Shows
A Bonsai Side Quest42. Growing in Our Own Repotting FilthIn this episode, Hugh and Jarryd share their upcoming repotting season anticipation, preparation work, and woes from mistakes past. They dig into the nitty-gritty of soil substrates, chopsticks, moss, and much more.
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest
Are you stocked up on soils for the repotting season? See our premium substrates from Tree Makers - https://treemakers.com.au/store-all/substrates
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai ht...2025-07-161h 21A Bonsai Side Quest41. Trees That Have SoulHugh is back from a client trip 'across the ditch', making trees in some of New Zealand’s top bonsai garages, and Jarryd is deep in proud dad bonsai mode, with students studying at his garden. In this episode full of catch-ups and predictable detours, the two reflect on a surprising truth: bonsai isn't as patient as it's made out to be; it’s actually quite busy. After several rounds of beer, the conversation finally lands on the key question: what defines a tree as having "soul"?
Love the podcast? You can support us here and...2025-07-011h 45A Bonsai Side Quest40. Top 20 Natives Finale: the Hottest Specimens of AustraliaIn this episode, Jarryd and Hugh finally accomplish the long-awaited finale of the top 20 Australian native species for bonsai. Sample side quests include: life updates, snow, and hot tips on paperbark species bark removal.
Hugh's picks - Banksia Integrifolia, Melaleuca Nodosa
Jarryd's picks - Melaleuca Virens, runner up - Sassafras
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/
2025-06-151h 48A Bonsai Side Quest39. Recap on the AABC: All About Big ConvosThis week on A Bonsai Side-Quest, Hugh and Jarryd battle the sniffles and post-convention burnout as they hunker down at home, firewood chopped and fireplaces burning in the changing season. Still recovering from what they dub “convention COVID,” the duo digs into all things Canberra 2025 AABC—covering standout trees, winning displays, demonstrations, and display conventions. It’s a cosy, congested, and comprehensive recap you won’t want to miss.
2026 AABC Convention - https://aabcconvention2026.square.site/
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsais...2025-05-271h 47A Bonsai Side Quest38. The Gondwana Project with Harry LushIn this episode of A Bonsai Side-Quest, Jarryd and Hugh welcome Harry Lush—a passionate advocate for Australian native species and a dedicated bonsai enthusiast. Together, the guys all take a deep dive into the Nothofagus genus, exploring its ecological significance, traits, and aesthetics.
Additionally, Harry introduces his non-profit organisation 'The Gondwana Project', which aims to conduct research, bio-banking, education, and conservation projects, all aiming to understand, protect, and spread awareness about precious relic forests.
The Gondwana Project https://thegondwanaproject.org/
Love the podcast? You can support us here and...2025-05-1941 minA Bonsai Side Quest37. Australia's Top 20 Native Species - Part 4 & Still Going ...In continuation of the much-loved and never-ending series of "Australia's Top 20 Native Species" the boys come back to cover all of 2 epic species this round. Of course, they start with a delightful side-quest of bird watching and a recent Nothofagus Cunninghamii styling demo.
Hugh's pick - Banksia marginata
Jarryd's pick - Podocarpus lawrencei
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai...2025-05-1259 minA Bonsai Side Quest36. Solid Stomps - Returning from our HoneymoonThey're back! After some time off the radar, the guys return with big news and bigger stories. Hugh tied the knot, and not long after, he and Jarryd disappeared off the grid for a private honeymoon hike (not with Hugh's wife, just the two boys). Now reunited post-bucks party, they're catching up on everything from Jarryd’s time at the Bonsai by the Beach event, to dramatic new angle repots, and the standout moments from their annual autumn hike in the Tasmanian wilderness.
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a co...2025-05-031h 07A Bonsai Side Quest35. Australia’s Top 20 Natives - Part 3In this continuation of Australia’s top 20 natives for bonsai discussion, the guys only manage to cover 3 more (with a minimum of 5 side-quest species features)...
