Marcela Ferreira

Marcela’s Bonsai journey began 30 years ago with traditional exotic species commonly associated with 
Bonsai. However, her curiosity to explore something different led to acquiring her first Australian native, 
igniting a deep passion and desire for knowledge that has grown and evolved to starting up Native 
Inspiration Bonsai in 2024. 
This enthusiasm for native species has driven Marcela to experiment with various species. Sharing her 
knowledge has facilitated Marcela in travelling to fascinating places within the Bonsai community. 
She was instrumental in starting off the Victorian Native Bonsai Club in 2013, the only Bonsai club in 
Australia that focuses on utilising Australian Natives as bonsai. 
Marcela has been fortunate to participate in prestigious events such as the AABC National Convention in 
2019, where she was honoured to receive the NBPCA Perpetual Award for Best Australian Style Bonsai. 
Additionally, she has demonstrated for Bonsai After Dark at the NBPCA, ACT, Bonsai Gone Natives QLD, 
Bonsai Open NSW, Bonsai by the Harbour NSW, and Bonsai by the Beach NSW.
Conducting bonsai classes, workshops and demonstrations at both interstate and local Bonsai clubs, Marcela 
has shared many insights on Australian native species and their suitability for Bonsai cultivation. Her passion 
for Australian natives, combined with a dedication to creating complementary Bonsai pots for these trees, has 
been a driving force for many years.