How did you get started? I went to a show at Capel manor and enjoyed it I fancied giving it a go and then bought the first bonsai magazine. It all went from there I joined a couple of clubs near to me and went and listened to all talks and participated in workshops. It was an exciting time learning so much .
Who was your teacher? From the start Peter Adams was and still is a great influence on me . Peter was light years ahead of everyone within the UK and was also really good company. Incidentally, all of his students who I was with are still in the hobby and we are all still good friends too, Dan Barton was a real source of inspiration too, he tried innovative techniques and fired my imagination. Dan's book is still a great one. Kevin Willson was and still is a great yamadori stylist. He was collecting trees and they were being displayed in Europe within 6 years which is phenomenal. Listening to Kev talk got me into Yamadori
Your thoughts on Bonsai? The bonsai scene has changed because of the internet and it’s nice to see more folks getting into bonsai. However, please get practical experience with a club or workshops , that’s worth a million typed words on forums . Growing Bonsai is an art and it takes patience. Always get the best you can afford too.
Do you have a favourite tree species or size tree? My favourite are the Japanese maples , followed by yew, Scots pine, sloe, basically yamadori. I like chuhin / kifu sized trees that are manageable, pots and tables are easier to source too.
What mistakes have you made? I’ve sometimes been too impatient but the biggest mistake in the past were to not feed enough, and I also repotted trees too often .
Have you experienced bonsai abroad? I’ve been fortunate to have trees selected and exhibited at both the Gingko trophy and Noelanders.
Can you recommend one or two bonsai books? If you can find the bonsai book by Dan Barton Peter Warren's bonsai book and any book by Peter Adams. My favourite is The Four Seasons Of Bonsai and also any Japanese exhibition books. Look to them for inspiration and to fire your imagination.
What is your best achievement? I just really enjoy exhibiting my trees , if you like my exhibit then that’s an achievement for me , fortunately I’ve also received some awards for exhibiting my trees and that was both humbling and pleasing .
Do you have any future ambitions? I’d like to have my bonsai garden featured in a magazine, and continue to be selected for exhibition at major bonsai shows,
Do you have any other interests or hobbies? I do a bit of birdwatching but bonsai is my overriding passion You can follow me on Instagram - bonsaisteve Or on Facebook- Steve’s Bonsai garden