Jarryd’s picks: Huon pine, Woolly Tea Tree
Hugh:’s picks: Coastal Tea Tree
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/
Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/
2025-04-061h 23A Bonsai Side Quest34. Australia's Top 20 Greatest Natives Hits ContinuedIn this episode, the guys spinulosa’d around, only getting to 5 more out of the top 20’s greatest hits of native species with many informational species side-quests. In continuation of Jarryd and Hugh's top 10 picks for bonsai material, here are the selections of this round:
Jarryd - Strawberry Pine, Varnished Gum
Hugh - Banksia Serrata, Blue Mountain Pine, Banksia Ericifolia
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Monta...2025-03-261h 46A Bonsai Side Quest33. Australia's Top 20 - But Only 7 of ThemIn this special episode of A Bonsai Side Quest, Hugh and Jarryd share their top 10 local native species for bonsai with plentiful insight of their experiences working with each. Of course, many side-quests derail them leading to only unveiling the first 7 in this episode.
Jarryd's picks: Tasmanian Pencil Pine, Nothofagus gunnii, Diselma archeri, and Nothofagus cunninghamii
Hugh's Picks: Black She-Oak, Kunzea Ambigua, and Port Jackson Fig
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://tr...2025-03-161h 39A Bonsai Side Quest32. Two Steps forward, then Seven Steps Forward.Looking at the onset of the autumn season, Jarryd and Hugh share their grievances of a hot summer and heat exhausted trees as well as their aspirations for styling as the heat reduces. Both are keen to jump into design season and their respective large styling projects. Repenting for their wiring sins and reflecting on overly-harsh self critique, they discuss the trials and tribulations of styling special trees. Lastly, they highlight work that you should partake on your garden at this time of year.
Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a...2025-03-0951 minA Bonsai Side Quest31. Trees that are Loved to DeathIn the peaking heat of summer, the guys whinge about hot winds, thirsty trees, and the need for tie downs and shade structures. Jarryd updates us on the fate of the previously discussed ancient Huon pine in Tasmania. The two delve into the topic of eco-tourism and the duality of needing to protect wild spaces and ancient trees while also making them more known in order to spark the passion to protect them. Now roughly one year into podcasting, Hugh and Jarryd reflect and thank their listeners for supporting them on this podcasting journey.
Love the podcast...2025-03-0346 minA Bonsai Side Quest30. If a Tree Burns in a Forest, Can You Hear it?While not wholly sure of the outcome of the Tassie wildfires, Jarryd and Hugh mourn for the potential loss of a deeply significant Huon pine in the Hammond River Grove. A tree they once visited on a hike together, they share the essence of the tree's presence and the value its age offered. Moving into lighter topics, they cover the early turnover to autumn this year, their partners, Hugh's upcoming wedding, and the wonderful successes of recent teaching experiences.
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai h...2025-02-161h 05A Bonsai Side Quest29. Garden Bedrocks Linked to HellAs gardens evolve, the guys hash out continued earthworks and landscaping desires in their respective spaces to offer optimal tree viewing in their landscapes. As always, Hugh and Jarryd first catch up over a meteorological chat, discussing the increased rain in their zones offering time to accomplish non-watering related work in the summer. They touch on the edgy subject of summer repots with specific species.
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/
Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.co...2025-02-161h 00A Bonsai Side Quest28. A Month Late to New Year’sA much-delayed New Year's episode with Hugh and Jarryd covers their intentions, aspirations, and focus for the coming year (which we are now 1/12 into). Jarryd shares recent garden hardscaping triumphs and mysterious, epic hikes. Hugh shares about biodiversity in his new garden and plans for greater productivity within his practice and garden. They speak of the importance of time allocated for pursuing personal practice in the coming year.
Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/
Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/
Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media htt...2025-02-021h 04A Bonsai Side Quest27. My Hardiness is Temperate and MildIn this episode, the guys dig into the unique world of Australian plant hardiness zones; they discuss the layout of Australian climatic zones in comparison to the northern hemisphere. This is discussed with the consideration of specialised care for species based on an individual practitioner's location. Hugh and Jarryd also catch up on holiday plans, the weather challenges of the week, and work life balance before diving into the Australian National Botanic Gardens map and what that means as a bonsai practitioner and grower -
https://www.anbg.gov.au/gardens/research/hort.research/zones.html
2025-01-051h 32A Bonsai Side Quest26. From Stick in a Pot to Something Hot with John KeelyFor this episode, Jarryd and Hugh are joined by John Keely, who is in town visiting Hugh's garden in the Blue Mountains. They chat about the Canberra bonsai scene, Keely's launch into his bonsai journey, greenhouses, and natives collection. Keely highlights where we often all start—with a stick in a pot.
2024-12-2353 minA Bonsai Side Quest25. What Foliage have you Stroked this WeekHugh returns from his Queensland trip and recaps his work at Tondoon Botanic Gardens, which leads to discussions of the upkeep of refinement work, the concept of state-recognized public bonsai collections, and a side quest of species gossip.
2024-12-101h 41A Bonsai Side Quest24. Australian Bonsai: More than a Rusty NailDrinking beers, the guys share stories of watching storms on weather apps for possible watering relief. Surrounded by the sounds of a hot summer's cicadas, Hugh and Jarryd go into an in-depth exploration of Australian bonsai as a greater understanding of cultural representation. With ceramics, compositions, artistic styles, and an epic history lesson side-quest, they probe a deeper understanding of the art form of their country.
2024-12-012h 15A Bonsai Side Quest23. If You Did Aftercare Like UsThis episode is filled with discussions around the topic of broadleaf-evergreen collecting including notions around aftercare and a smattering of scientific names with questionable pronunciations. The guys share what they have been up to with recent journeys in the Capertee Valley and Arthur Range, which eventually spirals into the true side-quest: lobsters, shrimp, and yabbie distinction.
Tree Makers Design https://treemakers.com.au/
Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/
2024-11-211h 18A Bonsai Side Quest22. I Should Be FertilisingThe push and pull of spring work is in full swing for Jarryd and Hugh in their gardens. Using watering and fertilising as the throttle, and pinching and pruning to put on the breaks. They also discuss intentional bark pealing on some Australian species, growth management directing refinement, and the success of the advancements of Australian bonsai.
2024-11-101h 15A Bonsai Side Quest21. The Value in Attending Events and of Vintage Fired DirtAfter a long hiatus of what was supposed to be a weekly podcast… Hugh and Jarryd return! Appreciating a rainy spring and entering the growth season, they cover garden updates. Hugh recaps the Canberra Club show and good timed catching up with Grant Bowie and Sam Thompson. The guys share nostalgia for the late AusBonsai market and share news and excitement for both the upcoming 2025 AABC Convention in Canberra and the 2025 Bonsai Open. They reflect on how bonsai shows, much like trees, take time to develop and mature, and how the maturation process improves any subject - tree or bo...2024-10-211h 01A Bonsai Side Quest20. Ryan Neil - An Asymmetrical Side QuestIn this episode Hugh, Jarryd, and Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai catchup together to discuss everything bonsai. They each explore how they represent their native landscape through bonsai and discuss the deep, often challenging journey of finding meaning through this art form. With insights into the evolving culture of bonsai in Australia, this conversation offers a rich dive into bonsai culture in Australia currently. This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion with these three passionate bonsai professionals from different sides of the world.
This podcast episode is a collaboration with Asymmetry by Bonsai Mirai.
2024-09-152h 09
Bonsai Mirai: AsymmetryAustralian Bonsai: A Conversation with Hugh Grant and Jarryd BaileyWe finally connect with Hugh Grant of TreeMakers Design and Jarryd Bailey of Montane Bonsai, two leading voices in the Australian bonsai scene. Together, they explore how they represent their native landscape through bonsai and discuss the deep, often challenging journey of finding meaning through this art form. With insights into the evolving culture of bonsai in Australia, this conversation offers rich inspiration for bonsai enthusiasts. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion with three passionate bonsai professionals.
