About Us

Hurley Johnson 

Hurley Johnson’s journey into the world of Bonsai is a common story, beginning with his first tree in 1985. He had always enjoyed working in the garden, even developing a special interest in growing and developing Roses. But who would have thought that this one tiny tree would spark a passion that would last for more than 4 decades.

Hurley dabbled with a few Bonsai trees in the beginning but wasn’t as successful as he would like to have been. Outside of a book or two in the local library, access to any informational or training resources were far and in between. What books were available had very little information on how to grow or develop Bonsai. While the internet had become accessible to the public in 1993, we would have to wait another 12 years for YouTube to go live and another stretch of time before any Bonsai instructional and resource videos would appear. In the early years Hurley was lucky enough to meet and exchange experiences with others that shared in his interest in Bonsai but nothing formal. All that changed 2003 when he joined the Houston Bonsai Society (HBS).

The members of the HBS were very down to earth, friendly and open to sharing their experiences and knowledge. Almost overnight everything changed. His trees began to thrive and his simple interest  turned into a deep passion. Not only did his new mentors provide the much-needed resources, they stressed the point that what worked in other regions across the US and other parts of the world may not fit the climate and lack of seasons in Houston. The next huge game changer came after Hurley attended the Texas State Bonsai Convention in 2004. The Bonsai hook was set and there was no turning back.

Hurley’s first formal Bonsai education came in 2001 when he attended a 3-day Intensive Workshop taught by world renowned Bonsai Artists Boon Manakitivipart. When Boon asked each attendee what they wanted to learn about, Hurley replied with: “Japanese Black Pine”.  Hurley was not expecting Boon to hand him a $2,000 tree to repot.  While a bit scary, it was definitely a confidence builder.  Hurley has since attended 3 more of Boon’s intensive workshops and each time, Hurley came home with such an increased level of desire and conviction which continues to grow today. 

The next evolution in Hurley’s personal and professional Bonsai development came when he successfully exhibited a tree in competition. And while Hurley and other local Bonsai enthusiasts had exhibited trees at the local and state levels, no one from Houston had ever exhibited in the US National Exhibition, which is held every other year in Rochester, NY. In 2015 a few members formed an Advanced Bonsai Study Group with the intent to represent Houston Bonsai at this prestigious event. That group is still active and continues to win awards at every exhibition they enter.

The Birth of Timeless Trees Bonsai

Hurley had begun to teach some beginner classes for the Houston Bonsai Society but little to nothing was available to the general public. There were a few nurseries that sold Bonsai but none that offered any education and training, tools or other necessary materials and supplies. 

2008 was a significant year for the world of Bonsai in the Houston area when Hurley and his wife Ginger moved into their current home in Rosenberg, Texas. Not only did the property have an expansive yard shaded with massive oaks trees, there was also a large metal building in the back corner of the property.

Ron Smith, a member of the HBS and friend, was moving to Arkansas and had two greenhouses full of Tropical Bonsai trees. Hurley and Ron worked out a deal, and several trucks and trailer loads later, they relocated those trees to their new home. Soon thereafter, Timeless Trees Bonsai was officially opened on Labor Day Weekend September 5, 2009. 

That fall, construction started on the greenhouse next to the metal building and a small room in the “barn” to hold classes.  It didn't take long before Hurley realized he needed a larger classroom and retail area.  In 2010, he doubled the size of the classroom, with upgrades to the greenhouse including floor of pavers, sprinkler system and built-in drainage, water recycling system.  In 2011, classroom activities required another 30% increase to the classroom as well as doubling the size of our nursery area specific for deciduous, pines and junipers, complete with shade cloth.

2012 was another pivotal time for Hurley and Timeless Trees Bonsai when he was introduced to Pedro Morales of Fugato Bonsai in Puerto Rico. Pedro had held his first Bonsai Tropical Bonsai Certification Program at Wigert’s Nursery in 2011.  This certification program is a 4-year program, with each year focusing on a different aspect in the development of a tree from beginning to refinement.  Hurley spoke with Pedro and set up the 2nd Tropical School to be hosted at Timeless Trees Bonsai in June of 2012.  That first class hosted 15 students which lasted 7 full days.  Since then, Timeless Trees Bonsai has hosted Pedro’s Tropical Bonsai School Certification Program every year since, (except for one year break due to COVID) and is the only the only location in the continental US that continues to host this program. 

Timeless Trees Bonsai and Hurley have been very fortunate to have access to the talents and wisdoms of some of Houston’s most prominent Bonsai artists including Yvonne Padilla, Michael McCluskey, Alex Leong, Hoe Chuah, Soon Chuah, Carlos Santiago, Ray Gonzales, Scott Barbosa, Pete Parker, and Ken Credeur. Timeless Trees Bonsai, in conjunction with the Houston Bonsai Society, has had the honor and privilege to host classes and workshops with world renowned Bonsai artists and professionals including  Randy Bennett, Bjorn Bjornholm, Boon Manakitivipart, Enrique Castano, Rodney Clemons, Danny Coffee, Sergio Cuan, Jonas Dupree, Guy Guidry, Dawn Koetting, Pedro Morales, David Nguy, Jennifer Price, Owen Reich, Jose Rodriguez, Todd Schlafer, Jason Schley, Mauro Stemberger, Suthin Sukosolvisit, Peter Tea and Julian Tsai. 

Timeless Trees Bonsai is a like 2nd home to many of our local Bonsai enthusiasts. When visiting our nursery, you will almost always meet someone tending to or seeking advice on their own trees, or just stopping by to visit for a chat.

At this point, there is little distinction between Hurley Johnson and Timeless Trees Bonsai. As our clients and students learn and grow, so do we. Our continued growth is equally dependent on those we learn from as well as those with whom we share our passion for the Art of Bonsai.

Achievements and Awards 

Local Level - Houston Bonsai Society (HBS)

 2014 - Best Shohin Collection

2015 - 3rd Place Experienced

2023 - 2nd Place Experienced

State Level - Lone Star Bonsai Federation

2014 - Honorable Mention

2014 - Best Shohin Collection

2015 - 2nd Place Literati

2016 - Best Tropical Tree and Best in Show

2018 - Best Tropical

2022 - Best Shohin

2023 - Best Shohin and Best in Show

2024 - Best Shohin Collection

National Level - American Bonsai Society

2016 – 3 trees accepted and exhibited 

2018 – 1 tree accepted and exhibited 

2023 – 2 trees accepted and exhibited

2022 - 2 Trees accepted and exhibited

Special Events Attended

2015 Artisans Cup – Portland, OR 

2016  - Latin America & Caribbean Bonsai Federation (FELAB) - San Juan, Puerto Rico