New "Satsuki Bonsai Demystified" YouTube Channel

Themilkyway

Themilkyway

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Rick A Garcia, author of "Satsuki Azalea Bonsai: A Fundamental Study" has come out with a YouTube Channel! Here are two of the videos uploaded so far:

and

I am personally excited for more videos from Rick and his channel as there are not alot of definitive experts making videos about Satsuki Azaleas on YouTube yet. Satsuki Azaleas are a popular bonsai species and not a whole lot of videos are being made on Youtube for them. I hope his videos will "demystify" Satsuki Azaleas for beginners and other bonsai/satsuki enthusiasts alike!
 
Love the Satsuki Azaleas and plan on owning one at some point. Thanks for sharing, I will check these out.
 
Hands down some of the best content i've seen. Being new to Satsuki I learned a tonne from the Fall video! Even answered questions a few books haven't been able too. I will need to check out Rick's book for sure!
 
Ricks book, "Satsuki Azalea Bonsai: A Fundamental Study" is THE definitive Bonsai Azalea book. It has everything anyone could want to know about the care and development of azalea bonsai, and is conveyed in a thorough and thoughtful manner.
10/10

You can Buy it Here

PS: Rick does not pay me to say this, its just a fantastic book
 
stewarjm192 said:
Ricks book, "Satsuki Azalea Bonsai: A Fundamental Study" is THE definitive Bonsai Azalea book. It has everything anyone could want to know about the care and development of azalea bonsai, and is conveyed in a thorough and thoughtful manner.
10/10

You can Buy it Here

PS: Rick does not pay me to say this, its just a fantastic book
Click to expand...
I agree. It is the definitive book on Satsuki azalea bonsai mainly because it is modern, clear and concise.

I hear that he is working on a second book with more intermediate/ advanced techniques. I am hoping to see more on wiring, styling and design as these topics seem to be missing from the first book.

I also hope he talks about how to do cuttings/flower selection to correctly propagate in one of his future videos or future books. It seems to be more nuanced than “just take cuttings of the white ones”.
 
Very useful video. Bought my first Satsuki a few months ago and this was an excellent tutorial. I will follow him. thanks for posting
 
I have a lot of azaleas and his book too and watching his video made me realize I did not do enough for my trees when I did my initial fall maintenance 😅. So I started going back and cleaning up my trees some more today
 
Taking a hiatus from diving this afternoon, so have time to write. (Yap reef manta Image from yesterday by dive buddy Jennifer )

c22dca4d-501b-450b-b009-326a485f2748.jpeg

fredman said:
Every fall I have to remove old Satsuki leaves...and weak shoots...nobody told me that...:rolleyes:
Nice guy. I like his manner. I subscribed...and looking forward to hearing from him again.
Click to expand...

The same here. Rick does lay out fall/pre winter preparation in detail for new folks.

Actually we taught a class out here in late October to help the azalea members of our local club how to do the very same routine, along with refreshing moss and doing soji as needed. Normally we wouldn't teach classes as we both felt our teaching days were over upon retirement, but there were a whole lot of folks asking repeatedly.

Neither of us consider ourselves as professionals or anywhere near thinking of putting out a shingle. Similar to other experienced azalea folks on this site we just have worked with a very large number of azaleas in all growing phases over the years.

I do not want to create a controversy, but will lay out the facts after intensively studying many Japanese and English language articles, books, magazines and videos on azalea bonsai. In regards to Rick’s first book, imho it is a good book, authoritative at times, but by no means comprehensive nor, by any means, definitive. Yet to be fair, very few books will ever approach this level.

If this book was, there would absolutely be no reason for another book to follow.

To name some common basic and intermediate areas, most of which have come up as threads on this site that appear to be in need of addressing include

Selection, propagation (including multi patterned azaleas), whip development and styling, nursery azalea development, ground growing re/development techniques, grafting, ground and air layering, Yama/Yardadori stying, root washing, nebari creation, development and maintenance, common and abstract styles for mame, Shohin etc and styling/wiring/bending techniques, development, differential pruning techniques for growth and energy balance, pad development, tree refinement techniques, apex maintenance and rejuvenation, redevelopment of older azalea bonsai, especially with loss of branches, what to do when things go wrong and what makes things go wrong, media variations, shin maintenance over time (beyond soji) …. Etc.

