Gordon Bowers
Gordon first became interested in small landscapes when quite young, when his older brother* set up elaborate sections of 'countryside' on pieces of board, complete with twigs and branches for the trees, for a game [ *he went on to be an Advanced Dungeon Master in a later incarnation.] His thoughts dwelt on the idea of a living version of these landscapes now and then, for a while, though he didn't know how to go about it. These thoughts then became buried under the more important activities of childhood, and didn't resurface for a number of years.
Gordon became interested in Bonsai as a teenager, having found a book in the local library. In his twenties, he was given a "grow your own" bonsai kit, with Lebanese cedar seeds, which he duly germinated in a tray - and then the cat knocked them down and they all died!
Later, his sister gave him a kowhai bonsai [pre-styled], which he had for several years as an indoor plant ( shock, horror!!); during the intensity of final exams at university, it suffered from neglect, dried, and died. He was very sad.
Once he was qualified, he attained gainful employment in Thames. He diligently read all the bonsai books available at Thames public library; and then re-read them. He worked with Dianne Miller's sister; who told him where to find Dianne and Noel, and one Christmas Eve shortly after they moved to Te Pahu Road, Gordon and his wife turned up to 'see the trees', unannounced. Dianne and Noel, being the generous souls they are, said 'Come in, you're welcome', and showed them around.
He attended the 2004 Hamilton convention, after a 2 1/2 hour journey on his 50cc moped from Thames, and enjoyed it so much he helped with the tidying up, and immediately after became a member of the club. Back in Thames, he started putting into practice the things he had read about so often. He travels monthly to Hamilton, and has only missed one or two club meetings since joining, where he enjoys the camaraderie, and opportunity to learn more. He attended Dianne’s Bonsai School, where he consolidated the foundations of his bonsai knowledge. He has on occasion put pen to paper, to put into words the information he has accumulated which resonates with his philosophy or understanding of science.
He prefers single trees to groups [although he is not set in his views here], and his favourite styles are Windswept and cascade. Favourite trees are junipers and cedars, although he has a fondness for NZ natives, in particular a shohin Kawaka he grew from a cutting.
