This three evening class format is designed to give students enough time to develop an in depth understanding of basic bonsai principles. Students finishing this course will have the skills to create and care for bonsai and the confidence to further their education and have success with this wonderful hobby.

Class 0ne: History of Bonsai, Care and Maintenance,
Design principles
This class consists of a lecture demonstration that lays an essential foundation for this exciting hobby.
Discussion topics include specific care of tropical and cold hardy trees, and how to select good material for bonsai training. Michael will lecture on basic bonsai styles and a give a demonstration on pruning, designing, and training trees. Students will have time to select an 'un-styled' tree that will be the focus of classes two and three.

Class Two: Styling your own tree. In this class we cover the basic steps of bonsai design. A short demonstration will be followed by students working on their own trees.
Developing a tree from the ground up
finding a front
working on branch and root structure
developing a plan and style for the tree, and
learning basic pruning and wiring techniques.

Class Three:Wiring and re-potting Bonsai.
Students will refine their trees by learning how to bend branches with wire and choose a perfect bonsai pot for re-potting. A brief demonstration shows root pruning, soils, pot selection and after care to insure the success of your new tree.

An Afternoon of Bonsai Projects:

Whether you are just starting out in Bonsai or you have a collection that makes the neighbors jealous, you will love the Bonsai West Workshops!
Bring your trees, your ideas, your friends, and let's make Bonsai!
You decide the goals for the day, we supply the expertise.
You bring your pots and trees, we've got the tools and techniques. Pruning, shaping and styling, transplanting, wiring and mossing - together we will make the most of your personal collection.
Bring your trees in for wiring and pruning projects, design changes, or whatever you have in mind.

This hands-on workshop allows students to work freely on their own trees under our excellent guidance. A perennial favorite of all of our customers, bring your trees and enthusiasm and lets go!

This is a great workshop to learn how to make your own concrete containers for Bonsai. They are truly a wonderful way to pot your trees in a very natural looking container.
Students will have a choice on making one of two styles of vessel, Mikasuki (Crescent Shape), or Funagata (Boat Shape)

The class is restricted to a small number and will sell out!

This workshop is to learn how to make a concrete slab for forest plantings and would be a great opportunity to make a container to then use for our Scenic Landscapes or Dawn Redwood classes.
This workshop is for a small group and will sell out fast!

Private lessons are available in one hour increments.

Michael Levin and Glen Lord are both available to teach lessons at Bonsai West.

Michael has been a student and teacher of bonsai for the past twenty-seven years and offers classes in all aspects of Bonsai design.
He loves all bonsai, but if he really, really had to choose, he would say that his true love is conifers, especially Black Pine, Juniper and Larch.

Glen has been involved in horticulture for most of his life and has been at Bonsai West for the past three years.
He has much experience with tropical trees and deciduous cold hardy trees.

Pruning, wiring and ramification are all skills that both Michael and Glen are well qualified to teach.

Please call us with your project list and we can help you decide who will be the best match for you.

Private lessons can be booked anytime but please leave us ample time to fit it into our schedule.
Call to set up a lesson time 978-486-3556