Web Links
The following are links, in no specific order, that I have found helpful, informative or useful. Links to other websites will open in a new window.
Let's start with some shameless self-promotion.... if it wasn't for Z Tech Systems (ZTS), I wouldn't have the opportunity to grow bonsai! ZTS is a small computer services company based in Juno Beach, Florida offering a spectrum of services to help other small companies and organizations bring their products and services to market. Bonsai Bruce is a Web Designer/Developer for ZTS. If you know a small to medium sized business that needs a web site designed, please refer them to us!
As a web designer and developer, I know how helpful it can be to watch video tutorials. Well, I've found some wonderful video tutorials for you, and some online television programs about bonsai! Lindsay Farr's BonsaiFarm.tv offers all the video about bonsai you could ask for, and Mr. Farr was kind enough to allow us to link to his site.
I bought a set of bonsai tools on eBay (a great source), and was fortunate enough to find a wonderful seller named tinyroots who represents a company called Bonsai Outlet. (You can do a search on eBay for a specific seller - hint, hint!) They were fabulous to deal with, answering numerous questions with great patience and enthusiasm. If you do business with them, please let Ashley Carrier know that I sent you!
Since I'm living in southern Florida, I need to learn specifics about growing bonsai in this tropical climate. The Bonsai Societies of Florida (BSF) site has lots of great information! Bonsai Buddy and I have joined the Bonsai Society of the Palm Beaches, a local club that belongs to the BSF! Joining a local club is a great way to learn, meet new people interested in bonsai, and sometimes even to get inexpensive supplies!
Here in the Palm Beaches of Florida, we are graced with the presence of The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, which has a wonderful collection of bonsai. It's a wonderful resource and their festivals are great fun!
For anyone building a website about bonsai, there is The Online Bonsai Icon Collection. I used an icon by Thomas Amato in the design of this site. Thanks, Thomas!
I've been exploring the online version of The Bonsai Primer lately, and there's lots of very good material for the beginner! And they even have Bonsai Bruce listed under their International Contacts!
The Helpful Gardener has a great section on bonsai, with good articles, links, and awesome photographs!
When I viewed this website, the personal collection of Paul Pikel, I just had a feeling of "this guy gets it!" So I asked him if he'd like to exchange links! And he said "Yes!" I'm flattered. Anyway, he shows pictures of his babies so that you can see how they changed over time. That's my goal here as well.
On every page of this site, below the definition of bonsai, is a piece of Japanese calligraphy by Master Calligrapher Eri Takase. I am grateful that Eri has given me her permission to use her work on my site, and flattered by her kind words about the site. Master Takase's beautiful work is available for purchase at her site.
The spirit of cooperation and sharing seems to be a characteristic of the bonsai community. Another exemplar is Colin Lewis who graciously provided his permission to quote his descriptions of bonsai styles.
