Why do we do bonsai? Some of us do it for the accolades and the “Likes” and “Hallelujas”. And some of do it for ourselves, the “Oh-Yeah’s” and the “OK’s” and the “This-Is-Just-For-Me”! What the last two years have taught me is that life is too short. I do bonsai for myself and yes, I can only talk about plants. Ok, not just plants, but also the conditions they need for optimal growth, the soil they need for proliferation, the food my trees need, and, and, and. Then I can talk about lots. I am seldom concerned about bonsai styles or which way the first branch bends or how far it is from the top of the soil. I feel that is personal to the “artist” and should reflect some of your own style and or personality. Let me explain: maybe nobody ever taught Picasso to draw. Or what if he got a paint-by-numbers kit for Christmas and that started his career as an artist? Make no mistake, there is nothing wrong with a bit of bonsai-by-numbers, but bonsai should be about fun, too. I am first and foremost a Tree-Lover and secondly a bonsai artist. I collect species and have some very rare and exotic trees in my collection. I love growing trees from seed or making truncheon cuttings. I have no illusion that they will never be called bonsai by anyone but me. But they are my bonsai. And that makes me happy. I will post a series of care instructions on various species. That said: there is ONE rule!  Know your area and know your species!