A Bonsai Side Quest

41. Trees That Have Soul

Hugh is back from a client trip 'across the ditch', making trees in some of New Zealand’s top bonsai garages, and Jarryd is deep in proud dad bonsai mode, with students studying at his garden. In this episode full of catch-ups and predictable detours, the two reflect on a surprising truth: bonsai isn't as patient as it's made out to be; it’s actually quite busy. After several rounds of beer, the conversation finally lands on the key question: what defines a tree as having "soul"?
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/ 

40. Top 20 Natives Finale: the Hottest Specimens of Australia

In this episode, Jarryd and Hugh finally accomplish the long-awaited finale of the top 20 Australian native species for bonsai. Sample side quests include: life updates, snow, and hot tips on paperbark species bark removal. Hugh's picks - Banksia Integrifolia, Melaleuca Nodosa
Jarryd's picks - Melaleuca Virens, runner up - Sassafras 
 
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/ 

39. Recap on the AABC: All About Big Convos

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/ 
 

38. The Gondwana Project with Harry Lush

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/ 

37. Australia's Top 20 Native Species - Part 4 & Still Going ...

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/ 

36. Solid Stomps - Returning from our Honeymoon

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/ 

35. Australia’s Top 20 Natives - Part 3

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/ 

34. Australia's Top 20 Greatest Natives Hits Continued

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/ 

33. Australia's Top 20 - But Only 7 of Them

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/ 

32. Two Steps forward, then Seven Steps Forward.

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/