John Romano

My first experience with plants was not with Bonsaibut working with my Italian grandfather – helping him plant seeds at 4 years old, later pruning Apple, Pear and Fig trees in the garden.

John Romano This was my first ‘crossing path’ or ‘unexpected encounter’ (kaikou) with trees. In 1975 I first started to ‘play’ with Bonsai– it was more like creating a morgue for trees! After this first foray in futility, I stumbled upon some good books and finally found New England BonsaiGardens (then in Natick) and my passion was rooted.

Quick facts

Appeared at these events: Various events including: JAL World BonsaiContest, US National Bonsaiexhibition

Appeared in these magazines: BonsaiToday, International BonsaiMagazine, ABS bonsai, BCI BonsaiMagazine

Awards: Best in Show and Special Award at Tower Hill BonsaiExhibition (2002), Chase Rosade Excellence in BonsaiAward at the International BonsaiSymposium (2004), Best North American Shohin Bonsaiand Best Overall Shohin Bonsaiat the Art of BonsaiNorth America vs. Europe BonsaiContest (2007)

Books: N/A

More information about John Romano

I’ve had many teachers over the years – in single courses and workshops – as well as more extensive learning relationships working with Kenji Miyata, Hiromi Tsukada and Mitsuo Matsuda and Jun Imabayashi at New England BonsaiGardens. I was also fortunate to study for short periods at Taisho en in Shizuoka, Japan with shohin Bonsaimaster, Nobuichi Urushibata. I have been teaching Bonsaiclasses and private students at New England Bonsaifor the past 10+ years. My inspiration was, is and will always be the beauty of nature itself.