I liked your idea to put it on a flat of moss so it looks like it's an outside bench. I think that with maybe a bamboo mat behind it like a bamboo blind would look really nice. Can't wait to see where you land with this.
That winter jasmine looks like a tiny ginseng ficus. :) An idea: sprinkle a tiny amount of sand and fine soil on/around the table to make it look a little messier/worked at.
You are really in the Bonsai Zone today Nigel. The mini bench in all its iterations looks great. I’m right with you on the simplistic idea you’ve finally settled on. It will be a real show stopper when displayed.
If I may propose an additional suggestion with the cement board: Much in the same way that old stone steps wear down, you could take some polish and rub smooth and shiny a patch in front of the bench to mimic the affect of someone standing at it for decades,
I love your passion and creativity when playing around with options. Less is more as many said before me. The accent plant on the dark brown table is stunning!
Aren't they just cool? I like the most that it is visible that Nigel have fun with them, and constantly think of something new. This is one, really big reason that I love so much watching his videos, they're different from work of other bonsai artists.
I kept thinking the setup would look cute on your awesome Bonzai Zone turn table haha. I agree there were too many elements and simplifying really made it stand out. Can't wait to see what this turns out to be!
Looking good!! I think the small stool is quite a nice addition to the display. Also you can try out a vinyl floor piece they come in many different textures. (I usually get some leftovers for free in a local home improvement store ). Good luck with your display!!🍀🍀
Love it! When You drew the correlation to the tree and accent it just makes sense. I mean, why would that be a convention if it didn't work? Although , I do also love the playfulness of the full area of trees including stool and artist quietly working his magic. A little like what I see on my computer screen!
Hey Nigel, I LOVE accent plant and this is just one of the hundreds ideas that came up watching this display (counting also the ones I agree with you!😅)..What about breaking a bit the tiles and put some moss in the cracks here and there and making it look like a real natural outside garden? I know you're great with that! I know you've got short time before the show but that could come in the future maybe! Anyway , can't wait for the result! such of an inspiration!👌
This is a really cool concept! I like the end result at 20:40, very minimalistic and it works well with the small tile, but the best for me is the scene at 07:25 with the big tile. It feels more realistic and there is enough empty space to not feel too crowded
If you want to make this display 2 elements, I think little black table should have bonsai tools on it, and pots should be on larger one. You can also make this display 2 part, first closer to viewer with those two tables, and the rest of plantings in a row behind, making a background. It would be like, in front is working area, and behind is growing area. But also, you can make a whole separate miniature display from extras, because why not? I can't wait to see future progress of this project, no matter what decisions you'll make :). Take care
Fun idea! I loved the thought of creating a miniature bonsai garden. We all have way more trees than that. But I suppose simplicity is necessary for a show.
OMG, I thought you had totally lost your mind by bringing in so much stuff. You got me screaming "clear the crap, Nigel!". The bench in itself is so adorable that it really deserves to stand "alone", with the mini plants and tools etc. One accent thing is fine. You are getting there, I'm glad. The slab floor seems good and the idea of trying a checkered floor look is interesting. I want to see that tried out.🤓 The mini greenhouse is great. You HAVE TO use for a show (not with the bench, of course), hopefully relatively soon; in the fall or next year?
Okay, maybe not for a show... But it was fun to see the miniature version of someone's backyard being created. Realistically, none of us have just a bench and one accent plant in our backyard. I do get your point though.
This has been a really interesting project to follow. I agree about the simplicity too. I'm being super critical here, but I would plug the holes in the front of the bench. They really draw my eye, and they are not realistic in terms of a work bench. That would be an easy fix for a man with your wood working credentials. Also, if instead of using paint on the concrete board, I wonder if you could paint it in a mixture of yoghurt and soil to get that natural colour
Love this display Nigel. How about some astroturf as a flooring? Also how about a toothpick cut in half as chopsticks? I love your videos and I have gone back and watched every one you’ve ever done! Miss you when you skip a day, gets me very worried. So happy you are feeling better now. Much love from the UK ❤
I love the bench display. My layout preference would be for the larger cement board. I think having a little more negative space around the bench makes it look more miniature and less vertically oriented. I like the “patio plant” (taller white pot) as the accent plant. I feel like it places the bench in the world better. You might try arranging the plants by height so they form a right triangle rather than an equilateral triangle. Having the tall hinoki in the middle emphasizes symmetry. Just my two cents.
I don’t know why, but I’m getting serial killer vibes from the action figure sat at the bench 😂😂😂. Perhaps it’s the boiler suit outfit. Who knew Hannibal Lecter was a bonsai enthusiast.