Connect with them:
A Bonsai Side Quest Podcast
TreeMakers Design
Mo...2024-09-112h 09A Bonsai Side Quest19. Setting Roots and Excavation TemptationAfter a little hiatus, Hugh shares his big news - Treemakers is moving to a permanent location! With a recent visit from Jarryd, the boys began breaking ground on the new garden, building out a future space for the expansion of Australian bonsai. Exhausted by repotting season and the simultaneous big move, the two share excitement, but also physical drain from this demanding season.
2024-09-0833 minA Bonsai Side Quest18. Budlife with Annie HuangIn this episode, our guest Annie Huang tells us about Budlife, a seasonal magazine which focuses on the culture and communities surrounding plants. An eloquent and fascinating person, Annie shares her story and the origins of her publication and how it relates to bonsai. A side-quest of an episode itself, Annie interviews both Hugh and Jarryd on the origins of the podcast, and the plans and purpose of its future. They discuss the definition of bonsai as art, engaging in social media as bonsai practitioners, and how we present bonsai in formal settings. More often than not, in a...2024-08-181h 52A Bonsai Side Quest17. New Zealand Wildling FolkloreAs Hugh returns from New Zealand, the boys catch up on their recent going-ons and the shift in seasonal work. With the vast array of native New Zealand species on Hugh's mind, the two chat about New Zealands "wildling" collecting, and local species opportunities from the island neighbour. Hybridisation and grafting opportunities in Nothfagus gunnii come to mind as they discuss the viability of this allusive species. Now in the midst of repotting, the two look towards the vast array of projects to get underway. As the clock ticks, the time narrows for spring work as deciduous trees already...2024-08-0441 minA Bonsai Side Quest16. Winter Musings on SustainabilityUnpruned beards and unpruned tree roots await Hugh and Jarryd in their gardens while they push through the craze of winter and the beginning of the repotting season. In this episode, the discussion of sustainability is raised around technique, design of the tree and the long term handling of roots. They discuss there experience in determining when, and more importantly when not to do, while catering to species specifics and the development of each tree. The two share the triumph of watching trees evolve into refinement, and the balance of sustainably taking care of their human selves while tending...2024-07-271h 21A Bonsai Side Quest15. The Amount of Time that Time PresentsWith the quickly impending springtime, Hugh and Jarryd share the work they have been cramming into the season. With the bustle of client work, the time for personal projects gets tucked into contemplative midnight dates in the freezing Winter weather. Further growing their artist's statements, they weigh up what it would mean to operate on a more focused line of work, returning to an emphasis on local trees and aesthetics. In understanding the lifetime it takes to create a body of work, they discuss the need for an intergenerational duty of care for trees both old and new.
2024-07-201h 23A Bonsai Side Quest14. Bonsai, A Silent Voice in the Conversation2024-07-131h 22A Bonsai Side Quest13. Will Fletcher - Belittler of Tasmanian TreesIn this guest episode, Will Fletcher sits down with Jarryd and Hugh to share his long history of working with Tasmanian native trees for bonsai. As a major contributor to Australian bonsai, Will's nurseries Plants of Tasmania and later Island Bonsai, broke ground in determining which local tree species are reliable staples for bonsai cultivation.
2024-06-151h 04A Bonsai Side Quest12. Whip, Snip, and Blow CrewThis week, we are in real-time as Jarryd and Hugh share life updates before Jarryd heads off the grid for an extended boating expedition. They talk about working landscape trees, approaching gardening through the lens of a bonsai education, and drawing out the design process. They share their experiences of how to teach beginners and some inside thoughts on running a collection versus a garden that vends. Lastly, they wrap it up with Hugh’s recent visit to Brisbane for the AABC National Bonsai Convention.
