<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Irish Bonsai Association]]></title><description><![CDATA[Irish Bonsai Association connects bonsai enthusiasts across Ireland through clubs, exhibitions, workshops, events, education and a thriving community.]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:15:15 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Wintering Bonsai: A Comprehensive Guide on Species, Climate Zones, and Practical Tips]]></title><description><![CDATA[Winter care for bonsai trees is crucial, especially in colder regions, to ensure their health and balance during the colder months. This article will delve into the essential aspects of wintering bonsai, including species-specific considerations and adapting to different climate zones. Understanding the significance of the winter dormancy period is vital for the well-being of bonsai trees. By employing proper wintering techniques, you can shield your tree from frost and bolster its innate...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/wintering-bonsai-a-comprehensive-guide-on-species-climate-zones-and-practical-tips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3551d</guid><pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:33:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_01e22b5475a84dcda9850d95a4cdf2fe~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Starting Your Bonsai Journey: Sourcing Trees and Understanding Yamadori and Prebonsai]]></title><description><![CDATA[--- How to Find Material for Future Bonsai: A Beginner’s Guide Bonsai, the art of miniaturizing trees, is one of the most demanding yet rewarding forms of gardening art. To create a bonsai, finding the right material is crucial— a tree that can potentially become a perfect bonsai in the future. This guide will discuss the most important methods of obtaining materials, introduce concepts such as Yamadori and pre-bonsai, and indicate which tree species are best for starting your bonsai journey....]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/bonsai-journey-sourcing-trees-yamadori-and-prebonsai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35528</guid><pubDate>Sat, 19 Oct 2024 10:10:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d0b877a4bb6e411f9734ee4bd2a50b27.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_832,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fibonacci Sequence: Mathematical Harmony in Bonsai Art]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fibonacci sequence Fibonacci Sequence: Mathematical Harmony in Bonsai Art In the world of nature, harmony is the key to beauty. Everything reflects a certain structure, rhythm, and pattern. One of the most fascinating mathematical phenomena that perfectly captures this harmony is the Fibonacci Sequence. It is surprising how this mathematical formula plays a crucial role not only in the exact sciences but also in art, especially in one that particularly celebrates nature - the art of bonsai....]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/fibonacci-sequence-mathematical-harmony-in-bonsai-art</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35525</guid><pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2024 18:24:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_b02af6faf107431baee210681c6d0724~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Burren Beech Shaped by Time ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover the story of a remarkable Beech bonsai shaped by decades of natural development. Originally part of Caoilte Breatnach’s collection, this tree reflects a unique approach based on patience, clip-and-grow techniques and minimal intervention. Now part of the Connaught Bonsai collection, it continues its journey while preserving its natural character and Irish bonsai heritage.
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/burren-beech</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3552b</guid><pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 19:44:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_2a90259ca9e641c1a3bbbe4e6155cf4c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From a Nursery Tree to a Landscape - The Character of a Simple Larch Bonsai]]></title><description><![CDATA[This larch bonsai began as an ordinary nursery tree purchased in 2018. Through years of patient cultivation and branch development, its simple straight trunk evolved into a naturalistic composition inspired by mountain larches shaped by snow and harsh weather. Now planted on an artificial rock slab, the tree continues to develop towards a miniature mountain landscape, with further refinement planned for the years ahead.
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/the-character-of-a-simple-larch-bonsai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35523</guid><pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:43:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_29f496f177f94d9db6e20fd68579f70a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Elm with a Story That Continues to Grow- The Character of an Old Elm Bonsai]]></title><description><![CDATA[This Chinese Elm (*Ulmus parvifolia*) has travelled across Europe before finding its place in my collection in 2025. With deeply fissured bark, elegant ramification and decades of history, it already possesses the character of an old tree. Rather than rushing its development, my focus is on careful cultivation, preserving its natural beauty while allowing its story to continue unfolding season after season.
