A Bonsai Side Quest

31. Trees that are Loved to Death

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/ 

30. If a Tree Burns in a Forest, Can You Hear it?

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/ 

29. Garden Bedrocks Linked to Hell

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/ 

28. A Month Late to New Year’s

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/ 

27. My Hardiness is Temperate and Mild

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/ 

26. From Stick in a Pot to Something Hot with John Keely

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. 

25. What Foliage have you Stroked this Week

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.  

24. Australian Bonsai: More than a Rusty Nail

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. 

23. If You Did Aftercare Like Us

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/ 
 

22. I Should Be Fertilising

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.