#47 Sergio Cuan - M5 Bonsai Works - Bonsai Central Guest Artist

In this episode, Jeremiah Lee sits down with Sergio of M5 Bonsai Works for a wide-ranging conversation about bonsai, art, garden design, and the journey of becoming a serious practitioner. Sergio shares how his early fascination with plants eventually developed into a lifelong practice, how he taught himself bonsai through books, magazines, online resources, and working alongside other American bonsai artists, and how his background in art continues to influence his approach. They dive into Sergio’s personal style, designing and building his bonsai garden, creating a dedicated studio, managing light and shade, working with local stone, rock plantings, root grafting, and selecting Japanese maple cultivars that are well suited for bonsai. The conversation also explores the challenges and failures that come with experimentation, the difference between being a plant collector and a bonsai practitioner, developing trees for the long term, and knowing when it’s time to let a tree go. Jeremiah and Sergio also discuss the future of American bonsai, the importance of regional shows, display standards, workshops, and Sergio’s involvement with Bonsai Central. A thoughtful conversation about craft, creativity, horticulture, and what it takes to keep pushing bonsai forward in the U.S. ️ Featuring Sergio of M5 Bonsai Works Bonsai • Garden Design • Rock Plantings • Root Grafting • Japanese Maples • American Bonsai