Walter Pall
Masterpiece
Bonsai Empire did it again - The new Suzuki Masterclass is available here::
https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses/suzuki-masterclass
Critique of Lecture 1 - Suzuki and Vallejo Masterclass
This critique was prepared by Walter Pall with the assistance of Jennifer Price.
This lecture by Mr Shinji Suzuki and Mr. Luis Vallejo is a must-watch for anyone planning to place bonsai in their garden, whether it’s just a few trees or a large collection. It offers a fresh perspective for those who are committed to Japanese aesthetics as well as those interested in creating a Western-style garden that incorporates bonsai.
The course begins with an impressive display of a bonsai collection.
The lecture opens with a comprehensive yet easily understandable theory of bonsai garden design—a pleasant surprise. Most viewers might have expected guidance on how to position bonsai trees next to each other, but it goes far beyond that. The focus is on viewing your bonsai garden in the same way you’d view the interior of your home. Placing bonsai trees in a garden is very different from arranging them in a bonsai museum and even more then placing them in a bonsai nursery.
While the aesthetics and ideas lean heavily on Japanese principles, there is much to learn about creating a garden that fits a more Western style. There should be a flow, starting with stones, grass, and water features, followed by lighter trees, then progressing to more impressive ones, before giving the viewer a "break." After that, the most striking trees are displayed, ending with a calming, lighter finish. The aim is to leave the viewer with the impression that "bonsai is amazing and delightful."
Mr Suzuki shows a remarkable attention to detail and talks about garden design more extensively than any other Japanese master I’ve heard. He explains that while he uses Japanese elements and trees to tell a Japanese story, the same principles can be applied to design a garden that reflects a local story in the U.S. or Europe. By learning the basics and putting in hard work, you can create a stunning bonsai garden without being a bonsai expert. Just as an interior designer can create a beautiful home without being a painter or carpenter, you can design a garden without being a great bonsai stylist.
In the second part of the lecture, the principles discussed are shown in action in an actual garden, with many useful tips on how and why these elements are applied.
Even in the greenhouse, the trees aren’t just placed on shelves as one might expect. The same design principles are used, and every little detail is carefully thought out to create a special experience for visitors.
Shohins (small bonsai) follow the same rules—although smaller and easier to handle, they are no exception to the overall aesthetic.
In general, Mr. Suzuki speaks more than expected and explains things in great, understandable detail. He makes it clear that Japanese design principles can be easily adapted to Western gardens.
Mr Luis Vallejo speaks about general garden design principles. A bonsai garden should be designed like a house, and it should complement the specific house it belongs to. Luis, a professional garden designer, conveys his expertise in a clear and accessible manner. His advice applies to any garden, not just those containing bonsai. Despite his professionalism, Luis’s explanations never go over the audience’s heads.
Choosing materials isn’t about money, but about taste. Keep it simple—wabi-sabi—not flashy or ostentatious. Avoid over-designing; maintain a natural look. The trees should be the focus, not the materials.
Selecting the right plants and materials is crucial for the final effect. Use plants that thrive in your garden and climate. While we admire Japanese aesthetics, we shouldn’t aim to replicate them exactly in the West. Instead, we should adapt them to suit our surroundings. Understand your garden's microclimate and work with it.
A bonsai garden is not a simple row of trees, nor is it a museum. Yet, like a museum, every detail should be carefully considered. Keep the garden simple, clear, and neat. The trees should be the stars, and everything else should be designed to highlight them. It’s a mistake to structure a garden like a nursery.
If you have a modern Western home, you shouldn’t create a traditional Japanese garden around it. A modern Western garden with Japanese influences might be more appropriate. Luis explains in detail how he would design a garden around an existing building. This advice is valuable for any homeowner, not just bonsai enthusiasts.
In this section, Mr. Suzuki demonstrates how to display bonsai and suiseki in a traditional tokonoma setting. He adheres to strict Japanese traditions but also offers suggestions for bonsai enthusiasts in the West who may want to create their own display style.
The lecture concludes with two special segments showcasing the collections of Mr. Suzuki and Mr. Vallejo in their entirety. Though we’ve seen these trees before, they are now presented together with quiet, pleasant music—an excellent way to end the session.
This lecture is a fantastic addition to the regular bonsai design content we’ve seen before. Many subtle topics were addressed that we hadn’t heard about previously. It’s an eye-opener on garden design and offers valuable insights for anyone interested in garden design, even if bonsai is not the focus.
As always, Bonsai Empire delivers outstanding professional video quality, and this is the best I’ve seen. Bravo, Oscar!
https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses/suzuki-masterclass
Critique of Lecture 1 - Suzuki and Vallejo Masterclass
This critique was prepared by Walter Pall with the assistance of Jennifer Price.
