As bonsai professionals we are often isolated in our own echo chamber and islands of thought working away on projects and the challenge of making a living at this obscure art form. That’s not to complain, the silent introspection of a personal practice and self-expression is one of the reasons pursuing a career in bonsai is so appealing. However, opportunities to collaborate and share in the experiences of living the bonsai life are far and few between. When a misstep on the most recent Behind the Branch episode lead Hugh Grant to step in and set the record straight it opened the door to a more in-depth discussion about bonsai as a lifestyle, the art and science that is inspiring us both, and the aspects of the bonsai profession only someone pushing the boundaries could identify with. What transpired was a very soulful discussion between two friends in opposite parts of the world bound by our common passion and mutual respect. To say it was a pleasure to sit down with Hugh for a few hours would be to underserve the delight of getting some focused time to speak with one of the people I respect most in the bonsai world. Sit back and enjoy a winding journey through modern life as a bonsai professional, and a little side quest into the world of Podocarpus just for good measure. Enjoy!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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