... Jarryd's picks: Huon pine, Woolly Tea Tree Hugh:'s picks: Coastal Tea Tree   Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this episode, the guys spinulosa'd around, only getting to 5 more out of the top 20's greatest hits of native species with many informational species side-quests. In continuation of Jarryd and Hugh's top 10 picks for bonsai material, here are the selections of this round:  Jarryd - Strawberry Pine, Varnished Gum Hugh - Banksia Serrata, Blue Mountain Pine, Banksia Ericifolia    Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this special episode of A Bonsai Side Quest, Hugh and Jarryd share their top 10 local native species for bonsai with plentiful insight of their experiences working with each. Of course, many side-quests derail them leading to only unveiling the first 7 in this episode.  Jarryd's picks: Tasmanian Pencil Pine, Nothofagus gunnii, Diselma archeri, and Nothofagus cunninghamii Hugh's Picks: Black She-Oak, Kunzea Ambigua, and Port Jackson Fig   Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

Looking at the onset of the autumn season, Jarryd and Hugh share their grievances of a hot summer and heat exhausted trees as well as their aspirations for styling as the heat reduces. Both are keen to jump into design season and their respective large styling projects. Repenting for their wiring sins and reflecting on overly-harsh self critique, they discuss the trials and tribulations of styling special trees. Lastly, they highlight work that you should partake on your garden at this time of year.    Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/   

In the peaking heat of summer, the guys whinge about hot winds, thirsty trees, and the need for tie downs and shade structures. Jarryd updates us on the fate of the previously discussed ancient Huon pine in Tasmania. The two delve into the topic of eco-tourism and the duality of needing to protect wild spaces and ancient trees while also making them more known in order to spark the passion to protect them. Now roughly one year into podcasting, Hugh and Jarryd reflect and thank their listeners for supporting them on this podcasting journey. Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest   Backyard Bonsai Blokes - https://open.spotify.com/show/0erfxLIGe3yEXFdDElGtr7 Bonsai Stuff - https://open.spotify.com/show/7inx5PPtBH8iF49UMWVyk3 Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

While not wholly sure of the outcome of the Tassie wildfires, Jarryd and Hugh mourn for the potential loss of a deeply significant Huon pine in the Hammond River Grove. A tree they once visited on a hike together, they share the essence of the tree's presence and the value its age offered. Moving into lighter topics, they cover the early turnover to autumn this year, their partners, Hugh's upcoming wedding, and the wonderful successes of recent teaching experiences.   Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

As gardens evolve, the guys hash out continued earthworks and landscaping desires in their respective spaces to offer optimal tree viewing in their landscapes. As always, Hugh and Jarryd first catch up over a meteorological chat, discussing the increased rain in their zones offering time to accomplish non-watering related work in the summer. They touch on the edgy subject of summer repots with specific species.  Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

A much-delayed New Year's episode with Hugh and Jarryd covers their intentions, aspirations, and focus for the coming year (which we are now 1/12 into). Jarryd shares recent garden hardscaping triumphs and mysterious, epic hikes. Hugh shares about biodiversity in his new garden and plans for greater productivity within his practice and garden. They speak of the importance of time allocated for pursuing personal practice in the coming year.    Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/ Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/  Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this episode, the guys dig into the unique world of Australian plant hardiness zones; they discuss the layout of Australian climatic zones in comparison to the northern hemisphere. This is discussed with the consideration of specialised care for species based on an individual practitioner's location. Hugh and Jarryd also catch up on holiday plans, the weather challenges of the week, and work life balance before diving into the Australian National Botanic Gardens map and what that means as a bonsai practitioner and grower -  https://www.anbg.gov.au/gardens/research/hort.research/zones.html   Hugh Grant - Tree Makers Design https://treemakers.com.au/  Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

For this episode, Jarryd and Hugh are joined by John Keely, who is in town visiting Hugh's garden in the Blue Mountains. They chat about the Canberra bonsai scene, Keely's launch into his bonsai journey, greenhouses, and natives collection. Keely highlights where we often all start—with a stick in a pot. 

Hugh returns from his Queensland trip and recaps his work at Tondoon Botanic Gardens, which leads to discussions of the upkeep of refinement work, the concept of state-recognized public bonsai collections, and a side quest of species gossip.  

Drinking beers, the guys share stories of watching storms on weather apps for possible watering relief. Surrounded by the sounds of a hot summer's cicadas, Hugh and Jarryd go into an in-depth exploration of Australian bonsai as a greater understanding of cultural representation. With ceramics, compositions, artistic styles, and an epic history lesson side-quest, they probe a deeper understanding of the art form of their country. 

