Bonsai Styling & Refinement Workshop (Bring Your Own Tree) - Saturday, May 31st

Date: Saturday, May 31st

Time: 12pm to 4pm

Class Overview:

In this immersive 4-hour workshop, participants will have the opportunity to refine and advance a bonsai tree they already own under expert guidance. Whether focusing on styling, pruning, wiring, or repotting, this hands-on session provides the perfect environment to take your bonsai’s development to the next level.

To ensure the health and longevity of each tree, students will have the option to either style or repot their bonsai during the workshop, but not both at the same time. This approach prevents excessive stress on the tree and promotes a balanced transition into its next phase of growth. While students will work on a single tree during the session, we recommend bringing up to three trees to allow for better selection. Depending on the species, seasonal timing, or overall tree health, some trees may not be suitable for styling or repotting at that time. By evaluating multiple trees, we can assess their current condition and determine the best option to work on, ensuring optimal results and long-term health.

Workshop Structure:

1. Tree Assessment and Planning

○ Selecting Your Bonsai for Refinement – Assess your tree’s health, growth patterns, and potential styling or repotting needs. Instructors will help you determine the best approach for the workshop.

○ Understanding Stress Management in Bonsai – Learn why styling and repotting should not be done simultaneously and how to time major work for optimal tree health.

2. Styling & Structural Refinement (For Those Choosing to Style)

○ Shaping and Pruning Techniques – Learn how to strategically prune branches to enhance movement, refine structure, and maintain balance in your bonsai’s design.

○ Wiring for Shape and Direction – Master the techniques of applying wire to adjust branch positioning, improve structure, and enhance the tree’s movement.

○ Branch Bending and Placement – Develop an understanding of how to create and maintain natural-looking bends in branches while ensuring long-term health and stability.

3. Repotting and Root Management (For Those Choosing to Repot)

○ Assessing Root Health – Learn how to evaluate root health and structure to determine if repotting is necessary.

○ Proper Repotting Techniques – Receive hands-on guidance on selecting the right soil mix, trimming roots, and securing your bonsai in its container to promote strong future growth.

○ Post-Repotting Care – Learn essential aftercare techniques to support your bonsai’s recovery and encourage healthy root establishment.

4. Ongoing Maintenance and Seasonal Care

○ Tree Health and Growth Management – Learn seasonal care techniques specific to your tree species, including watering, fertilization, and pest prevention.

○ Troubleshooting Common Issues – Get expert advice on addressing problems such as weak growth, uneven development, and pest-related concerns.

Materials Provided:
Each participant will have access to basic bonsai tools, including scissors, concave cutters, wire cutters, and jin pliers. Expert instruction and hands-on guidance will be provided throughout the session.

What to Bring

Participants are required to bring:

• A bonsai tree to work on (students will focus on one tree but may bring additional options to choose from)
• Bonsai wire and any additional supplies needed for styling or repotting

Additional Materials Available

Bonsai wire, soil, pots, and other materials will be available for purchase at the store during the workshop for those needing additional supplies.

Prerequisites:
Completion of the Wiring and Introduction to Bonsai class is required to ensure a foundational understanding of bonsai techniques.

Exception: For the purposes of this class completion of the Wiring and Introduction to Bonsai class requirement may be waved if student is already experienced in bonsai wiring technics.