First when I saw this picture with a man sitting in front of a bench I actually thought it's a real person xD Then I noticed it's Yours video and I was like, waaaaait 😅
Yep, less IS more! To that end I think the work bench needs to be clear, ready for business n select plants on top shelf. I expect you’ll find the floor too bright as the distractions disappear, God bless your endeavours, Nigel 🙏✝️. ✌️🇷🇺☮️🇺🇦✌️
This is an awesome idea. I think perhaps just putting my two cents in the mini toolbox might look good just being on the floor without a stand. To many stands going on
Hi Nigel, I wondered about a ground surface of fine grit (aquarium size 2-3mm), to look like gravel. Maybe that could be contained in something with a narrow rim so it's not distracting 🤔 But I do really like the cement board.
Hi Nigel. I thought if you take some stranded wire and take it apart. You can use that as a Bonsai wire you get multiple loops together that still look right.
Hi Nigel totally agree with you the bench needs to be the focus it’s a shame the white pot didn’t make it.Nigel to you know of any books that show clip and grow only?
Almost stopped watching when I saw all the clutter, 😅but super glad you decided to simplify. The white cement slab and the red and blue on the bench are really throwing me off. I think a black slab of the same thickness or maybe set the display on a large thin trey of moss and make it look like it’s on grass. That would be cool. But in my opinion I think the bench itself would look better if it were all the same color.
I agree the bench needs to sit on a slab or something, but I'm curious about the concept of sitting on top of a mirror. My first instinct is to create a wooden slab and cover it to look like an outdoor surface, but I would really like to see how the entire setup looks with a the reflection of the mirror from the viewers perspective. Could be too crowded, but maybe awesome??? Agreed again the figure doesn't quite look right, but I still think a figure with better dimensions and maybe not the build of a soldier could fit well. I think we need a Nigel action figure!!!!
I will say... The thumbnail is an awesome display. I suppose maybe not for a show (since I've never entered one), but it's pretty realistic seeing the doll sitting at the bench. Does this mean you've scrapped the idea of mossing around the bench to simulate grass?
And also they're succulents and drought tolerating plants. I encountered the same problem in my apartment, when I moved, and the only bonsai that survived were succulents, ficus and bougevvilla.
I'm glad you didn't use the doll. The head is definitely strange. It's got some kind of weird sticking down hair on it. I don't know. Doesn't look like a bonsai guy to me.
I hate to muddy the water; but I feel like one of your extra big, extra shallow pots/trays with a layer of gravel in it could work as a bonsai bench. I liked the one plant in a plastic nursery pot hanging out by the bench. Paradoxically this is one case where a tree in a show should not look show ready.
You can also add a miniature bag on bonsai soil mix next to the table, even spill a bit on the side!
I liked your idea to put it on a flat of moss so it looks like it's an outside bench. I think that with maybe a bamboo mat behind it like a bamboo blind would look really nice.
Can't wait to see where you land with this.
That winter jasmine looks like a tiny ginseng ficus. :)
An idea: sprinkle a tiny amount of sand and fine soil on/around the table to make it look a little messier/worked at.
You are really in the Bonsai Zone today Nigel. The mini bench in all its iterations looks great. I’m right with you on the simplistic idea you’ve finally settled on. It will be a real show stopper when displayed.
If I may propose an additional suggestion with the cement board:
Much in the same way that old stone steps wear down, you could take some polish and rub smooth and shiny a patch in front of the bench to mimic the affect of someone standing at it for decades,
You can always switch plants out at different shows to keep the display unique. It's just fantastic! You are having a lot of fun with it!
It looks amazing, Nigel! Great work, the troubleshooting was well worth it!
I love your passion and creativity when playing around with options. Less is more as many said before me. The accent plant on the dark brown table is stunning!
One thing I like with the mirror frame is it shows the problem every bonsai growers have -lack of space 😁
Nigel, Interesting seeing the different combinations of elements for the mini bonsai bench. Like the smaller piece of cement board for the display.
this is such an adorable project. i've been watching you for a few years Nigel, your project videos are my favorite!
Aren't they just cool? I like the most that it is visible that Nigel have fun with them, and constantly think of something new. This is one, really big reason that I love so much watching his videos, they're different from work of other bonsai artists.
@@Thimbrethil oh certainly!
I kept thinking the setup would look cute on your awesome Bonzai Zone turn table haha. I agree there were too many elements and simplifying really made it stand out. Can't wait to see what this turns out to be!
Love the look & the side display stand is wonderful. 👍😊❤️
Thanks D K!!
Looking good!!
I think the small stool is quite a nice addition to the display. Also you can try out a vinyl floor piece they come in many different textures. (I usually get some leftovers for free in a local home improvement store ).
Good luck with your display!!🍀🍀
Love it! When You drew the correlation to the tree and accent it just makes sense. I mean, why would that be a convention if it didn't work?
