Alameda’s Jonas Dupuich is a giant in the world of bonsai — he teaches and lectures and runs the popular Bonsai Tonight blog, and his book, “The Little Book of Bonsai,” was published last year by Ten Speed Press. Podcasts are his newest project. With interest in bonsai increasing during the pandemic, he’s branched out to this medium. We talked with him about the art of growing small and how those who admire bonsai can move from enthusiast to grower.
Q How would you describe bonsai to someone unfamiliar with this garden art?
A “Bonsai,” which translates to “tray planting” in Japanese, refers to the practice of growing small trees in containers that evoke larger trees in nature.
Q How did you get into bonsai?
A After college, I was working at the family business, Encinal Nursery in Alameda, when I met a bonsai teacher from Hayward named Boon Manakitivipart, who over the next few years became one of the most prominent teachers in the country. I studied with Boon for more than 20 years.
Q Why are we seeing a resurgence of interest in bonsai now?
A Bonsai is a great alternative to our increasingly digital culture that lets people embrace their horticultural and artistic sides.
Q What traits does one need to become a successful bonsai grower? Let’s say someone has a good eye for design but has never had a green thumb. Would that person be a candidate?
A The most successful bonsai growers care deeply about their trees and are always curious about how they can increase a bonsai’s beauty while maintaining its health. It’s not difficult to learn the basic horticulture, but one can spend years refining their technique or artistic sensibility.
Q How much does it cost to get started in bonsai?
A Getting started can be as easy as picking up an inexpensive tree for $20 to $50 at a garden center and pruning it to your liking. Your local regional park is one of the best places to study how trees grow in your area. Take note of which species are thriving, if you’re looking for species to train as bonsai. If you have an outdoor space, a juniper is great.
Q What sort of time commitment is involved?
A As little as a few minutes a day. Most trees require regular watering and seasonal pruning.
Q Can you keep a bonsai tree indoors?
A: Yes! Species like ficus or portulacaria grow well indoors and can make compelling bonsai.
Q Tell us about your pride and joy.
A One tree that comes to mind is a Korean hornbeam. Shortly after acquiring the tree, I removed most of the branches and regrew them to create the image I had in mind for the tree. I showed it at the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, New York, in 2016. I also have a strong connection to the many pines I’ve grown from seed over the years. Some are over 25 years old!
DUPUICH’S 5 FAVORITE GARDENS TO VISIT
Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, Oakland: Spectacular bonsai, including an oak that was presented to President Lincoln’s envoy to Japan in 1863.
UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley: One of the best places in the Bay Area to see mature specimens of exotic trees and shrubs from different regions of the world.
Muir Woods National Monument, Marin County: Offers a look at how the tallest trees on Earth grow. The Coast redwood is a great species for training as bonsai.
Point Lobos: Features some of the most attractive Monterey cypress along the California coast. Study the trees here to see how the elements inform the shape the trees take.
Inyo National Forest: Visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to see the oldest trees on Earth. At more than 4,000 years old, these pines exhibit the characteristics most prized in bonsai — great age, character and beauty.
