New "Satsuki Bonsai Demystified" YouTube Channel

[leatherback]

I am looking forward to exploring this new channel!

 

[Paradox]

I agree with the assessment that Mr. Garcia has misinterpreted DSD's post as DSD has promoted and called attention to the book as a good book for those wanting to learn more about satsuki.

I don't care who writes what book, but unless it is God himself writing it, chances are you aren't going to agree with everything in any book, especially if you have any experience or knowledge in the topic.

I think Mr Garcia should change his forum name so it is more recognizable to who he is.

Lastly, @Deep Sea Diver
I'm jealous you're I'm Micronesia. I've dove Palau and loved it but never made it to Yap to see the mantas

 

[Canada Bonsai]

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!

I agree

I was lucky to have had advanced-access opportunity to review this book. My feedback to @fcrdaddy was clear: "My first impression is that you are not charging enough for this incredible product!" Since then I have continuously promoted this book extensively and freely on my social media accounts, website newsletter, and privately.

Nonetheless, I agree that the book is

by no means comprehensive nor, by any means, definitive.

This is not a critique, it is a true factual description of an object. It is also the sole reason why I chose not to become the canadian distributor for this edition. The book merits both expansion in some areas, and the addition of new areas. Whether that comes in the form of a 2nd edition, a 2nd book, or a series YouTube videos does not matter so much to me, though I would prefer a 2nd edition. I think there is an opportunity here for Rick's oeuvre to become comprehensive and definitive, and I hope that he seizes this opportunity in the years to come.

For anyone, a youtube channel is an excellent opportunity to explore topics and hone one’s category distinctions and manner of presentation. My only hope is that Rick will keep an open mind and benefit whenever possible from community engagement in the comment section.

In the meantime, Rick has already given us an incredible gift and I could not recommend more strongly that people grab themselves a copy and study it carefully.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Just got

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

Just returned from vacation to see this exceedingly lovely post.

My only thought is Wow, how incredibly disappointing to see this. I refuse to respond otherwise to comments of this sort. Here’s why.

When first as a viewer of BonsaiNut I observed the site rife with personal, vindictive, and unfair attacks of this sort. After six months, desperately in need of experienced advice, decided to sign in anyways, tough it out and help other like minded folks make this the most supportive bonsai site on the internet.

After a good number of years of effort, many of us like minded folks have successfully worked hard and create a kind, positive, helpful working space for folks to come in, seek advice, see various variations on techniques and progressions, display our work and be supported by others.

This remains my goal.

Cheers and Sega na leqa!
DSD sends

​

​

 

[Seany]

Excited to watch this, especially since Rick has a much more challenging climate for satsuki than the other English-speaking expert I know, Peter Warren (UK). I've watched countless hours of Japanese satsuki videos, but if you live in a different climate and take their advice at face value you will absolutely kill your tree.

These satsuki are so finicky about humidity, sunlight on their bark, etc. in Japan you can get away with pruning the entire tree and putting it out in the sun in May. If you do that in California you will kill your tree.

Etc.

 

[SgtPilko]

Well that escalated quickly... great that we can stay chilled as indeed this place did seem more abrasive a few years back.

Rick, love your stuff but think you got the wrong end of the stick there. Just for the record I only heard about and purchased your book because of DSDs mentions and recommendations, I think many more are the same.

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge both of you, peace and love!

 

[Jptango]

Does anybody have an idea as to how to get hold of a physical copy in the uk? My 3 year old daughter recently picked up an Azalea from Heron Bonsai and I came across the channel (excellent). We followed the flower removal video last week.

I’d like to get the book as one of her 4th birthday presents so we can use it as a reference throughout the year.

Thanks!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Gosh, best thing would be to contact Rick Garcia via his bonsai website and see if he can ship the book to you directly. It would be perfect for you and your daughter to work together and keep your tree alive.

Discover more information about our book - Suiko Press

A brand new book offering comprehensive guidance on satsuki bonsai, written for the English-speaking audience. Find little-known tips and techniques.

suikopress.com

All else fails I or one of us could purchase and ship upon arrival. yet that will be more costly and time consuming.

Otherwise there are many folks at BN capable of helping. @RoadManDenDron is in your neck of the woods

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Jptango]

Thanks DSD. I’ve tried through Rick’s website. If I have no joy I’ll check back in!

 

[Jptango]

Gosh, best thing would be to contact Rick Garcia via his bonsai website and see if he can ship the book to you directly. It would be perfect for you and your daughter to work together and keep your tree alive.