Although , I do also love the playfulness of the full area of trees including stool and artist quietly working his magic. A little like what I see on my computer screen!
Final arrangement looks really good.
Hey Nigel, I LOVE accent plant and this is just one of the hundreds ideas that came up watching this display (counting also the ones I agree with you!😅)..What about breaking a bit the tiles and put some moss in the cracks here and there and making it look like a real natural outside garden? I know you're great with that! I know you've got short time before the show but that could come in the future maybe! Anyway , can't wait for the result! such of an inspiration!👌
A lot of thought went into this. Nice the way the cement board looks with the display.
The tile pattern is nice, looks a bit like sidewalk tiles. Perhaps a bit darker grey, and green grooves.
I think you nailed it at the end with the smaller board, it's a really nice display 👍
This is a really cool concept! I like the end result at 20:40, very minimalistic and it works well with the small tile, but the best for me is the scene at 07:25 with the big tile. It feels more realistic and there is enough empty space to not feel too crowded
Great project. You got the perfect look in the end!
Agreed!
Some clippings on the ground would look pretty cool
Carnage cam!
If you want to make this display 2 elements, I think little black table should have bonsai tools on it, and pots should be on larger one. You can also make this display 2 part, first closer to viewer with those two tables, and the rest of plantings in a row behind, making a background. It would be like, in front is working area, and behind is growing area. But also, you can make a whole separate miniature display from extras, because why not?
I can't wait to see future progress of this project, no matter what decisions you'll make :). Take care
Fun idea!
I loved the thought of creating a miniature bonsai garden. We all have way more trees than that.
But I suppose simplicity is necessary for a show.
OMG, I thought you had totally lost your mind by bringing in so much stuff. You got me screaming "clear the crap, Nigel!". The bench in itself is so adorable that it really deserves to stand "alone", with the mini plants and tools etc. One accent thing is fine. You are getting there, I'm glad. The slab floor seems good and the idea of trying a checkered floor look is interesting. I want to see that tried out.🤓
The mini greenhouse is great. You HAVE TO use for a show (not with the bench, of course), hopefully relatively soon; in the fall or next year?
Okay, maybe not for a show... But it was fun to see the miniature version of someone's backyard being created.
Realistically, none of us have just a bench and one accent plant in our backyard. I do get your point though.
NICE !!! VERY CREATIVE!
I like the granite slab, makes it look like a haircut studio 😄🪴✂️
Great Show, Nigel! I think you are so right less is more the bench looks good and is convincing. I also really like Matt's bench Btw.
Thanks Patricia, more work to come on this one!
This has been a really interesting project to follow. I agree about the simplicity too.
I'm being super critical here, but I would plug the holes in the front of the bench. They really draw my eye, and they are not realistic in terms of a work bench. That would be an easy fix for a man with your wood working credentials.
Also, if instead of using paint on the concrete board, I wonder if you could paint it in a mixture of yoghurt and soil to get that natural colour
Love this display Nigel. How about some astroturf as a flooring? Also how about a toothpick cut in half as chopsticks? I love your videos and I have gone back and watched every one you’ve ever done! Miss you when you skip a day, gets me very worried. So happy you are feeling better now. Much love from the UK ❤
Absolutely marvellous creativity and it works wonderfully. Thanks for taking the time to show this process.
Thanks Xavier!!!
Hey Nigel bench looks great. You did a good job staining it.
👍🏼less is more
Very cool!
You need to get you mini bricks out and build a platform? Give you doll a Nigel Saunders haircut and you’ll have a show stealer.
I love the bench display. My layout preference would be for the larger cement board. I think having a little more negative space around the bench makes it look more miniature and less vertically oriented. I like the “patio plant” (taller white pot) as the accent plant. I feel like it places the bench in the world better. You might try arranging the plants by height so they form a right triangle rather than an equilateral triangle. Having the tall hinoki in the middle emphasizes symmetry. Just my two cents.
Very very nice, Nigel. I also really like the white pot with the pencil cactus (not sure). Very modern and sleek.
I like a thinner granite slab. It gave the feel of a shop floor.
I think it would look really nice in a really shallow pot with sand in the foreground and some moss and a tree in the background.🌲
You should try a small carpet under the mini workbench, like a bamboo or cloth placemats. Looks very nice anyway!
Nice how you talk about your bonsai, and it looked pretty good against the black, Greetings👋✨
I don’t know why, but I’m getting serial killer vibes from the action figure sat at the bench 😂😂😂. Perhaps it’s the boiler suit outfit.
Who knew Hannibal Lecter was a bonsai enthusiast.