This would be a massive undertaking as I’m sure Mr Garcia understands. It’s a lifetime worth of work. That said, Rick is very knowledgeable in his area of expertise and I’m looking forward to see how he chooses topics and elaborates on these in his next effort!

Two more days of diving in Yap to go, then back to Palau!

Cheers
DSD sends
 
Deep Sea Diver said:
Taking a hiatus from diving this afternoon, so have time to write. (Yap reef manta Image from yesterday by dive buddy Jennifer )

View attachment 575683



The same here. Rick does lay out fall/pre winter preparation in detail for new folks.

Actually we taught a class out here in late October to help the azalea members of our local club how to do the very same routine, along with refreshing moss and doing soji as needed. Normally we wouldn't teach classes as we both felt our teaching days were over upon retirement, but there were a whole lot of folks asking repeatedly.

Neither of us consider ourselves as professionals or anywhere near thinking of putting out a shingle. Similar to other experienced azalea folks on this site we just have worked with a very large number of azaleas in all growing phases over the years.

I do not want to create a controversy, but will lay out the facts after intensively studying many Japanese and English language articles, books, magazines and videos on azalea bonsai. In regards to Rick’s first book, imho it is a good book, authoritative at times, but by no means comprehensive nor, by any means, definitive. Yet to be fair, very few books will ever approach this level.

If this book was, there would absolutely be no reason for another book to follow.

To name some common basic and intermediate areas, most of which have come up as threads on this site that appear to be in need of addressing include

Selection, propagation (including multi patterned azaleas), whip development and styling, nursery azalea development, ground growing re/development techniques, grafting, ground and air layering, Yama/Yardadori stying, root washing, nebari creation, development and maintenance, common and abstract styles for mame, Shohin etc and styling/wiring/bending techniques, development, differential pruning techniques for growth and energy balance, pad development, tree refinement techniques, apex maintenance and rejuvenation, redevelopment of older azalea bonsai, especially with loss of branches, what to do when things go wrong and what makes things go wrong, media variations, shin maintenance over time (beyond soji) …. Etc.

This would be a massive undertaking as I’m sure Mr Garcia understands. It’s a lifetime worth of work. That said, Rick is very knowledgeable in his area of expertise and I’m looking forward to see how he chooses topics and elaborates on these in his next effort!

Two more days of diving in Yap to go, then back to Palau!

Cheers
DSD sends
Click to expand...



Hello Bonsai Nut members! Periodically, I drop in to stay abreast of current concerns/questions regarding satsuki and have always appreciated the passion demonstrated by this membership.

As a rule, I refrain from wading into online discussions about me or my book. Right or wrong, everyone is entitled to share their opinions. I have seen/heard opinions about me or my book, good and bad, and have chosen not to engage. I try to take a balanced approach that neither thanks folks for their kind words (which I truly appreciate) nor confront those who offer negative comments (thankfully few, but still worthy of consideration). However, I will not stand by should anyone repeatedly attempt to denigrate or misinform about me or my efforts. Therefore, this latest comment by Deep Sea Diver necessitates a direct, unfiltered response.

I do not know this person. Aside from a couple of brief phone conversations and emails, we have no familiarity with one another. Further, we have never engaged in discussions of any sort regarding the background or intent of my books. It is this staggering ignorance of my objectives that makes his misguided assumptions and willful misinterpretations so frustrating.

For those who have purchased my book, or considering doing so, as well as Mr. Diver, I will clearly articulate the rationale behind my book(s). I will begin by humbly offering three quotes from my book. Quote one: “I begin with an explanation of satsuki azaleas at their most basic level—their natural origins and adoption as bonsai subjects—then use the subsequent chapters to build a full understanding of the techniques needed for successfully nurturing healthy satsuki.” Quote two: “As such, this book presents all the considerations and techniques necessary to maintain healthy, happy satsuki bonsai.” I offer these two quotes to demonstrate my clearly stated intent to offer guidance on how to keep satsuki bonsai healthy. Not propagation techniques, no whip wiring, only how to develop a fundamental understanding of the species and how to keep them healthy. The third quote is: “As the opening quote from Socrates implies, I do not intend this book to serve as the comprehensive guide to satsuki care. Rather, I want to provide reliable guidance that helps advance your knowledge about satsuki and increase your chances for success.” Here, I am clearly stating that I never intended for my book to be a comprehensive reference. It is foolish for anyone to suggest a shortcoming here when it was never my intent.

