In recent years Hornbeams have grown in appreciation within the bonsai realm. Yet, the more we love them, the fewer we see of them. This, like many topics, has been bouncing around the workshop at Mirai lately. So, on a recent calm afternoon, Brandon, Brock, and Ryan seized the moment to commemorate their thoughts and explore the topic.

What came from their conversation was a breakdown of Hornbeam evolution and prevalence in the Kokufu. From discussing the merits, the levels, and the aesthetics of the Kokufu’s most interesting Korean Hornbeam through the years to equal parts gossip and bonsai theology, their conversation ranged wide and far. They even squeezed in a fall wrap-up for good measure.

Follow along in your Kokufu books and take a deep dive into the world of Korean Hornbeams and a summary of the fall happenings at Mirai. Enjoy the listen!

To learn more about growing Hornbeam Mirai Live has you covered. First week is on us.

There’s getting to know someone for the first time and the unveiling of personal stories and background that come with introductions; call it a familiarization of sorts. And then there are discussions with old friends and familiar faces where you pick up where you left off and continue to evolve the conversation.

We recently had the opportunity to be a guest on one of our favorite bonsai podcasts, Bonsai Time, hosted by Kevin Faris and Ryan Houston. Kevin goes back a long way with Mirai and has dove deep into bonsai in North America through his experience as well as through his podcast. We knew the conversation would go places other podcasts don’t and Kevin and Houston would ask questions of Ryan perhaps other podcasters might not have the familiarity or comfort level to discuss. The boys at Bonsai Time did not disappoint. From family and life outside of bonsai to the depths of Ryan’s experiences as an apprentice, a professional, and the bonsai community at large the podcast winds seamlessly through the many aspects of living bonsai as a lifestyle and all the bumps along the way. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

If you haven’t listened the Bonsai Time be sure to check them out here. Subscribe and support their mission to continue shining light on all the good people and positive stories that exist inside this weird and wacky endeavor of bonsai in North America. We are excited for you all to have a listen and enjoy!

On a recent trip to the East Coast to retrieve the last of the original Kingsville Boxwoods grown for bonsai in the fields of Shanti Bithi, one of the most iconic bonsai operations in North America, we sat down with Jerome and Durdam Rocherolle. Built from the ground up by Jerome and his wife Carol, Shanti Bithi blended beauty, hardwork, and passion into a spiritual existence that opened the door for generations of people to find bonsai through the Rocherolle family’s heartfelt pursuit.

Guided by the teachings and mediative practice of spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, Jerome and his son Durdam share an intimate look at their story and their life lived at Shanti Bithi. Translated as The Path of Peace, the bucolic image of Shanti Bithi graced the back cover of Bonsai Today magazine for over 20 years, gifting practitioners with a glimpse of the beauty the bonsai lifestyle can bring. However, no single image can compare to the beauty of the Rocherolle’s story and how their life lived in service of their trees built a deep connection with the natural world that transcends the complexity of modern life.

From the world of perfume, to ultra marathons, and all the bonsai in between, our talk with Jerome and Durdam will go down as one of the most influential and impactful conversations we have had on Asymmetry.

Enjoy!

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