Dr. Luis “Lou” Carreiro
Lou’s collection spans deciduous trees, tropicals, junipers, and Japanese maples — including one especially well-known Brazilian rain tree he has developed from a cutting for roughly 30 years.
It began with a Christmas gift he bought himself
About 35 years ago, Lou’s father was unsure what to buy him for Christmas — so Lou decided to purchase a bonsai for himself. One tree became several, several became a collection, and what began as a Christmas gift to himself eventually became a lifelong passion.
Over the years, Lou has developed a deep understanding of bonsai through decades of hands-on work, continued study, exhibitions, demonstrations, and relationships with respected bonsai artists throughout the United States and abroad.
Relaxed, friendly, and nobody feels intimidated
What Lou enjoys most is passing along the knowledge he has gained over the years and meeting people who share an interest in bonsai. His workshops are intended to be educational, but they should also be enjoyable — a comfortable environment where questions are encouraged.
Students can expect hands-on guidance, practical advice, honest feedback, and plenty of conversation along the way.
Lou’s first priority is helping students keep their bonsai healthy and alive. From there come the techniques, timing, and design decisions that let a tree improve over time.
What Lou teaches
Three trees close to his bench
Thirty years from a cutting
One of Lou’s greatest bonsai accomplishments is the Brazilian rain tree he grew from a cutting and developed for approximately three decades.
The tree represents decades of patience, consistency, and refinement. It is also a reminder that exceptional bonsai are not created in a single workshop or season — they are developed through years of thoughtful care and a long-term relationship with the material.
Study with internationally respected artists
Throughout his bonsai career, Lou has studied with respected artists and instructors including:
- John Romano
- Kenji Miyata
- Boon Manakitivipart
- Andrea Meriggioli
- Hitoshi Kanegae
- Jun Imabayashi
- Master Yamahata
He has participated in study groups, exhibitions, demonstrations, and bonsai events throughout New England — and has presented Brazilian rain tree demonstrations at New England Bonsai Gardens, sharing what he has learned from growing the species over several decades.
Learn without feeling overwhelmed
Lou wants every student to leave with a better understanding of the tree in front of them, the work that was performed, and what the tree will need next. Styling and refinement matter, but the tree must remain strong enough to keep developing for years to come.
Whether someone is working on their first bonsai or bringing years of experience to the workshop, Lou’s goal is the same: share useful knowledge, build confidence, and make the experience enjoyable.