People are always asking me, “How did you get interested in bonsai?” To be honest, I don’t have an answer for that question. It seems that I have had an interest in bonsai long before I actually started dabbling in this wonderful living art form, and for the last 35 years, I have been seriously involved in raising bonsai trees of all kinds.

I remember the first two bonsai trees that I created from nursery stock. The first was a Japanese maple seedling that I obtained from a nearby garden center. It was a very nice little tree, but not actually knowing too much about how to care for it through the fall and winter months, it only lasted for one growing season. While I was disappointed that the tree had died, I wasn’t discouraged. I plunged forward and purchased a juniper as my next “project.” It was the variety known as “procumbens nana.” It was a beautiful tree for the entire time that I owned it, which was for approximately 10 years. I had potted the tree myself and quickly learned what cultivating needs that it had so that I could successfully over-winter the tree. The tree was in my possession until it was sold at a bonsai show in which it was displayed. As far as I know, that tree is still being tended by another bonsai hobbyist to this day.

In the early years, I also dabbled in collecting native trees from forests and fields in my geographic vicinity. Beech, hawthorn, crabapple, Scotch pine, and local spruce varieties were the trees I collected. I used these trees in lessons and demonstrations and shared them with others who practiced bonsai. It is recommended that a person consider collecting a native tree for their own bonsai since native trees offer the most chance of survival during harsh weather conditions.

I have always thought that reading about bonsai is absolutely essential for the care and good maintenance of bonsai trees. To that, I have assembled an extensive personal library of bonsai related books, magazines, and videos. People ask me if I actually read or use the books I own when I am working on my trees. The simple answer is “Yes, I do.” I believe that the work of others who practice and write about the art of bonsai is an important resource for anyone to learn more about this hobby. In the course of years, I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with recognized “bonsai masters” who have graciously shared ideas about the cultivation, maintenance, pruning, and potting of bonsai trees of all varieties. Some of those bonsai masters with whom I have had such discussion include the late Yuji Yoshimura and John Yoshio Naka, Bill Valvanais, Johnny Uchida, Kenji Murata, Suthin Sukosolvisit, Craig Cousins, and Pedro Morales, to name a few. In addition, there are many other knowledgeable bonsai hobbyists and enthusiasts with whom I have shared common bonsai experiences. I feel very fortunate to have had all of these personal contacts while I have practiced bonsai.

Over the years, I have given lectures, demonstrations, and private lessons to groups, clubs and individuals who have expressed an interest in bonsai. I maintain a moderate, personal collection of bonsai trees. Many of them are specimens in “show quality” and many others are still under development. I also maintain a small and private bonsai business to satisfy the needs of those who wish to further their knowledge and experience in bonsai cultivation. This website is my modest attempt to expand my hobby and interest.

The name “Hoku Ryu” translates to “the dragon from the north” and was given as the name of one of my former trees by a very dear friend who piqued my interests in bonsai from my very first efforts. For me, the title references my geographic location (Northeast USA – New York State) and the sometimes harsh winter weather which is known to occur in my area.

My interest and passion for bonsai has made me willing to share my experience and knowledge of bonsai with others. I enjoy showing my own trees at local exhibits and talking with people about the techniques that are employed to grow bonsai trees successfully. I also enjoy visiting other bonsai shows when I can and especially like to spend hours browsing through bonsai nurseries and speaking with the people I meet on those occasions. However, my bonsai interest has now taken on another dimension. I am a major contributor to an international bonsai website known as Bonsai Help. This website is dedicated to answering questions from casual visitors or serious bonsai hobbyists. Individuals may pose any bonsai related question and will receive answers from “experts” who are serious bonsai hobbyists. In addition, for a small subscription fee, questioners may join subscribed members in detailed bonsai discussions on multiple topics. I am very excited about this bonsai help forum and encourage anyone to visit and join by subscribing to the ongoing discussions.

In addition, my interest in bonsai is complimented by my interest in growing orchids. I have raised orchids for just about as long as I have practiced bonsai. What is so interesting is that I have met many people over the years who grow bonsai trees along with raising orchids on the side or who raise orchids along with growing bonsai trees on the side. I guess it’s the exotic quality that both bonsai trees and orchids have that seems to draw them together under the same roof.

Finally, I do not consider myself a “bonsai master,” but rather see myself a “bonsai servant” who continually tries to meet the cultural needs of the trees which I have and those I sell, as well as the passing on my experiences and knowledge about this wonderful hobby to others. I draw a great deal of satisfaction from the trees in my care and the people who I meet. So feel free to browse my website, to email me for information concerning personal bonsai recommendations, or just to say “hello.” You are always welcome here. I sincerely thank you for your visit and I encourage you to get started or to continue to develop your own personal bonsai skills.

Dick Matthews