The start of my bonsai journey had a core focus, absorb as much knowledge as possible and approach my learning in environments that were accessible to me and that continually allowed me to learn valuable lessons. This was my initial apprenticeship. Money or the making of a sustainable income was never prioritised.

A few years ago when faced with the dreaded task of weeding, be it in a garden space, driveway or native wetlands area, the first thing that would come to mind is; where is the finish line, when am I done and why am I doing this!?

It took a couple of years for me to realise: I will never be done, there is no finish line and the only thing I need to focus on is the weed in front of me. When the day or allotted time is up, the task is paused and will continue again.

Pursuing bonsai requires discipline and a lot of it! Many of the tasks that bonsai demands of us are repetitive, either day in day out or season after season. However if our approach is forged in the understanding that there is no end, the tasks are infinite and everything we do is for the continuation of our relationship between ourselves and our trees, then the journey can be enjoyed so much more as the pressure of finishing is removed.

Having this fundamental knowledge also allows you to formulate plans/ create building blocks for your trees and carry out those tasks on them concisely and confidently.

It’s summer here in New Zealand, there’s no shortage of weeds. A small challenge to you: set a timer even for 15 minutes and go out and weed. Focus solely on that task and resist the urge to see if you finished an area or the need to see if the time was nearly up.

Bonsai requires craft and artistry, but also discipline.

Happy weeding!