About me:
Hello and thank you for visiting my site which is dedicated to the wonderful art and craft of Bonsai. My name is Jeremiah Lee and I'm a bonsai enthusiast, tree collector and trunk grower living in San Luis Obispo County, CA.
I have a tremendous passion/boarder line obsession for Bonsai. I became interested in 2008 and feel very fortunate to have been referred to Peter Tea, who became my first teacher and who I still work with today. I'm honored to have shown and won an award at the US National and Pacific Bonsai Expo and done short term visiting apprenticeship at Aichi-En Bonsai Nursery in Japan. In 2023, I started a Bonsai podcast call The Black Pondo Podcast where I interview and chat with interesting people form the Bonsai community. I would love to hear from you, get your feedback and your help. You can leave a comment or you can email me at: jeremiah@leebonsai.com or we can connect on Facebook @JeremiahLeeBonsai or Instagram @JLee_Bonsai. Thank you for checking out my site!
Jeremiah,
I live in San Diego and I am looking to go on an expedition of my own to collect a California Juniper or possibly another species if something catches my eye. Do you have any suggestions on general locations that would be a good start? I was thinking Cleveland National Forest, because it was close. I am not sure what’s the best approach. Could use some guidance here.
Thanks.
Hi Tyler,
Thanks for checking out my blog. Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about Cleveland National Forest. I might suggest joining some of the local clubs and making connections for collecting that way. Another thing you could try is contacting Lotus Bonsai up in Nor Cal. I think they take a group collecting every year. May sure to get permits before going and good luck!
thanks
Hello Jeremiah,
I just took up a major interest in bonsai over the last few months. I would like to get some type of formal training and live in Turlock Ca.
I can not seem to find any info on bonsai for the area I live in. Any suggestions for my area. Also was wondering if you new of any good areas to collect in my area. I am only an hour or less away from the Stanislaus National Forest. I sure enjoyed your pics and blog.
Kind Regards, Rick
Hi Rick,
Glad you have taken a major interest and thanks for taking a look at my blog, I really appreciate it. Joining one of the local clubs would be a good idea if you have not already, I know there’s an active group in Fresno and Sacramento. I would also highly recommend one of the following Teachers in CA if you are really interested in improving your skills.
Boon-Bay Area, CA
http://www.bonsaiboon.com/
Peter Tea- Sacramento Area, CA
https://peterteabonsai.wordpress.com/
Unfortunately, finding out location and how to get a permit is a huge part of the collecting process and one that’s i’ve spent countless hours looking into. I can recommend that you check out Golden Arrow Bonsai for some good info on how to collect and permits. One tip is to start buy joining a club and paying someone to take you collecting. Best of luck to you!
Thanks Jeremiah so much for getting back to me so quickly.
Spring time is coming soon and I can’t wait to start this new adventure in my live. I definitely will seek proper training before ever attempting to take specimens from the wild. I have spent all my life hunting and fishing the mountains of California and look forward to having a little piece of that at home. BUT FIRST! The thirst of knowledge goes on….
Thank you,
Rick
Hi Jeremiah,
My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Yenling Bonsai has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 75 Bonsai Blogs on the web.
http://blog.feedspot.com/bonsai_blogs/
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 75 Bonsai Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.
Best,
Anuj
Jeremiah,
I work for Firestone Walker Barrelworks and I love your work! Keep representing the Central Coast so well, you are inspiring .
Cheers,
Ryan Putney @beerjitsu
Appreciate the nice words Ryan! Love Barrelworks too by the way.
You motivate me to clean up my shovel…gonna need some help with that Dragon tree!
I like the frogs but I only want one if anyone inquires about buying only one let me know. I’d take the other.
please send me your email address. would like to send you some photos and talk
Hey Jeremiah! I’m actually up in Paso, not far from you. Do you know of any local clubs near here? I saw there’s one in Santa Maria, but any idea if there’s anything closer? Thanks in advance!
Hey Rob, I’m not sure:( There is definitely an active club in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz, but they might be the closest. I’m not sure if the Santa Maria club is still active or not. George Muranaka of Muranaka Bonsai in Nipomo would know. I do know of a few hardcore enthusiasts in SLO County that are trying to put a club together. I can message you on Instagram those people’s names if you would like.