Root Over Rock Bonsai Workshop Saturday, January 11th

Date: Saturday, January 11th

Time: 12pm to 4pm

Class Overview:

In this intensive 4-hour class, participants will delve into the Root Over Rock style, a dramatic bonsai technique that emphasizes the rugged beauty of tree roots clinging to a rock. This style mirrors the look of trees growing on rocky outcrops, where roots wrap and weave over the stone in search of soil and stability. This class will cover each step in creating a realistic and visually striking root-over-rock composition.

Workshop Structure:

1. Selecting and Preparing Your Rock and Tree

○     Rock Selection and Preparation: Begin by selecting a rock with unique contours, textures, and crevices suitable for root placement. Learn how to clean and prepare the rock to support secure root attachment.

○     Tree Selection and Root Preparation: Choose a bonsai with flexible, long roots ideal for wrapping around rock. Instructors will guide you in preparing the roots, including trimming and positioning for optimal attachment.

2. Root Wrapping and Attachment Techniques

○     Securing Roots to the Rock: Practice wrapping and securing roots over and around the rock using cotton twine and light wiring techniques. This section will focus on training roots to follow the rock’s contours naturally, creating the illusion of roots gripping the rock firmly over time.

○     Anchoring and Stabilizing: Learn techniques to anchor the rock securely in a container, ensuring stability as the tree establishes itself. You’ll be guided in initial potting to stabilize the rock while leaving room for future root growth.

3. Potting and Soil Techniques

○     Container Selection and Placement: Select a container that complements the rock and tree configuration, considering size, depth, and balance. You’ll arrange the rock and tree for a balanced composition that allows root visibility while supporting growth.

○     Soil Layering for Root Development: Learn how to layer soil strategically to encourage root growth over rock, with specific focus on providing enough soil for root support without burying the rock.

4. Styling and Aesthetic Enhancements

○     Refining Root Placement: After initial attachment, instructors will help you refine root placement to create a natural look. You’ll be shown how to adjust root positions to maintain balance and enhance visual flow.

○     Adding Moss and Ground Cover: Add moss or ground cover to blend the roots and rock naturally, simulating a mature, established look. Learn how to use these elements sparingly to create a realistic landscape effect.

5. Maintenance and Growth Tips

○     Long-Term Care for Root Over Rock: Learn essential maintenance practices, including watering techniques to keep exposed roots healthy and pruning strategies to maintain harmony between the tree, roots, and rock.

Materials Provided:
Each participant will receive a bonsai tree with suitable roots, a carefully selected rock, a container for secure positioning, soil mix for root development, and moss or ground cover. A bonsai care booklet specific to the root-over-rock style will also be provided.

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.