#35 Randy Knight

In this engaging episode, Jeremiah Lee interviews Randy Knight, a renowned bonsai collector, about his journey into the world of bonsai, the evolution of his customer base, and the intricacies of collecting diverse tree species. Randy shares valuable insights into the differences between Rocky Mountain Junipers and Sierra Junipers, the challenges of collecting Utah Junipers, and the importance of building strong relationships with customers. Randy also dives into the challenges of growing various tree species, the critical role of proper aftercare, and highlights from his personal collection. He emphasizes the importance of community within the bonsai world and reflects on his future aspirations, including mentorship and refining his techniques. The conversation rounds out with discussions on his interests outside of bonsai, fitness tips for outdoor work, and the joy of exploring and connecting with nature. Randy Knight's email address: [email protected]  Chapters (00:00:00) - Peter T. Bonsai(00:02:19) - Bonsai Collecting in the Rocky Mountains(00:08:23) - John Eads on Bonsai(00:11:34) - What kind of trees are you selling?(00:19:24) - How to Buy a Bonsai Tree From Me(00:27:59) - Meet the Bonsai People(00:28:21) - How to care for an ancient juniper tree(00:32:08) - Rocky Mountain Junipers vs Sierra Junipers(00:38:03) - How to find yamadori trees in the Rocky Mountains(00:42:11) - Do Pines Have Corkscrew Trees?(00:46:09) - Sierra Junipers vs Utah Junipers(00:48:27) - Rocky Mountain, Utah junipers in bonsai(00:55:11) - Trees grow in sandstone and basalt(00:55:46) - Do You Know Every Tree in Oregon?(00:59:24) - Bonsai 101: Collecting Trees(01:05:04) - Mountain Mahogany and Manzanita Trees(01:10:55) - Bob Marai's Bonsai Trees(01:15:49) - Do You Have A Tree Collection?(01:17:33) - Keep a Tree or Sell It?(01:22:21) - Bonsai at the(01:24:20) - Bigger than a caribou(01:25:35) - Randy Hayworth on His Hobby Hunting(01:29:55) - Honoring the dead(01:34:50) - Sen. Rand Paul on His Dog(01:35:01) - Lodge Poles in the Sierras(01:38:55) - How to Get Prepared for the Mountains(01:43:06) - How long do you travel on a bonsai trip?(01:49:05) - Rocky Mountains Tree Recuperation(01:54:45) - How to screen pumice from trees(01:57:47) - Bob Yamadori on Leaving a Legacy(02:04:28) - Randy Knight on Tree Collection