Introduction To Bonsai Class

As a teaching club, our mission is to help our members get started and advance in the ancient art of bonsai. The “Introduction To Bonsai” workshop is ideal for those who have no previous experience with bonsai or who have been trying to learn it through books or the internet. The benefits to participating in this class include:

  • Less frustration and more fun because you’re learning under the guidance of experienced members who are dedicated to your success.

  • Discovering that you’re not the only one who has lots of questions because other beginners are also working to absorb lot of information just as you are.

  • Meeting more club members because the class is a mix of beginning students and experienced mentors.

  • Discovering a focus for your bonsai interests because you’ll be exposed to a range of perspectives, preferences, and approaches to bonsai.

  • A free copy of the 100 page pdf “Introduction To Bonsai; A Course Syllabus” available only to Kusamura members. Preview it here.

Who is the workshop for? If you are new to bonsai or want to brush up on basis bonsai techniques, this workshop is for you.

Do I have to be a club member to participate in the workshop? Yes, you do have to be a member of the club, but we are ready to welcome you. There are many benefits to memberships besides the workshop, so click here to fill out and submit the Membership Form

What will the workshop cover? Various topics will be offered throughout the year and topics will be repeated as needed. Some topics will be covered at each workshop for those who need it. For example, intro to wiring for those who have no experience will always be offered.

What do I need to participate? Members will need to bring their own trees but club wire will be provided for beginners as needed. Some club tools will also be available but members will be encouraged to purchase their own set of tools eventually in order to work on their trees at home or at other events.

Is there a textbook for this course? You will be given your own copy of the softcover book Introduction to Bonsai: A Course Syllabus by Thomas Zane of the American Bonsai Society. This will enable you to be able to focus on the concepts themselves without having to write it all down at the same time.

Workshop Agenda

12:30 - 1:30 Presentation and exercises on a basic bonsai concept or technique specifically for those new to bonsai. You can continue to work on your trees for the remaining part of the afternoon with help from experienced members for the rest of the afternoon.

1:30 - 4:30 Intermediate and advanced members assist beginning students or work on their own trees

Date, Time, Location The workshop will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto. Click here for directions.

Please check Upcoming Events to make sure of the dates of the workshop as unforeseen circumstances may create changes.

Introduction to Bonsai Class Monthly Schedule of Classes

Here is the schedule of Introduction to Bonsai class topics for the next twelve months. The topics of Styling and Wiring will be offered twice a year. Otherwise, topics are offered once a year. Classes/workshops will be scheduled on the second Saturday after the Club’s monthly meeting except when that date conflicts with another event in the bonsai community. Most classes will include hands-on exercises created by the instructors for the given topic. Instructors of these classes are Michael Greenstein, Lynne O’Dell and Rita Curbow with assistance by Jenn Tan. Other members are welcome to assist with these efforts if interested in doing so.

Schedule:

January: Wiring led by Rita. Offered twice a year; see comments under August
February: Styling along with Repotting at potting parties.
March: Show Prep of club member's trees led by Rita and Lynne
April: No workshop because of annual show
May: Bonsai Garden Tour at Michael’s home. Different styles of trees will be pointed out and questions answered about tools, etc.
June: Pruning led by Rita and Lynne. Various tree types such as junipers, maples, etc., will be discussed. Students should read Pruning chapter in the ABS.
July: Summer Care led by Michael. Tips on dealing with pests, fertilizing, watering, protecting from sun/heat and wind will be covered. Michael will discuss pines as needed.
August: Wiring led by Rita. Will include handouts of drawings used by Mauro Stemburger in his January 2025 Golden Zoom presentation.
September: Styling led by Michael. Offered twice a year so students don’t have to wait an entire year for this.
October: Containers led by Rita. Note the GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous is usually held in October.
November: Soil / Potting / Winter Care, for example: No longer fertilizing all trees; some trees still growing; discuss trees that can be repotted and wired at this time of year.
December: No workshop during the Holiday Season