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/the-character-of-an-old-elm-bonsai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35518</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:13:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_e695fa9b369040c8a954fe13d1c553bb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Acer 'Arakawa' ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover the story of  Acer 'Arakawa', a remarkable Japanese maple prized for its rugged bark and stunning autumn colour. Over five years of careful cultivation, this bonsai has continued to mature while preserving the natural character that makes the Arakawa cultivar so distinctive. A celebration of patience, seasonal beauty and the quiet passage of time.
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/acer-arakawa</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35521</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:41:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_5976e7fb42ae4d5cb6423ed9e5b13e44~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hawthorn Bonsai Shaped by the Wind]]></title><description><![CDATA[Shaped by nature long before it became a bonsai, this Hawthorn has spent more than thirteen years in careful cultivation. Discover how Steve Shortt preserved its windswept character, natural deadwood and rugged beauty, allowing the tree's story to unfold through patience rather than dramatic transformation.
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/hawthorn-bonsai-shaped-by-the-wind</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3552c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:16:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_e232a870926f492b9aecad07508ff2ac~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Hawthorn Bonsai Twenty Years in the Making]]></title><description><![CDATA[Collected from the shores of the Shannon Estuary more than twenty years ago, this Hawthorn Bonsai by Steve Shortt tells a story of patience, vision and long-term dedication. From a fifteen-foot wild tree to a refined bonsai, it reflects decades of careful cultivation, thoughtful styling and a deep respect for the tree's natural character.
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/hawthorn-bonsai-twenty-years-in-the-making</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35527</guid><pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:10:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_f08a1a893700449096adede67bd1bc1d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_972,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Scots Pine Bonsai ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Not every bonsai begins with spectacular material. This Scots Pine (*Pinus sylvestris*) started life as an ordinary nursery tree purchased during a trip to Poland before travelling nearly 3,000 kilometres to Ireland. Over the years, patient cultivation and careful refinement gradually shaped its character. This is the story of looking beyond first impressions and allowing a tree to become what it was always capable of being.
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/scots-pine-bonsai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35526</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:25:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_aa1ecae5ff374ac88ca18eadc2785821~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shore Pine Bonsai – Finding Beauty in the Unusual]]></title><description><![CDATA[**Follow the journey of a Shore Pine bonsai from humble nursery stock to a refined exhibition tree. Explore detailed bonsai techniques including repotting, root development, wiring, branch styling, cultivation, and long-term refinement. Learn how patience, careful observation, and years of dedicated bonsai care transformed an unusual pine into a mature bonsai full of character, strength, and natural beauty.**
]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/shore-pine-bonsai-finding-beauty-in-the-unusual-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3551e</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:38:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_7ca8da1042f7441395bcd3208e4a33cb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Juniper Bonsai Development – A New Beginning]]></title><description><![CDATA[Juniper Bonsai Development A Living Project (2020–Present) When I moved to Ireland, I left behind my previous bonsai collection and decided to start again from scratch. Rather than purchasing finished trees, I wanted to build new bonsai from raw material plants discovered in nurseries and garden centres, shaped over time through patience, observation, and cultivation. At first, Ireland seemed like the perfect place for such a journey. Its mild climate and evergreen landscapes suggested an...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/juniper-bonsai-development</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35520</guid><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:46:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_82f8299478954f838d1765eb993a02f7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Larch Bonsai  - Development Story]]></title><description><![CDATA[It grows rapidly and responds well to cultivation techniques, allowing relatively quick development of structure, branching, and ramification. This made it a clear long-term project rather than just a casual purchase.]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/larch-bonsai-development-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3551a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 22:27:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_b487adccd62b4360bfe2773458adf440~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonsai pests &#38; diseases: a complete, practical guide for hobbyists in Ireland]]></title><description><![CDATA[Photo: David Emrich / Unsplash. This guide shows you how to prevent, diagnose and manage the most common issues on hobby bonsai—using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach first, and only resorting to compliant home-and-garden products where truly necessary. Key takeaways Start with IPM: quarantine new trees, improve airflow and watering, clean tools, remove infected tissue, hand-pick pests; Support natural enemies and use biological controls where possible. Chemical products are a...