2024-06-091h 09A Bonsai Side Quest11. A Sea of Green and GoldFinishing their action-packed reflection on the month of April, Hugh and Jarryd pick back up after the Bonsai Open and the tree sale hosted at TreeMakers with field-grown trees from Jarryd's adolescence. They then dive deep into their annual epic autumn hike to see the changing colour of the Fagus somewhere in the wilderness of Tassie. Filled with side quests and rambles a plenty, the two praise their time in nature honouring some of Australia's most ancient trees despite all the strife and hardship of snow, rain, and cold.
2024-06-021h 27A Bonsai Side Quest10. Ric Roberts - Commander Curly RicJarryd and Hugh interview Australian bonsai legend Ric Roberts, who is now 88 and likely practicing bonsai for over 60 years. Ric shares stories from his long practice since the 1960s and his role in the ever-evolving bonsai culture in the Sydney region. Ric is now creating a garden on the Central Coast called Unryu-En. Here he is building a space to share and preserve the legacy of his collection. Supporter Jason Pomfret also joins in as he helps to usher in the new era of Ric's work through Unryu-En.
2024-05-2552 minA Bonsai Side Quest9. Cracking Open the OpenAt Jarryd's house in Tasmania, Jarryd and Hugh are no longer in the podcast recording time machine - we are all caught up to the present day with reflections on the recent Bonsai Open in the Central Coast!
2024-05-181h 45A Bonsai Side Quest8. Campfire of Tree BonesAfter sharing a haunted American hotel experience, Jarryd and Hugh drift into conversations about tree tourism in the US, New Zealand, and Chile. Coming to the end of the hot summer, they reflect on a work-life balance... that is more asymmetrical than symmetric. They share a beckoning to nature through camping, campfires, and the idea of genetic memory from ancestry being tied to geography.
2024-05-1147 minA Bonsai Side Quest7. Eucalypts on the LooseAs Jarryd and Hugh end the growth season in late January 2024, they talk about geographic flora boundaries and the vast physical differences between Southern and Northern hemisphere species affecting the approach to bonsai worldwide. Digging into native Australian species, broadleaf-evergreen physiology is explored, and the validity of shrubs in the bonsai form.
2024-05-041h 28A Bonsai Side Quest6. Small Trees Big DreamsIt's December 31 of 2023 and Hugh and Jarryd reflect on their year and share future aspirations for their bonsai, hikes, garden design, and overall business approach as two professional bonsai practitioners. As with any art form that becomes employment, they struggle with the fine line between delivering their art, but also the commodifying and consumer end of the work. Coffee and beer usher in the new year!
2024-04-271h 37A Bonsai Side Quest5. Dead Trees are Trees TooIn this throwback episode recorded in late 2023, Hugh and Jarryd share the exhaustion of the growth ramping up in the early summer season. They talk growth management of pines and eucalyptus, and the simultaneous battle against grass and weed growth. They also share some of their favorite tree personalities, tanuki dreams, and the trials of dreaded bark borers.
2024-04-201h 02A Bonsai Side Quest4. 50 Shades of GreenHugh and Jarryd stumble through the wonders of podcast technical difficulties recording from their respective homes in the Blue Mountains and Tasmania. They chat about collected pine aftercare, the signs of a tree's declining health post-collection, South African akadama's advantages and disadvantages, and growth patterns after repotting.
2024-04-131h 25A Bonsai Side Quest3. Indestructable Ficus - the OG Australian YamadoriVisiting one another in the Blue Mountains, Jarryd and Hugh reflag on the inspiring native lower canopy for kusamono design, breaking norms and misconceptions about the art form. They then delve into some history of yamadori collecting of native species in Australia, in particular Ficus . Visiting trees in nature naturally brings them to sharing stories of tree climbing and the thrill of the unknown while sticking your hands into nooks to continue the climb. Lastly, they share some stories of the most indstructible ficuses they have met, and how this effects the choice trees of practice for Asutralian bonsai...2024-04-0350 minA Bonsai Side Quest2. Displaying my Dead PrivetIn this episode, Jarryd and Hugh chat about hikes in the bush and the Australian native species they encounter. They also highlight the importance of your local club and the critiques they share, even if it means facing some failures to be able to learn and grow. They also discuss tree exhibitions and the opportunities for the approach to display in these public spaces.
