Stephen took up the hobby of bonsai more than 35 years ago but it was 2014 that he launched a second career teaching and demonstrating bonsai, with an ambition to influence the shape of Australian bonsai.

His message since that time remains the defining character of Stephen’s bonsai practice today, to focus on a tree’s natural form as his principal styling reference. His particular interest is in the expression of a broadleaf bonsai aesthetic which is founded on an exploration of the authentic natural forms of broadleaf trees, backed up by the Japanese aesthetic principles of reverence of the natural world, respect of age and resilience. It is these ideas which provide both the substance and the boundaries to his design philosophy; to create bonsai that look and more importantly feel like trees.

Stephen has embraced the use of Australian native species in bonsai and is well known for his advocacy of working with natives. He has trialled hundreds of species and his collection now comprises over 30 different genera and 50 species.

As well as a bonsai enthusiast, demonstrator, teacher, and coach, he is also a maker of stoneware bonsai pots, and the author of Bonsai Foundations and Australian Native Bonsai: The essential knowledge to build better bonsai

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Kim de Korte (nee Rochelle-Brown) has been enjoying bonsai since 1992 as part of her teaching degrees in Japanese. She lived and worked in Tokyo in 1996, as part of her  scholarships, which gave her the opportunity to see and learn further about this wonderful art.

Her mum had fruiting trees in Melbourne so bonsai have always been around her, with memories of oaks, crab apples, cedars and cold climate trees.

She is a member of the Qld Bonsai Society and the Bonsai Clubs International. Kim has had ‘Lilliannah Bonsai’ since 2021 on the Gold Coast, Hope Island. Lilli and Hannah, her children (Lilliannah) was the perfect name for her bonsai business!

She has demonstrated around Qld in bonsai clubs, corporate sectors for businesses, hospitals, aged care, City Councils, Garden Clubs, and in schools.

Her favourite species are the Swamp Cypress for their impressive nebari, colours and the power of a large tree and Corky Bark Elms for their delicate leaves and textured bark.

A long-term member of Central Coast Bonsai Club , starting with the club as a young lad, Hugh has continued to grow & shape his way in Bonsai. TreeMakers is the studio and practice of bonsai professional Hugh R. Grant, located in the upper Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. TreeMakers specialises in Australian Native trees and plants as bonsai subjects.

Hugh engages in an inquiry into the Australian landscape. With designs based in sustainable bonsai practices, his work explores forms from the Australian landscape. The work is informed by quintessential native living structures that represent both culture and nature. Hugh seeks to create a bridge of accessibility to Australian bonsai as an art form.

Hugh is at the forefront of deciphering and creating techniques for new Australian native species as well as informing how to best cultivate non-native species in the Australian climate. In his nursery, he develops a new age of bonsai material primarily sourced as native yamadori (landscape sources trees) and make these available to customers and students.

Evan Marsh is a professional bonsai artist based in Sydney, Australia. He began his bonsai journey in 2012 and quickly developed a passion for the art. By 2013, he had committed to pursuing bonsai as a career, enrolling in a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney to enhance his horticultural knowledge. During his studies, Evan sought practical experience and, in 2015, apprenticed under Koji Hiramatsu at Hiramatsu Shunshoen in Takamatsu, Japan, where he trained for three months.

Evan is renowned for his expertise in shohin bonsai, a style focusing on miniature trees. He has shared his knowledge through demonstrations and workshops, including leading sessions for the South Australian Bonsai Society.

He also serves as an instructor at The School of Bonsai, where he teaches both beginners and advanced students, adapting his approach to meet diverse learning needs.

Active in the Australian bonsai community, Evan has contributed to various clubs and societies. His dedication to bonsai is evident in his continuous efforts to educate others and refine his craft, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the bonsai community.

An elder statesman of Australian bonsai, John started bonsai in 1971. He was founding member of the Nepean Bonsai Society (where he continues to teach), an inaugural member of the AABC and its vice-president for many years. John has demonstrated at AABC seminars and conducted workshops and demonstrations all over Australia and New Zealand.

John is presently interested in developing shohin and mame. Expert in all bonsai styles and techniques, John is a true artist.

John is also a former winner of the Central Coast Bonsai Open 2024.

Jason Pomfret (known online as Backyard Bonsai Australia) has been involved with bonsai since his early teens, returning to the art more seriously in his late 20s and early 30s. Now 46, bonsai has become a central part of his life.

For the past three years Jason has been fully immersed at Unryu-en Bonsai, working alongside Ric Roberts and Andrew Edge on what is largely Ric’s collection, with a mix of new creations, legacy trees, and contributions from both Jason and Andrew.

Jason has a particular passion for ficus (fig) bonsai, inspired by the towering old figs he remembers from childhood. He also enjoys working with Australian natives, as well as fruiting and flowering species. His time at Unryu-en has given him the opportunity to engage with trees of all varieties, shapes, and sizes.

Beyond his work on the trees, Jason is the public liaison for Unryu-en, managing their social media presence. He also fills a similar role with the Central Coast Bonsai Club and is an active member of both the Newcastle Bonsai Club and the Bonsai Society of Australia.