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/bonsai-pests-diseases-a-complete-practical-guide-for-hobbyists-in-ireland</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35519</guid><pubDate>Sat, 06 Sep 2025 11:32:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_d295caefba0744a38a5a519a97d8ddfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Irish Bonsai Association – Growing Bonsai. Connecting Ireland.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Connaught Bonsai Club From Connaught Bonsai to Irish Bonsai Association What began as a small initiative to bring bonsai enthusiasts together in the West of Ireland gradually grew into something with a wider purpose. Connaught Bonsai was created around a simple idea: to provide a welcoming place where people could learn about bonsai, share their experiences and develop their skills together. From the beginning, the focus was on practical learning, friendship and a shared appreciation for the...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/join-connaught-bonsai-a-bonsai-club-for-every-enthusiast-in-county-connacht</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35529</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Dec 2024 20:41:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_9cfbf7a50db542f59aa77b34b6a75ae4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_830,h_658,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonsai Exhibitions]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Art of Bonsai: Mastering Exhibition Techniques and Aesthetics The art of bonsai is a unique form of horticulture that involves growing and shaping trees into miniature forms that resemble natural landscapes. Bonsai exhibitions culminate the growers' work, where the trees are evaluated, admired, and appreciated for their aesthetics, technique, and adherence to tradition. Organizing such an exhibition requires precise preparation of the trees themselves and careful selection of accessories,...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/bonsai-exhibitions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35524</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Sep 2024 09:20:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_270d9524ed2b4be6aabbdae90a02a5d0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Podocarpus(Buddhist Pine) as a Bonsai Plant: History, Requirements, Origin, and Care. ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bonsai: Podocarpus, known as Buddhist pine, thrives indoors in some regions. Care is crucial for its health. ]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/buddhist-pine-podocarpus-as-a-bonsai-plant-history-requirements-origin-and-care</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3552a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:04:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_fa2147bc72d14e02906414dcd289b568~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Organic fertilizer from nettle: a natural treasure for the garden]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nettle Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant with remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties, known and valued for centuries. Its beneficial properties extend to horticulture, where it becomes an excellent source of organic fertilizer. In this article, we will delve into the breadth and depth of this plant, discussing its potential as organic fertilizer, methods of preparation, and various applications in gardening, cuisine, medicine, and cosmetics. Nettle Properties as Organic Fertilizer...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/organic-fertilizer-from-nettle-a-natural-treasure-for-the-garden</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3551b</guid><pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2024 09:44:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_199111d20e654bd0bd5e5e97f625b939~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[History of Bonsai Wiring Technique]]></title><description><![CDATA[Photo courtesy of Ian Young of Bonsai Eejit https://bonsaieejit.com 	 	Bonsai, an art form deeply rooted in the history of China and Japan, has evolved over the centuries, bearing witness to the rich cultural exchange between these two nations. During the Tang Dynasty in China, where bonsai traces its origins, the practice of cultivating miniature trees gained popularity. It was during this period that Chinese gardeners experimented with form and style, laying the foundations for what would...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/history-of-bonsai-wiring-technique</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e3552d</guid><pubDate>Thu, 28 Dec 2023 22:41:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c83ea_ceac0b4157ce404692b7c1475cfa67f3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Global history and evolution of bonsai]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bonsai art, originating from the Far East, is not just the skill of cultivating miniature trees but also a deeply rooted philosophy that connects humans with nature. The history of bonsai is filled with fascinating facts and intricate traditions that have evolved over thousands of years. Roots in China: 	The beginnings of bonsai can be traced back to China, where in ancient times, sages and students of horticulture practiced the cultivation of miniaturized trees. Although they didn't yet use...]]></description><link>https://www.irishbonsaiassociation.ie/post/global-history-and-evolution-of-bonsai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa19ebef92b24ac36e35522</guid><pubDate>Mon, 25 Dec 2023 18:35:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_d684ed42317f4c098a03988f9bd88383~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item></channel></rss>