2024-04-032h 13
A Bonsai Side Quest1. Frozen Socks Hiking in the Cheyne RangeJarryd and Hugh initiate their first podcast recording after a 4-day brutally cold yet stunning backpacking trip in the Tasmanian Wilderness. Buggered yet gleefully giddy on beers, the two reflect on their trip and the renewed bonsai inspiration to come from it.
2024-03-2945 min
Bonsai Time Podcast14 - Aussie Natives and Bonsai as Art with Hugh GrantIn today's interview, we had the honor of hosting Hugh Grant from Australia who came on to share his story and thoughts on the evolution of bonsai in Australia and around the World. Hugh explained how his background as an art student led him to study at Bonsai Mirai and shapes how he thinks about modern bonsai displays. Hugh also taught Ryan and Kevin about the diversity of Australian ecosystems and the native trees there which make for decent bonsai once you learn their quirks! Hope you enjoy and get as much out of this talk as we did.
2023-05-162h 09Bonsai Mirai: AsymmetryHugh GrantIn this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is proud to announce a new Mirai Live educator and Australian bonsai professional Hugh Grant. As the founder and creative force behind Tree Makers Bonsai, Hugh teaches outstanding technical and aesthetically driven bonsai concepts with reference to native Australian species. As a long-time friend of Bonsai Mirai, Hugh joins us to share his unparalleled understanding on Australian bonsai culture that is soon to come to Mirai Live.
To learn more about Hugh Grant and Tree Makers Bonsai go to https://www.treemakers.net/
2021-04-022h 17
Lunch Ladies Book ClubLunch Ladies Book Club: Episode 35 - The Treemakers (Part 3 of 3)The Lunch Ladies Book Club (Shelly, Ashley and Mimzie) read and review The Treemakers by Christina L. Rozelle. Did they like it? Did they agree or disagree about it? Find out by listening! Part 3 of 3 This week's episode sponsored by Subculture Corsets & Clothing2018-01-161h 11
Lunch Ladies Book ClubLunch Ladies Book Club: Episode 34 - The Treemakers (Part 2 of 3)The Lunch Ladies Book Club (Shelly, Ashley and Mimzie) read and review The Treemakers by Christina L. Rozelle. Did they like it? Did they agree or disagree about it? Find out by listening! Part 2 of 3 This week's episode sponsored by Subculture Corsets & Clothing2018-01-0959 min
Lunch Ladies Book ClubLunch Ladies Book Club: Episode 33 - The Treemakers (Part 1 of 3)The Lunch Ladies Book Club (Shelly, Ashley and Mimzie) read and review The Treemakers by Christina L. Rozelle. Did they like it? Did they agree or disagree about it? Find out by listening! Part 1 of 3 This week's episode sponsored by Subculture Corsets & Clothing2018-01-021h 16
How to Grab Full Audiobook in Teens, Romance & FriendshipThe Last City by Logan Keys | Free AudiobookListen to full audiobooks for free on :https://hotaudiobook.com/freeTitle: The Last City
Author: Logan Keys
Narrator: Rhiannon Angell
Format: Unabridged
Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
Language: English
Release date: 03-07-16
Publisher: Logan
Genres: Teens, Romance & Friendship
Summary:
She's a prisoner with a secret gift. He's a soldier with a monster locked inside. Now they will decide if humanity is worth the fight.
"With flavors of The 5th Wave and Lu's Legend, seasoned with a bit of Marvel-type superhero magic and mayhem, two normal teens go from average to extra-ordinary, following the wake of a series of cataclysmic events...2016-03-078h 47