Verdict:
This lecture by Mr Shinji Suzuki and Mr. Luis Vallejo is a must-watch for anyone planning to place bonsai in their garden, whether it’s just a few trees or a large collection. It offers a fresh perspective for those who are committed to Japanese aesthetics as well as those interested in creating a Western-style garden that incorporates bonsai.
The course begins with an impressive display of a bonsai collection.
Bonsai Garden Aesthetics by Mr Shinji Suzuki :
The lecture opens with a comprehensive yet easily understandable theory of bonsai garden design—a pleasant surprise. Most viewers might have expected guidance on how to position bonsai trees next to each other, but it goes far beyond that. The focus is on viewing your bonsai garden in the same way you’d view the interior of your home. Placing bonsai trees in a garden is very different from arranging them in a bonsai museum and even more then placing them in a bonsai nursery.
While the aesthetics and ideas lean heavily on Japanese principles, there is much to learn about creating a garden that fits a more Western style. There should be a flow, starting with stones, grass, and water features, followed by lighter trees, then progressing to more impressive ones, before giving the viewer a "break." After that, the most striking trees are displayed, ending with a calming, lighter finish. The aim is to leave the viewer with the impression that "bonsai is amazing and delightful."
Mr Suzuki shows a remarkable attention to detail and talks about garden design more extensively than any other Japanese master I’ve heard. He explains that while he uses Japanese elements and trees to tell a Japanese story, the same principles can be applied to design a garden that reflects a local story in the U.S. or Europe. By learning the basics and putting in hard work, you can create a stunning bonsai garden without being a bonsai expert. Just as an interior designer can create a beautiful home without being a painter or carpenter, you can design a garden without being a great bonsai stylist.
In the second part of the lecture, the principles discussed are shown in action in an actual garden, with many useful tips on how and why these elements are applied.
Even in the greenhouse, the trees aren’t just placed on shelves as one might expect. The same design principles are used, and every little detail is carefully thought out to create a special experience for visitors.
Shohins (small bonsai) follow the same rules—although smaller and easier to handle, they are no exception to the overall aesthetic.
In general, Mr. Suzuki speaks more than expected and explains things in great, understandable detail. He makes it clear that Japanese design principles can be easily adapted to Western gardens.
Bonsai Garden Design by Luis Vallejo:
Mr Luis Vallejo speaks about general garden design principles. A bonsai garden should be designed like a house, and it should complement the specific house it belongs to. Luis, a professional garden designer, conveys his expertise in a clear and accessible manner. His advice applies to any garden, not just those containing bonsai. Despite his professionalism, Luis’s explanations never go over the audience’s heads.
Choosing materials isn’t about money, but about taste. Keep it simple—wabi-sabi—not flashy or ostentatious. Avoid over-designing; maintain a natural look. The trees should be the focus, not the materials.
Selecting the right plants and materials is crucial for the final effect. Use plants that thrive in your garden and climate. While we admire Japanese aesthetics, we shouldn’t aim to replicate them exactly in the West. Instead, we should adapt them to suit our surroundings. Understand your garden's microclimate and work with it.
A bonsai garden is not a simple row of trees, nor is it a museum. Yet, like a museum, every detail should be carefully considered. Keep the garden simple, clear, and neat. The trees should be the stars, and everything else should be designed to highlight them. It’s a mistake to structure a garden like a nursery.
If you have a modern Western home, you shouldn’t create a traditional Japanese garden around it. A modern Western garden with Japanese influences might be more appropriate. Luis explains in detail how he would design a garden around an existing building. This advice is valuable for any homeowner, not just bonsai enthusiasts.
Bonsai and Suiseki Display:
In this section, Mr. Suzuki demonstrates how to display bonsai and suiseki in a traditional tokonoma setting. He adheres to strict Japanese traditions but also offers suggestions for bonsai enthusiasts in the West who may want to create their own display style.
Final Thoughts:
The lecture concludes with two special segments showcasing the collections of Mr. Suzuki and Mr. Vallejo in their entirety. Though we’ve seen these trees before, they are now presented together with quiet, pleasant music—an excellent way to end the session.
This lecture is a fantastic addition to the regular bonsai design content we’ve seen before. Many subtle topics were addressed that we hadn’t heard about previously. It’s an eye-opener on garden design and offers valuable insights for anyone interested in garden design, even if bonsai is not the focus.
As always, Bonsai Empire delivers outstanding professional video quality, and this is the best I’ve seen. Bravo, Oscar!
