Greg Somerville

Greg Somerville's passion for bonsai began at just ten years of age while growing up in Gunnedah. Like 
most country kids, he spent his days riding motorbikes around local farms, but everything changed when a 
family friend introduced him to bonsai. She taught him the fundamentals of caring for and styling trees and 
gifted him his very first bonsai—a cascading Juniperus procumbens—which he treasured for many years.
Although bonsai remained a hobby through his teenage years, with regular trips to Ray Nesci Bonsai Nursery 
in Sydney, it was during his time living in Scone that Greg's lifelong passion for Yamadori truly took hold. 
Collecting naturally weathered trees from the surrounding countryside became his favourite aspect of the art, 
a passion that continues to define his work today.
After moving to Newcastle in the early 2000s, Greg joined the Newcastle Bonsai Society, where he found 
inspiration from experienced members who helped expand his knowledge of Yamadori. Since then, he has 
built an impressive collection of around 150 trees, continually refining his skills while still seeking 
outstanding material from the Australian landscape.
Greg has become one of the Society's most valued and respected members. A former newsletter editor, he has 
represented the club at bonsai events throughout Australia and attended the World Bonsai Convention in 
Taiwan. He is also a co-founder of the Society's popular Wednesday evening workshops, where his 
demonstrations have become legendary. Blending technical expertise with humour, creativity and infectious 
enthusiasm, Greg has earned a reputation as one of Australia's finest bonsai demonstrators. His ability to 
inspire, educate and encourage others has introduced countless enthusiasts to the rewarding journey of 
creating exceptional bonsai from humble beginnings.