This 2-1/2 hour class gives you all the basics to get started (and, we hope, addicted!). With a focus on care, learn and the basics of Bonsai design. Apply moss, landscape with rocks, and begin to 'see' what the art of Bonsai is all about as you create your very own bonsai to take home.

May10June 14Aug. 9Oct 11Nov 18

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Conifers make up some of the oldest and most powerful trees in the bonsai west collection including Juniper, Pine, Spruce, Larch, Cypress and even Redwoods.
This class will be divided between a lecture/ demo covering care and maintenance design and pruning techniques, and workshop time for students to create a new tree for their collection.

We have a wide range of stock plants for students to work with starting at just $15. (purchased at class time)

May 11Oct 18


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This Bonsai class is devoted to learning the basics of traditional Japanese design. From this foundation students will be able to recognize good future bonsai potential from young untrained trees.

Trees mature one way in nature: but to replicate this natural beauty in a bonsai pot is often not as easy as it looks.

The Japanese have formalized many of these natural shapes and have given definition to the different styles of bonsai including: Informal and Formal Upright, Forest Planting, Cascade, Literati and Windswept styles.

In this class, students will become knowledgeable with training trees in these different styles and will have the choice to create a tree in any of the styles.

A wide assortment of trees in all price ranges will be available, starting at $15 (purchased at class time)

June 21Sept 6


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Deciduous trees are some of the most colorful trees to grow in the New England climate.
These trees include the Japanese Maple, Chinese Elms, fruiting trees such as Crab Apple, Hornbeams, and Beech, just to name a few.

Students will have an opportunity to create a new deciduous tree or work on their own material brought from home.

There will be a wide range of inexpensive material available to work with.
Material cost: $25-$50 (purchased at class time)

Oct 4


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Tropical trees are often referred to as indoor bonsai.

Here in New England we have the luxury to grow outdoor and indoor bonsai simultaneously. Favorite varieties include the Fig, Arboricola, Brazilian Rain Tree,Texas Ebony, Surinam Cherry, and Portulacaria, just to name a few.

Learn what it takes to keep trees healthy indoors and add a new tree to your collection.

Material cost $10-$35 (purchased at class time)

May 31


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The Japanese Satsuki Azalea is a broad-leaf evergreen and has some of the most beautiful flowers of any species of tree.

Students will learn particulars such as pruning, transplanting, feeding and winter care as well as creating a beautiful new bonsai.

We have set aside a nice selection of trees to choose from - or bring your own to work on.

Material cost: $25-$35 (purchased at class time)

June 7


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INTERMEDIATE CLASS

For this class we will be working above and below the soil. Getting down to the dirt!

This is the perfect time of year for getting most of your transplanting done Understanding what happens underneath the soil is as important - if not more so - than what happens above it. No roots = no tree!
We will also talk about choosing the right soil and perfect pot for you and your trees.
Moss, stones and accent plants are all important things and when done properly can add a great deal of depth.

This is also the best time to prune and trim your bonsai.
Bonsai is the art of pruning and sculpting trees, this workshop will help you become less intimidated and free with your ideas.
Often students prune too hard while others don’t prune enough; different trees require different pruning techniques at different times of the year - we'll help demystify it for you!
(Students should bring trees that need transplanting or pruning or ask to borrow one of ours.)

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BEGINNER'S CLASS

The Japanese word for the smallest of the miniature bonsai, trees that can fit on three fingers of your hand is "Mame", "Shohin" are slightly larger and fit in your palm.

These small trees never stop amazing their viewers, but they are far more than 'cute': I think of them as magical.

This class will offer some of our finest small stock plants for you to choose from: Dwarf cultivars of Azalea, Pine, Elm, and assorted tropical trees will be available.
Students will have enough time to make one or two of the little gems.

Estimated cost for material: $25-$40

May 3

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Just come on down, bring your own tree(s) and spend the afternoon working.
There is no better way to improve your bonsai tree and your bonsai skills than to put some quality time into it with great instruction and great company.

Bring one of your favorite trees or just pick up a stock plant before the class starts. This open workshop is designed for intermediate students who want to push their skills to the next level.

May 25     June 29

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BEGINNER'S CLASS

The Brazilian Rain Tree is an excellent, graceful tree for the beginning student to work with.
Its fine foliage delicate branching and thick trunk is very attractive, and while in our climate they are treated as indoor Bonsai, a mature Brazilian Rain Tree is as powerful as the best of the outdoor trees.

This class will concentrate on creating bonsai from stock plants and students will learn pruning, wiring and transplanting.
We have set aside a great selection of these trees , all well on their way to becoming specimen trees.
Material costs will be between $35-$50

June 28

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INTERMEDIATE CLASS

Oct 12


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