The primary reason I wrote my book was to address the stunning lack of reliable information related to building and maintaining the health of satsuki azaleas online, in print, in videos, and otherwise. I was determined to correct this shortcoming. Also, I steadfastly believe that attempting to apply styling techniques to unhealthy trees is wholly unproductive. What good is it to attempt styling a weak tree that cannot benefit from any efforts at bonsai style? In this all too common scenario, the plant’s health declines still more. For these reasons, the intent behind my first book was to help readers develop the skills to increase and maintain the health of their satsuki. The second book will focus specifically on techniques useful in styling satsuki. The second book will capitalize on the foundation laid by the first book to present the most favorable conditions–healthy satsuki–for achieving our artistic visions.

Concluding this explanation of the true intentions behind my books, I also believe information on bonsai instruction may be conveyed in a logical, methodical, pragmatic, and approachable manner. I am taking a disciplined approach with a laser focus. The subjects in the book were my own trees that I maintained myself, illustrating actual results of that work. Never will I post advice, guidance, or suggestions without offering visual proof demonstrating my own success using said advice. Never will I vomit out a barrage of bonsai jargon as cover, demonstrating illusory knowledge. I have selected the topics for my next book based upon my own observations and through direct interactions with folks across the U.S. and beyond through workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and bonsai shows. This person does not define what are, or are not, acceptable topics for any book by any author.

There is an ocean of incorrect information related to satsuki azaleas spread across a wide variety of mediums like English language articles, videos, etc. I have the benefit of having worked directly with one of the foremost experts in Japan on satsuki bonsai for over 20 years. My primary goal is to correct and clarify the misinformation on satsuki offered through these mediums. Bad information such as doing soil and refreshing moss in October requires correction.

This will be my only post in relation to this thread. My only goal here was to explain what I intended with the books and clear up the miscommunications by Mr. Diver. I will not engage in back-and-forth flame throwing. I would also suggest that Mr. Diver do both of us a favor and not visit my YouTube Channel nor purchase any other books I write. You seem to appear comfortable in your knowledge of satsuki azaleas and clearly cannot learn anything from me.

Finally, I would request of Mr. Diver that he stop posting about me or my work. I do not appreciate your misguided interpretations and willful misinformation. If you cannot resist the compulsion to comment about me, I would appreciate the consideration of you asking a direct question of me and allowing me to respond as opposed to posting uninformed opinions. That is asking a lot, I know. How you respond will be telling.


Rick Garcia
 
Mr. Garcia, I know you will not be posting, however I enjoyed your fall maintenance video and feel a lot more comfortable to approach my own satsuki after watching because, Honestly, I do not have a great understanding of the species and simple season-based health oriented guidance is what I need now.

Maybe I missed something but I didnt see anything DSD said that implied displeasure or disrespect. I think it was acknowledged that no book can be a complete volume on all aspects of the care and I dont that was the expectation?
 
DSD bought me a copy of Rick's book and just mailed it to me. He paid for the book and for shipping. He has also only promoted this book here.

No idea what this is about.

BTW, you can't really ask someone to not talk about your work or your book or your person. There is this thing called the Streisand effect.
Also, writing a book, studying in Japan, starting a youtube channel is cool and all. But you cannot really go into an online community you aren't really part of, and attack a key member of that community. And expect to get a positive response.
If you have some offline beef with DSD, wait for him to return from his diving trip, and give him a phone call. Because this is not good for you, for him, of for the satsuki community in the US.

As for high profile people in bonsai spreading maybe not so good info about satsuki, maybe have a chat with Ryan Neil. Also offline, lol. He is a champ and doing his best. But he gets some things wrong about satsuki. If you are concerned about that, see if you can work with Ryan Neil when Ryan cannot rely on Peter Warren to fly in from the UK.

BTW, if you want an ego war on satsuki, I can go through your book and write down what I think you got wrong. Or semi-incorrect. Because there are a few things. And I am sure if I ever create a book on satsuki, you would be able to do the same. That's how things work. In science, we call it peer review. And if you can't handle that, you shouldn't publish. But I don't currently have a book on satsuki, because I recognize it take a lot of hard work, and financial investment. So credit where credit is due. Congrats on your very nice book.
 
