Way back in the early 1940s living in Brisbane, Dorothy was adamant that she wanted to be an artist rather than going to university. When she was 14 years old, her loving parents eventually allowed her to help our on Saturday’s at a local embroidery factory. Instead of losing interest, Dorothy was intent on working in this field full-time. It was at this factory at the age of 16, that she first encountered Vita, the boss of the factory and who was to become her future husband.
Dorothy and Vita were married in 1949 and by this time Dorothy had also become interested in bonsai. The couple moved to Maroubra, Sydney, with Vita’s early bonsai prior to eventually buying a place at Pagewood.  As the Collection expanded they move to Castle Hill where they continued developing the collection of bonsai. Then followed years of experimentation with soil mixes, watering, environmental settings and bonsai styling techniques meant that visitors to their home due to extensive media coverage as a new development, were really impressed with their bonsai collection.
After moving to Castle Hill in 1965 they eventually opened their gates to the public on weekends and happily explained and helped anyone who came for advice with their own bonsai. From here their bonsai nursery began. Using their own bonsai as inspiration, they began holding classes at the Koreshoff nursery. Word spread and their reputation grew.
Dorothy and Vita were part of the 1965 development of the Bonsai Society of Australia which is still in existence today. Dorothy explained, “You should do bonsai because you love it and not for ego purposes.”
Books by Dorothy Koreshoff
