Matt Reel bonsai program at Bay Island Bonsai

After an incredible 8 years studying with Shinji Suzuki in Obuse, Japan, Matt Reel has returned to the US as a bonsai professional.

Matt with recently styled Western juniper

I first met Matt in 2009 – 3 years into his apprenticeship – on a visit to Suzuki’s garden (see “Taikan Bonsai Museum“). Already his work was impressive. Now that Matt has returned, he’s available for a variety of bonsai services including styling, demonstrations, workshops and bonsai programs. At a recent Bay Island Bonsai meeting, Matt provided a critique of member trees.

Finding a new front

Matt carefully reviewed each of the trees at the meeting and shared his insights during the program. For a white pine he suggested a new front. For a small juniper, a new planting angle.

Considering a new planting angle

With a recently collected Sierra juniper he ran through the basic steps for initially styling a tree. He began by checking for surface roots.

Looking for surface roots

From there he made suggestions for front and planting angle that would feature the tree’s best asset – its interesting deadwood.

Juniper deadwood

The program was a blast and I’m looking forward to Matt’s next visit. For those interested in learning more about Matt or following his work, check out his website, Reel Bonsai.