This episode is filled with discussions around the topic of broadleaf-evergreen collecting including notions around aftercare and a smattering of scientific names with questionable pronunciations. The guys share what they have been up to with recent journeys in the Capertee Valley and Arthur Range, which eventually spirals into the true side-quest: lobsters, shrimp, and yabbie distinction.    Tree Makers Design https://treemakers.com.au/  Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/   

The push and pull of spring work is in full swing for Jarryd and Hugh in their gardens. Using watering and fertilising as the throttle, and pinching and pruning to put on the breaks. They also discuss intentional bark pealing on some Australian species, growth management directing refinement, and the success of the advancements of Australian bonsai. 

After a long hiatus of what was supposed to be a weekly podcast… Hugh and Jarryd return! Appreciating a rainy spring and entering the growth season, they cover garden updates. Hugh recaps the Canberra Club show and good timed catching up with Grant Bowie and Sam Thompson. The guys share nostalgia for the late AusBonsai market and share news and excitement for both the upcoming 2025 AABC Convention in Canberra and the 2025 Bonsai Open. They reflect on how bonsai shows, much like trees, take time to develop and mature, and how the maturation process improves any subject - tree or bonsai show alike.  Support Australian Bonsai events with us! Link to register to the AABC National Bonsai Convention - Canberra 2025 (early bird rego ends 31/10/24) https://www.canberrabonsai.club/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=139:2025-aabc-bonsai-convention-3&catid=87&Itemid=2374

In this episode Hugh, Jarryd, and Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai catchup together to discuss everything bonsai. They each explore how they represent their native landscape through bonsai and discuss the deep, often challenging journey of finding meaning through this art form. With insights into the evolving culture of bonsai in Australia, this conversation offers a rich dive into bonsai culture in Australia currently. This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion with these three passionate bonsai professionals from different sides of the world.  This podcast episode is a collaboration with Asymmetry by Bonsai Mirai. 

After a little hiatus, Hugh shares his big news - Treemakers is moving to a permanent location! With a recent visit from Jarryd, the boys began breaking ground on the new garden, building out a future space for the expansion of Australian bonsai. Exhausted by repotting season and the simultaneous big move, the two share excitement, but also physical drain from this demanding season.uity

In this episode, our guest Annie Huang tells us about Budlife, a seasonal magazine which focuses on the culture and communities surrounding plants. An eloquent and fascinating person, Annie shares her story and the origins of her publication and how it relates to bonsai. A side-quest of an episode itself, Annie interviews both Hugh and Jarryd on the origins of the podcast, and the plans and purpose of its future. They discuss the definition of bonsai as art, engaging in social media as bonsai practitioners, and how we present bonsai in formal settings. More often than not, in a metaphor or painting, bonsai is trying to keep the canvas on the easel more than actually painting.  You you can find out about Budlife magazine on instagram at @budlifemagazine and via their website at www.budlifemagazine.com

As Hugh returns from New Zealand, the boys catch up on their recent going-ons and the shift in seasonal work. With the vast array of native New Zealand species on Hugh's mind, the two chat about New Zealands "wildling" collecting, and local species opportunities from the island neighbour. Hybridisation and grafting opportunities in Nothfagus gunnii come to mind as they discuss the viability of this allusive species. Now in the midst of repotting, the two look towards the vast array of projects to get underway. As the clock ticks, the time narrows for spring work as deciduous trees already begin to push their first flush. 

Unpruned beards and unpruned tree roots await Hugh and Jarryd in their gardens while they push through the craze of winter and the beginning of the repotting season. In this episode, the discussion of sustainability is raised around technique, design of the tree and the long term handling of roots. They discuss there experience in determining when, and more importantly when not to do, while catering to species specifics and the development of each tree. The two share the triumph of watching trees evolve into refinement, and the balance of sustainably taking care of their human selves while tending to their trees. 

With the quickly impending springtime, Hugh and Jarryd share the work they have been cramming into the season. With the bustle of client work, the time for personal projects gets tucked into contemplative midnight dates in the freezing Winter weather. Further growing their artist's statements, they weigh up what it would mean to operate on a more focused line of work, returning to an emphasis on local trees and aesthetics. In understanding the lifetime it takes to create a body of work, they discuss the need for an intergenerational duty of care for trees both old and new. 

