About Us

DJH Bonsai, LLC, founded in 2013, began as a collaboration between Dave Hodgetts and his teacher and mentor, Pauline F. Muth. (The name, DJH Bonsai is a small homage to Pauline, whose business was called PFM Bonsai.) For over 40 years Pauline taught and/or exhibited trees at numerous regional, national and international shows, and continues to be a source of inspiration, despite her passing in 2022. She is sorely missed.

A medical professional, Dave has practiced bonsai since 2007, initially studying with Pauline and subsequently completing training programs with renowned bonsai artists Michelle Andolfo, David Knittle, Ted Matson and Martin Schmalenberg. At Pauline's behest, Dave worked as on-stage help at the annual Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies meetings for several years, which permitted him to work with many other internationally known bonsai artists. Once again encouraged/pushed by Pauline, Dave successfully competed in, and subsequently coordinated, the ABS-Joshua Roth New Talent Contest for several years, spent 6 years as an ABS Board member and taught at several ABS Learning Seminars. In 2022, Dave completed the 3 Year Intensive Bonsai Program with Bjorn Bjorholm at Eisei-en in Tennessee. 

In 2017 Dave & Lori attended the 8th World Bonsai Convention, in Tokyo, and visited numerous bonsai gardens/nurseries in both Japan and South Korea. In 2019 and 2024 they attended the Belgian National Exhibition, one of Europe's premier annual events.