To close the loop here I went by Bonsai Nursery yesterday to ask what they use. The material is called charcoal breeze rock. I was able to get a sandbag full at Ewing Landscape Materials for less than $2. https://www.ewinghardscape.com/product/breeze-rock-charcoal/

Thanks Nicholas! I think I've decided my bonsai goal for the summer (or maybe the rest of the year) is to get watering right. So many ways to go wrong there, and it's so important.

Nice! I just got some sphagnum moss for air layering so I'll give this a try!

Thank you! I'll do some experimenting with these recommendations, and check to see if my fertilizer has humic acid. I recently got a Damm 1000PL Water Breaker® Nozzle, because it's supposed to be soft on my trees, but it has to be at such a high water pressure to work that it floods very easily. It just takes so long to water with my watering can. Are you finding window screens online? I've never had a reason to shop for those before.

Yes. That’s the one. Thank you!

Yes! Thank you! It's there now! Assuming you're the webmaster here, Evan. Would you be the right person to talk to about doing away with my account under my work email address?

I’m new too and I haven’t come across niwaki in my books yet, but I still have a lot to read. American Bonsai Society has some good books. Maybe one of theirs covers niwaki. https://bonsai.shopsettings.com/

Hi John. I just discovered this post and I’m interested in checking out what you have. If you are still intereste in having people check out the pots and books I’ll call to set up some time.

Awww! I didn’t know about that exchange. Is that a different group I should check out? You can reach me at 512 585 4819.

We can certainly do next weekend, @p.ayersmenk. Also, I’m not completely sure the best way to share contact information so we can connect outside the forum. I’ll check into that between now and then.

Hi Jen! I don’t have an answer to your question, but I’m interested to see what answers you get.

@Mike Horine I checked the site via a secure VPN ane it seemed to be fine. So, they’ve either fixed it, or the problem might be on your machine. might Be a good idea to make sure you’re in the clear either way. Then, I’m curious about the benefits of BCI membership. Is it just for the magazine?

@Pauline Ayers-Menk, I’ll happily take you up on some tile! 😁 I can come by just about any time this weekend. thanks so much for offering!

Good question! I’ve been looking around for tile someone might be getting rid of and I wasn’t sure what kind I might need. I was thinking something glazed so it wouldn’t hold water, but I really don’t know.

Makes sense and that's why I was asking. Thanks! Do you use the same kinds of pots Mike is recommending? I want to make sure and do my due diligence before spending.

Yep! That’s the one I was trying to link to. My 1-1-1 is akadama, lava and pumice. I’ll look into some mushroom compost too.

Thanks for the tips too, Mike! Two question: 1. Are these the pots you’re referring to? https://stuewe.com/product/aflat5/?v=7516fd43adaahttps://stuewe.com/product/aflat5/?v=7516fd43adaa 2. Would you recommend starting out with a 1-1-1 bonsai soil in those pots? Or would it be better to grow with something else?

Yeah! Thanks for the tip Mike! Ordered some Japanese Maples.

Okay! I got started compiling information over the weekend. Full transparency, I've copied over what the Portland Bonsai Society has as a starting place. At the moment, I have the "Quick Look" and "Detail" tabs going and I plan to get into the "Maintenance Schedule" this evening. Even as a novice, I can already see some of the date ranges in their recommendations don't align with what I've been told and what I've experienced here in Denver. It would be a great help if other members could review what I have and either leave notes in the Google doc or here in the forum so I can start adjusting the information to be helpful in our region.

Great! Thanks Mike! Thinking about it more we could also make it available as a download for iCal/Outlook/etc.. Then, a print version could showcase members' trees and work as a fundraising tool for RMBS.