About Martin

It was 40 plus years ago when I purchased my first Bonsai tree. It was a small juniper in a ceramic pot from our local grocery store, which now, in hindsight, seems to be the official starter tree to many people’s Bonsai introduction. Also, in my case, as with many others, it was dead in a very short time. Even though I lovingly cared for it in our first apartment, it was Mistake #1, I was to learn.

Every chance I had, I would look for that “official” Bonsai tree I had before. Mistake #2, of course, I now know that Bonsai trees do not exist; well, not in the terms I thought they did. Bonsai is the term for our hobby or art. Literally, Bonsai means “Tree in a Pot”, so any tree in a pot may be called a Bonsai.

I have been into the hobby of Bonsai now for 27 years; off and on. Thanks to the beautiful collection of my teacher (Sensei) at the time, Stan Taneda. Through coaching my girls in soccer, my Assistant and I got to talking one day and she mentioned her father-in-law was the President of the Kelowna Bonsai Club. One day, we went for a visit to his Bonsai garden, and I was hooked. Unfortunately, a few years ago, my teacher and very good Bonsai friend passed away. Fortunately, not only did Stan pass on his Bonsai knowledge, but he also passed on his beautiful way to be. Now, I would like to pass on that same spirit of Bonsai and life.

These are the reasons why I have come to the point in my life where I wish to pass on the art and passion of Bonsai.