My Bonsai Journey

My bonsai journey began approximately 25 years ago when, at work in the flower auction in Aalsmeer, I stumbled upon a batch of elms. It was more or less an experiment, but when the trees were still thriving a year later, I decided to take a bonsai course. After some detours, I ended up at Omiya Bonsai in Alkmaar. In 2008, I even opened a bonsai shop next to my day job. I aimed to sell only the most beautiful and highest-quality bonsai, but I noticed that many people still opted for cheaper options. In 2016, I sold the shop and started volunteering at Bonsai Plaza, where I can work weekly on high-quality Japanese garden trees.

My Collection

My collection consists of various types of bonsai, but my favorites are the native deciduous trees that I can care for at home. They should be easy to lift so that I can work on them with pleasure.

I have numerous projects in my garden, and they all have their own charm. But if I have to choose one, it's my juniper Sabina that yuo see in the picture above. I've had it for about 8 years, and I immediately called it a ten-year project when I bought it. It has beautiful deadwood, naturally. When Akiyama came to Bonsai Plaza, we did the initial styling together.

My Bonsai Challenge

One challenge I'm still tackling is to create a bonsai without wiring. I've been working on a Korean hornbeam I bought at Bonsai Plaza five years ago. I regularly prune it back, fertilize, water, and let nature take its course.

Unfortunately, I can't share photos at the moment, but my proudest creations are those trees I've worked on the most and enjoyed watching grow and change.

An important tip for bonsai care is not to do too much to your trees. Let nature take its course and minimize styling. Prune especially in preparation for winter, and your trees will thrive.

What Bonsai and the Bonsai Community Mean to Me

Currently, I'm exploring the art of patience in bonsai. Waiting for results and observing how trees develop is a valuable skill in this art.

I've attended bonsai courses in Leiden, Alkmaar, the Bonsai Hut in Voorthuizen, and Kata Nabari in Heerhugowaard. This has significantly expanded my knowledge and understanding. I believe no one should start without taking a course.

For beginners: start with a simple tree you love and take a course. Don't be overwhelmed by large, expensive trees. Bonsai is a journey, and you'll enjoy every step.

Bonsai is important to me because of the creative challenge it offers. Pruning and maintaining the trees are my passion. The bonsai community has helped me discover which aspects of bonsai I find most beautiful and how to achieve them. I'm currently not a member of a club or taking a course, but I'm still learning from others in the community and growing as a bonsai artist. It's amazing to understand what's possible based on everything you've learned and to know what you want to achieve.