Back from Alameda and boy are my arms tired.  Travel is getting more and more troublesome in the United States.  Even more so when you travel across the country with layovers.  But, Boon and his Bonsai Intensive course are well worth the effort.  There simply is no one else doing what he does in the States.

The Bonsai Intensive series is a great way to learn whether you're a beginner or someone that's been doing bonsai for 30 years.  There is always something more to gain.  Boon does a great job of tailoring the class to the individuals.  Pick what you want to work on from a yard full of impressive bonsai of all species, shapes, sizes, and age.  Not many places can offer the same experience.

The best part of the intensive sessions is the knowledge you bring home with you.  This week we spent the time working on thinning and decandling Japanese Black Pine and Red Pine.  There some work done with Satsuki Azaleas and Shimpaku and Rocky Mountain Junipers.  Now it's time to put it all to work here at home.

This week I will be working heavily on my Japanese black pine bonsai trees.  The time of year is just right to decandle.  I also have quite a bit of work to do on several Satsuki azalea.  That seem to be the problem with owning both Japanese black pine and Satsuki azaleas, the timing of the work.  Both trees require a lot of work during the month of June.  But, it's the kind of work you don't mind doing.  It's all a lot of fun.