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fredman said:
Uh Uh...I don't understand the rant against DSD...at all. It can only be a misunderstanding on RG's part.... 🤔
DSD is one of the nicest and well meant guys on this forum.
Click to expand...
I think perhaps it was dsd referencing the fact there were areas in which a definitive book surrounding areas such as (quote below) are necessary
Deep Sea Diver said:
To name some common basic and intermediate areas, most of which have come up as threads on this site that appear to be in need of addressing include

Selection, propagation (including multi patterned azaleas), whip development and styling, nursery azalea development, ground growing re/development techniques, grafting, ground and air layering, Yama/Yardadori stying, root washing, nebari creation, development and maintenance, common and abstract styles for mame, Shohin etc and styling/wiring/bending techniques, development, differential pruning techniques for growth and energy balance, pad development, tree refinement techniques, apex maintenance and rejuvenation, redevelopment of older azalea bonsai, especially with loss of branches, what to do when things go wrong and what makes things go wrong, media variations, shin maintenance over time (beyond soji) …. Etc.

This would be a massive undertaking as I’m sure Mr Garcia understands. It’s a lifetime worth of work. That said, Rick is very knowledgeable in his area of expertise and I’m looking forward to see how he chooses topics and elaborates on these in his next effort!
Click to expand...
Particular this area may have been misinterpreted- not as dsd referring to a talented author and a call to action to see these things either written about or in a video format.. but interpreted instead as "these are thing author forgot to including making book bad"
Further dsd said "glad to see he has started he’s intending to focus on the art and not on himself." Which although I interpret as "I am happy to see an unbiased view" may have been interpreted as "this author/artist is too focused on himself and not the art as a whole"

(Sorry for the @ dsd)

Unformed and curiously reading through this post that is at least what I see that most likely resulted in the authors rather large justification and apparent frustration? But again language is strange and often left to interpretation leading to many misunderstandings, perhaps they have had some feud on a thread yet unseen by i and this is yet a continuation of that?

Perhaps not unlike myself the author is up at say 2:30 approx and decided to over think and rant
 
"this author/artist is too focused on himself and not the art as a whole"

I thought this was a compliment of Rick and a criticism of maybe Ryan Neil.

The only reason I know why some things are not in Rick's book is because Rick plans a second one, because DSD told me that. Otherwise, I might have criticized some parts of the book as well. I assume DSD was correct on that point, right...

DSD has posted several times here "Look this new book, here is the link, go buy it." I believe because he did so often, he felt the need to also point out some of the weaknesses, because people are buying the book based on his recommendations.
 
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I'm in the UK and actively promote Rick's work and book to others with satsuki, after it was referred to me by, you guessed it DSD

Screenshot_20241130_100902_Chrome.jpg

I believe Mr. Garcia has misinterpreted the post by DSD and sir if I may be so bold as to offer some advice,

you would be better to ignore comments entirely as I really enjoy the start of your channel and would hate to see you drop it because your ego has been injured when real negative comments appear on one of your videos, not something you have to try to find offence in such as this post, but actual unveiled pure hate and trolling, which sadly is part of the Internet especially mainstream social media such as YouTube comments sections.

DSD has always spoke very positively of your work, especially your fall work/ winter prep

And when he has used your techniques on trees in his posts he even gives you credit for it,

I really deeply believe you owe him an apology for coming here to speak about him like this.
 
Themilkyway said:
I agree. It is the definitive book on Satsuki azalea bonsai mainly because it is modern, clear and concise.

I hear that he is working on a second book with more intermediate/ advanced techniques. I am hoping to see more on wiring, styling and design as these topics seem to be missing from the first book.

I also hope he talks about how to do cuttings/flower selection to correctly propagate in one of his future videos or future books. It seems to be more nuanced than “just take cuttings of the white ones”.
Click to expand...
Oh man. I think DSD was mainly addressing my incorrect use of the word “definitive” here. I agree that saying definitive was not accurate in this situation here. I think this was the source of the misunderstanding here.

Wish I can lock this thread now. But I request that we keep this thread on topic going forward which is about recognition and praise of Mr Rick Garcia’s new YouTube channel, Satsuki Bonsai Demystified
 
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