Beginning Bonsai

ONSITE | Saturday, May 17, 9:30am - 4:30pm

The living art of bonsai is practiced and enjoyed all over the world! This popular class covers basic concepts and hands-on skill building for novices to begin growing and shaping their own miniature trees. Instructor Rebecca Ayres has spent sixteen years assisting the curator with the Arboretum’s collection and is a knowledgeable and patient teacher.

Course Description: Although it has its roots in ancient Asian traditions, the living art of bonsai now enjoys enthusiasts throughout much of the world. This workshop will provide the basic concepts and skills for novices to begin growing and shaping their own miniature trees. The first half of the workshop will cover the fundamental horticultural and aesthetic principles of bonsai. It will include such topics as tree selection, watering, pest control, pruning, wiring, and styling. In the second half, each participant will receive a pot, scissors, wire, and planting medium along with plant material that is propagated and grown onsite in our Production Greenhouse. With guidance from Instructor Rebecca Ayres, the students shape and create their own bonsai to take home. The Workshop registration cost is $248.95 (Arboretum members receive a 10% discount), which includes a $60 material fee for all supplies as well as plant material, propagated and grown onsite in our Production Greenhouse.  

Medical Note: The pre-bonsai plant material we'll be working with for this class is Ficus burtt-davyi. Those with sensitivity to latex can still participate but may want to wear non-latex gloves (that we will have available) when working with your tree to avoid irritation. 

Rebecca Ayres is a ceramic artist and gardener. A longtime Arboretum volunteer, she is the assistant to the bonsai curator and helps with overseeing the exhibition garden, the collection, and bonsai events. She is a member of the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society, where she has taught workshops and classes, and is a graduate of the Arboretum's Blue Ridge Naturalist program.