"I'm a bonsai enthusiast and I have created a little piece of Japan in Walsall"

He was instantly fascinated by bonsai, the Japanese art of growing and shaping trees in containers to create miniature versions of their native species.

He soaked up all the information he could find on the subject which became easier as the number of English language books started to increase in the early 1990s.

Ian, who lives in Walsall, purchased his first bonsai - a root over rock trident maple - from a nursery near Stourbridge. Since then his collection has grown to 100 trees and he now runs Walsall Bonsai School & Nursery, sharing his skills by teaching others how to care for their own bonsai.

"It really is a fascinating and relaxing hobby that can quickly become a passion. It puts you closer to nature and gives you a better understanding and appreciation of how trees live and survive in the natural landscape," says Ian.

"Both indoor and outdoor bonsai are miniature versions of their native species, not genetically miniaturised, but tended in specific ways to reduce their size - all while keeping in the small enclosed environment of a pot, so to be healthy, you have to know their needs," he adds.

This includes a good understanding of their watering and fertilisation requirements as well as the trimming routines needed to style and develop them into mature specimens.

Walsall Bonsai School & Nursery developed from a lockdown project and Ian enjoys passing on his knowledge of 35 years to his students, whether they are seeking health advice for their ailing house plants or delving deeper into horticultural techniques to begin their own outdoor Bonsai collection

Open by pre-booked appointment only, it offers lessons and workshops designed to suit all levels and abilities - from complete beginners to those looking to add to a collection.

“I wanted to help extend people’s interest and knowledge, especially as many buy bonsai from garden centres and have no access to ongoing maintenance advice,” said Ian.

"Mortality rates are usually high in these circumstances, yet, with just a short introductory session you can acquire the basics to see your plants thrive," says Ian.

"I tailor each workshop to suit the ability of the student and help expand their knowledge. A health check, advice and care package for existing plants is certainly a popular workshop. This approach has earnt me a superb reputation and many 5-star reviews," he adds.

He began offering pottery classes after requests from his students who wanted to make the shallow ceramic containers needed to show the trees at their best.

"I learnt pottery techniques back in the late nineties, from David Jones, recognised as one of the best bonsai pot makers in the country. From then, I completed a pottery qualification at Walsall Art College before it closed making way for the new Tesco supermarket. All this, purely to compliment my then, hobby," explains Ian, who has a background in branding and marketing.

"As my regular work in outdoor events closed during lockdown, I started the Bonsai School, and early students consistently asked to make pots for their own trees, so it was a natural progression to open a Pottery Studio to complement the range of Bonsai workshops I offer.

"I have students planting trees today that they have developed with me over a few seasons into pots they made last winter, so it really is satisfying to see them complete the vision and take great pride in their own creations."

To find out more, see walsallbonsai.com