Discover more information about our book - Suiko Press

A brand new book offering comprehensive guidance on satsuki bonsai, written for the English-speaking audience. Find little-known tips and techniques.

suikopress.com

All else fails I or one of us could purchase and ship upon arrival. yet that will be more costly and time consuming.

Otherwise there are many folks at BN capable of helping. @RoadManDenDron is in your neck of the woods

Cheers
DSD sends

Hi DSD,

Unfortunately I haven’t heard anything back from Rick. I would be happy to pay for someone state-side to order and ship to me as well as pay for their effort and time. Do you know who would be best to reach out to?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

I can do this if all folks East aren’t able to do so (mitigate postal costs).

How about it @Paradox @rockm etc?

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Paradox]

The soft cover version of the book is $35.95 plus shipping to whomever is purchasing it. Then to ship to the UK would start at $17.95 minimum but would probably be more depending on weight. Can't give a definite price until it's weighed at the post office.

I'm going to guesstimate total cost could be as high as $70-$80 USD

Have you tried ordering it from the website?
Not sure if he ships books out of the US

 

[Orion_metalhead]

@Jptango If youd really like one, Message me and I can help. I am familiar with the customs process from years of tape trading. Probably something like a 25-30$ shipping fee to overseas now. Back in the 2010's it was 10-15... Last major package I sent to Peru was 86$ in shipping alone.

I will not charge you for anything other than the cost.

 

[Jptango]

Thanks both. Such a great and helpful community! Unfortunately they don’t ship outside the US and I didn’t get a response when I asked them for an exception. @Orion_metalhead I’ll send you a message.

Many thanks all

 

[Jptango]

@Orion_metalhead , sorry, as a new member with fewer than 10 posts I can’t actually direct message you! Are you able to message me to initiate the chat?

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

@Jptango If youd really like one, Message me and I can help. I am familiar with the customs process from years of tape trading. Probably something like a 25-30$ shipping fee to overseas now. Back in the 2010's it was 10-15... Last major package I sent to Peru was 86$ in shipping alone.

I will not charge you for anything other than the cost.

Awesome! I really appreciate you standing up and helping @Jptango!

Best
DSD sends

 

[Glaucus]

Rick Garcia does a 10 minute rant on 'satsuki trolls' and 'internet masters that want to protect their turf' while claiming he invented the distinction between narrow-leaf northern and round leaf southern varieties of satsuki, that no one before him has ever described this: "[my] book represents the first time this distinction has been detailed, anywhere."
Not Eiko Oide, in his 2008 book "The Azalea history as a traditional Japanese garden plant." Not Satsuki Kenkyu that published a monthly 120-page magazine for over 50 years. And surely no 'internet masters' ever mentioned this before Rick released his book. But nowadays, they all post HIS knowledge, stolen from his book, without giving him any credit.

Also, where are these satsuki trolls at? Are they on reddit? I must be missing out. If anyone knows what Rick is talking about, please let me know where I can join Rick and fight these trolls.

He does have some very nice videos where he does actual work on satsuki bonsai, though. So credit to him for those.
Just not sure why he felt the need to do a scripted 20 minute video defending himself from ghosts and attacking other people.

 

[fredman]

Uh Yeah, been there, done that....and subsequently I prefer to do my learning on Satsuki from this platform.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Im still considering buying his book... so I dont have to hear his uncomfortable voice in his videos.

 

[rockm]

Rick Garcia does a 10 minute rant on 'satsuki trolls' and 'internet masters that want to protect their turf' while claiming he invented the distinction between narrow-leaf northern and round leaf southern varieties of satsuki, that no one before him has ever described this: "[my] book represents the first time this distinction has been detailed, anywhere."
Not Eiko Oide, in his 2008 book "The Azalea history as a traditional Japanese garden plant." Not Satsuki Kenkyu that published a monthly 120-page magazine for over 50 years. And surely no 'internet masters' ever mentioned this before Rick released his book. But nowadays, they all post HIS knowledge, stolen from his book, without giving him any credit.

Also, where are these satsuki trolls at? Are they on reddit? I must be missing out. If anyone knows what Rick is talking about, please let me know where I can join Rick and fight these trolls.

He does have some very nice videos where he does actual work on satsuki bonsai, though. So credit to him for those.
Just not sure why he felt the need to do a scripted 20 minute video defending himself from ghosts and attacking other people.

I’ve met and talked with Rick. Found him to be pretty knowledgeable as well as pretty personable. I’ve also bought a pretty nice imported azalea from him that has been a great little addition to my backyard.

About don’t know the attacks he referring to but he deals with Japanese growers (who can be notoriously inward looking particularly to outsiders). That may be the source of what he talking about but I have no real idea.