Recreating a £££ Herons Bonsai Using My 30-Year-Old Larch — Can I Pull It Off?

Join me for this ambitious bonsai challenge as I attempt to recreate an expensive Herons Bonsai using my oldest Japanese Larch — affectionately known as “The Old Man.” This video documents an entire year of work, starting with the March repot, where I show the inspiration tree and demonstrate:

How to attach a larch to a large rock
The three key reasons why you should repot your bonsai
What immediate aftercare and next steps are essential

We revisit the tree in June and August to track progress, comparing shoot extension and vigour against my other larches. Then we return in December for structural wiring, winter preparation, and the next developmental phase of this literati-style design.

I also introduce my FREE Bonsai Database, containing detailed records for over 500 trees — perfect for anyone wanting to track growth, styling and seasonal work more effectively.

A full year of evolution, plenty of tips for working with Japanese Larch, and a challenge every bonsai enthusiast can try at home!

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the rest of my bonsai series for more quirky, informative content!

📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - My First Larch Bonsai
02:00 - 3 reasons to repot a Bonsai
03:38 - Examining the roots
06:35 - Fixing the tree to a Rock
09:20 - It needs a temporary deeper pot
12:15 - Now it needs to sit for 3 years
14:05 - 26th June Update (Poor extensions)
16:48 - 11th August Update (Big Improvement)
18:59 - 2nd December Update (Needle Drop)
20:30 - Development Plans for 2026
22:19 - My Free Bonsai App (Requires MS Access)
23:56 - Winter care
26:00 - Bonsai Nursery Visit next

🌟 TRY MY FREE BONSAI APP! 🌟
Want to take your bonsai record-keeping and planning to the next level? I’ve developed a powerful FREE Bonsai App designed to help you track care schedules, styling notes, and more.
📥 Just email [email protected] and I’ll send it to you — all you need is Microsoft Access 2016 or newer!

📸 Want to Be Featured in a Future Video?
I love showcasing the incredible work of our bonsai community! If you'd like your bonsai featured in an upcoming Subscriber Showcase, simply send your photos to [email protected]. Whether it’s a tree in training, a finished masterpiece, or a unique project — all skill levels are welcome! Be sure to include your name and a few details about the tree if you'd like them mentioned.

Equipment & Acknowledgements:
I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC 330 Bridge Camera
All video production using AVC Video Editor Software
Sound equipment courtesy of: johnaronphotography.co.uk
Handmade Ceramics by: Dawn Isaac of deiceramics.com
I use Adam's products by: notionbonsai.com

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