All Workshops and Demonstrations will be conducted by guest artist, Owen Reich in the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classroom of the Waterfront Botanic Gardens.
My Story
Owen Reich has been on a journey to become both a bonsai master of all species and styles as well as a plantsman. This required a complete understanding of horticulture (UGA ‘06) and direct interaction with Japan’s native species. There is a great degree of crossover between bonsai moment and gardening, so understanding bonsai also allows for an expansion of knowledge about Japanese gardens. Central Japan is very much like the southeastern United States, so after building and managing Samara Farms LLC he spent three years of apprenticeship at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Osaka, Japan. Owen learned how to care for multi-generational bonsai of all species, instead of focusing on conifers only. Understanding the 3-5 year rhythms of deciduous trees commonly used for bonsai in Central Japan was primary interest for studying deciduous species and kusamono, with three years of styling time on tons of conifers. Exhibition preparation and container / stand harmony is a big part of Kouka-en’s specialty, so Owen’s approach to exhibitions is largely focused on overall display harmony and allusions to the current and upcoming seasons.
Owen’s current focus is on deciduous and broadleaf evergreen species of all kinds, especially those native to the eastern half of the United States of America, utilizing these for bonsai is likely the future of introductory bonsai training. The ease of care and work of Arthur Joura at the NC Arboretum bonsai collection have proven that native species can translate to a massive decrease in synthetic chemical use of all kinds. Current habitat restoration and design / build project is Bask Retreat Center in Centerville, Tennessee. A Japanese inspired moss garden with all native species and their cultivars will be proof of concept for expansion of this garden style.