First when I saw this picture with a man sitting in front of a bench I actually thought it's a real person xD Then I noticed it's Yours video and I was like, waaaaait 😅
I like the minimal item display the best. And it would look good on a bamboo placemat.
Ficou excelente Nigel
A lot of people make outside bonsai benches with concrete block and wood. That might be cute with your bonsai bench. Like a Penjing
awesome man! looking real good!
I think you should totally Photoshop yourself into the frame with the tiny bench! Or at least for a photo! 😍👍🏽
Yep, less IS more! To that end I think the work bench needs to be clear, ready for business n select plants on top shelf. I expect you’ll find the floor too bright as the distractions disappear, God bless your endeavours, Nigel 🙏✝️. ✌️🇷🇺☮️🇺🇦✌️
You could get some juniper procumbens nana cuttings and grow them for your bench, could make for a pretty convincing miniature bonsai.
This is an awesome idea. I think perhaps just putting my two cents in the mini toolbox might look good just being on the floor without a stand. To many stands going on
perhaps try a slab of thin laminate flooring or tile
pretty cool Nigel!
Thanks Raf!!
Hi Nigel, I wondered about a ground surface of fine grit (aquarium size 2-3mm), to look like gravel. Maybe that could be contained in something with a narrow rim so it's not distracting 🤔 But I do really like the cement board.
Hi Nigel. I thought if you take some stranded wire and take it apart. You can use that as a Bonsai wire you get multiple loops together that still look right.
Nigel I think you need to scatter small tools all around to get realism you're looking for.
I wonder if a tiled base would work. Small tiles that look like a common larger tile.
Hi Nigel totally agree with you the bench needs to be the focus it’s a shame the white pot didn’t make it.Nigel to you know of any books that show clip and grow only?
you could maybe think it as a sort of patio with plants more in the corners :)
Almost stopped watching when I saw all the clutter, 😅but super glad you decided to simplify. The white cement slab and the red and blue on the bench are really throwing me off. I think a black slab of the same thickness or maybe set the display on a large thin trey of moss and make it look like it’s on grass. That would be cool. But in my opinion I think the bench itself would look better if it were all the same color.
Sand colored piece of formica might work
Mini carpet!
👍👌👌
What about a floor tile. There usually is a good selection of colours, textures
I agree the bench needs to sit on a slab or something, but I'm curious about the concept of sitting on top of a mirror. My first instinct is to create a wooden slab and cover it to look like an outdoor surface, but I would really like to see how the entire setup looks with a the reflection of the mirror from the viewers perspective. Could be too crowded, but maybe awesome???
Agreed again the figure doesn't quite look right, but I still think a figure with better dimensions and maybe not the build of a soldier could fit well. I think we need a Nigel action figure!!!!
I will say... The thumbnail is an awesome display. I suppose maybe not for a show (since I've never entered one), but it's pretty realistic seeing the doll sitting at the bench.
Does this mean you've scrapped the idea of mossing around the bench to simulate grass?
The miniature Nigel had probably had a haircut 😂👍
Get som oak-flooring piece ,,, That white surface docent match a woodworking bench 😊✌
the toolbox could be on the back of the plants on the bench with maybe just some scissors out
Maybe the set needs its own green house facade?
Some copper wire on the bench ? Cute thing !!
Yes put some copper wires on the taps on the Right side 👍👏
A slab of slate or flooring
Good morning
Good morning!!!!
Hang wires in front the top shelf.
Have the guy working on one of the side trees with the little tools?
Scoot the camera closer so we can get a realistic look or like were looking at a regular work table?
I'll do that!!
the problem woth the cascade mini bonsai, is that the pot is brownish, thus giving the feeling of a "flying" tree, since the bench is also brownish
How u keep those tiny pots not dry out quickly?
It helps they are in the greenhouse and I water them at least twice a day!
And also they're succulents and drought tolerating plants. I encountered the same problem in my apartment, when I moved, and the only bonsai that survived were succulents, ficus and bougevvilla.
I think just a piece of green turf
How about a small piece of fake grass Nigel
That might work
Order a 3D printed you for the plant bench
Yes, you certainly had too many trees to start with. Less is more. If you used the figure it would need a Sideshow Bob haircut...
Now, you're finally using wires.
put it on sand
Or marbles
Foist
I'm glad you didn't use the doll. The head is definitely strange. It's got some kind of weird sticking down hair on it. I don't know. Doesn't look like a bonsai guy to me.
Nigel, you are the professional…but to me it’s getting cluttered. Too much going on.
I hate to muddy the water; but I feel like one of your extra big, extra shallow pots/trays with a layer of gravel in it could work as a bonsai bench.
I liked the one plant in a plastic nursery pot hanging out by the bench. Paradoxically this is one case where a tree in a show should not look show ready.
Foist