In this guest episode, Will Fletcher sits down with Jarryd and Hugh to share his long history of working with Tasmanian native trees for bonsai. As a major contributor to Australian bonsai, Will's nurseries Plants of Tasmania and later Bonsai Island, broke ground in determining which local tree species are reliable staples for bonsai cultivation. 

This week, we are in real-time as Jarryd and Hugh share life updates before Jarryd heads off the grid for an extended boating expedition. They talk about working landscape trees, approaching gardening through the lens of a bonsai education, and drawing out the design process. They share their experiences of how to teach beginners and some inside thoughts on running a collection versus a garden that vends. Lastly, they wrap it up with Hugh's recent visit to Brisbane for the AABC National Bonsai Convention. 

Finishing their action-packed reflection on the month of April, Hugh and Jarryd pick back up after the Bonsai Open and the tree sale hosted at TreeMakers with field-grown trees from Jarryd's adolescence. They then dive deep into their annual epic autumn hike to see the changing colour of the Fagus somewhere in the wilderness of Tassie. Filled with side quests and rambles a plenty, the two praise their time in nature honouring some of Australia's most ancient trees despite all the strife and hardship of snow, rain, and cold. 

Jarryd and Hugh interview Australian bonsai legend Ric Roberts, who is now 88 and likely practicing bonsai for over 60 years. Ric shares stories from his long practice since the 1960s and his role in the ever-evolving bonsai culture in the Sydney region. Ric is now creating a garden on the Central Coast called Unryu-En. Here he is building a space to share and preserve the legacy of his collection. Supporter Jason Pomfret also joins in as he helps to usher in the new era of Ric's work through Unryu-En.

At Jarryd's house in Tasmania, Jarryd and Hugh are no longer in the podcast recording time machine - we are all caught up to the present day with reflections on the recent Bonsai Open in the Central Coast! 

After sharing a haunted American hotel experience, Jarryd and Hugh drift into conversations about tree tourism in the US, New Zealand, and Chile. Coming to the end of the hot summer, they reflect on a work-life balance... that is more asymmetrical than symmetric. They share a beckoning to nature through camping, campfires, and the idea of genetic memory from ancestry being tied to geography. 

As Jarryd and Hugh end the growth season in late January 2024, they talk about geographic flora boundaries and the vast physical differences between Southern and Northern hemisphere species affecting the approach to bonsai worldwide. Digging into native Australian species, broadleaf-evergreen physiology is explored, and the validity of shrubs in the bonsai form.  

It's December 31 of 2023 and Hugh and Jarryd reflect on their year and share future aspirations for their bonsai, hikes, garden design, and overall business approach as two professional bonsai practitioners. As with any art form that becomes employment, they struggle with the fine line between delivering their art, but also the commodifying and consumer end of the work. Coffee and beer usher in the new year! 

In this throwback episode recorded in late 2023, Hugh and Jarryd share the exhaustion of the growth ramping up in the early summer season. They talk growth management of pines and eucalyptus, and the simultaneous battle against grass and weed growth. They also share some of their favorite tree personalities, tanuki dreams, and the trials of dreaded bark borers.

Hugh and Jarryd stumble through the wonders of podcast technical difficulties recording from their respective homes in the Blue Mountains and Tasmania. They chat about collected pine aftercare, the signs of a tree's declining health post-collection, South African akadama's advantages and disadvantages, and growth patterns after repotting. 

Visiting one another in the Blue Mountains, Jarryd and Hugh reflag on the inspiring native lower canopy for kusamono design, breaking norms and misconceptions about the art form. They then delve into some history of yamadori collecting of native species in Australia, in particular Ficus . Visiting trees in nature naturally brings them to sharing stories of tree climbing and the thrill of the unknown while sticking your hands into nooks to continue the climb. Lastly, they share some stories of the most indstructible ficuses they have met, and how this effects the choice trees of practice for Asutralian bonsai practitioners. 

In this episode, Jarryd and Hugh chat about hikes in the bush and the Australian native species they encounter. They also highlight the importance of your local club and the critiques they share, even if it means facing some failures to be able to learn and grow. They also discuss tree exhibitions and the opportunities for the approach to display in these public spaces.  

Jarryd and Hugh initiate their first podcast recording after a 4-day brutally cold yet stunning backpacking trip in the Tasmanian Wilderness. Buggered yet gleefully giddy on beers, the two reflect on their trip and the renewed bonsai inspiration to come from it.