Class Schedule
Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Introduction to Bonsai
With a focus on care and maintenance, learn all the basics of bonsai design. Select a tree, learn how to prune, transplant, landscape with rocks, and discover what the art of bonsai is all about as you create your very own bonsai to take home. This class includes everything you need!
Includes all materials needed to participate.
Cost: $100
DATES
Introduction to Bonsai - Juniper – April 20, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (0 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Juniper – May 4, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (0 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Juniper – May 11, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (0 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – May 11, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (0 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – May 18, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (0 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – May 25, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (1 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – June 22, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (6 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Juniper – June 22, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (0 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – July 6, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (9 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – July 27, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (12 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – July 27, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (10 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – August 10, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (12 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – September 7, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (12 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Tropical – September 14, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (14 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Juniper – September 21, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (9 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai - Juniper – October 12, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (14 openings)
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Introduction to Bonsai 2
Expanding upon what was taught in Intro to Bonsai 1, this class will delve deeper into maintenance pruning, basic wiring, and how to bend branches to create pleasing classical shapes and beautiful bonsai.
Includes all materials.
Cost: $175
DATES
Introduction to Bonsai 2: Pruning & Wiring – June 9, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (7 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai 2: Pruning & Wiring – July 20, 2024 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm (9 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai 2: Pruning & Wiring – August 24, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (12 openings)
Introduction to Bonsai 2: Pruning & Wiring – September 28, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (12 openings)
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Beyond the Basics
This introductory class is designed for students looking for a more immersive experience in bonsai technique and horticultural practice. Seriously-minded beginners will appreciate the depth of instruction, and students will walk away with a solid foundation for working across many different species.
Includes all materials.
Cost: $175
DATES
Beyond the Basics: Getting to Know Tropicals – May 18, 2024 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (5 openings)
Beyond the Basics: Getting to Know Juniper – August 14, 2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm (12 openings)
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Beginner Workshop
Bring in your bonsai tree and get started on one small project. Learn how to prune or re-pot or wire and style, or just come in to learn the basic seasonal care and maintenance. In order to maximize the focus of the class, sessions are separated by project: choose between Pruning & Styling or Repotting.
Use of our tools, soil and wire is included in the price of this workshop.
Cost: $85
DATES
Beginner Workshop - Pruning & Styling – May 5, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (4 openings)
Beginner Workshop - Repotting – May 19, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (3 openings)
Beginner Workshop - Repotting – June 2, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (6 openings)
Beginner Workshop - Pruning & Styling – July 7, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (10 openings)
Beginner Workshop - Repotting – August 11, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (10 openings)
Beginner Workshop - Pruning & Styling – August 25, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (8 openings)
Beginner Workshop - Repotting – September 8, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (10 openings)
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Boarder Workshop
A special workshop for our customers with trees in winter boarding. Winter is the perfect time to maintain your trees by cleaning and pruning dead branches or excess foliage. This is also an excellent opportunity to work on more intensive projects like repotting and wiring! We expect everyone to be at different stages in their bonsai journey, so this workshop is open to students of all levels.
Basic tools and supplies will be provided, additional fees for custom blended soils and copper wire.
Cost: $85
DATES
No events at this time.
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Yours, Mine, Ours: A Class for Two
Class for Two: designed for those who want to discover this great hobby together. Spouses or friends, parents and kids, even grandparents and children have enjoyed this great bonsai experience together.
Each person learns the basics by creating a beautiful tropical bonsai individually, then, each pair collaborates to create one large tree together. Make a gift to each other by joining forces and making bonsai!
Materials provided.
Make trees part of your relationship. One registration is for two people.
Cost: $280.00 (for two)
DATES
Yours Mine Ours: A Class for Two – May 12, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (1 openings)
Yours Mine Ours: A Class for Two – June 23, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (3 openings)
Yours Mine Ours: A Class for Two – July 14, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (6 openings)
Yours Mine Ours: A Class for Two – August 4, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (7 openings)
Yours Mine Ours: A Class for Two – August 10, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (5 openings)
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Intermediate Workshop
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bonsai Class or equivalent.
Bring your own bonsai and learn how to develop it through the seasons and years with Zuma! The Intermediate Workshop is for students who wish to reach that next level in the art of bonsai. Every student participating in workshops are at different places in their bonsai journey. This enables you to learn not just from our instructor, but from other students as well!
Use of soil and tools are provided, but students are encouraged to purchase their own.
Cost: $135
DATES
Intermediate Workshop – April 21, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (2 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – May 10, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (8 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – May 25, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (7 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – June 14, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (6 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – July 12, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (7 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – July 20, 2024 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm (8 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – August 9, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (8 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – August 18, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (8 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – September 13, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (8 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – September 22, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (8 openings)
Intermediate Workshop – October 13, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (8 openings)
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Species Focus Series
These beginner classes are catered to students who have some of the basic knowledge of bonsai techniques and would like to bring diversity into their collection. The series is timed to match the appropriate season, and instructors will discuss some of the nuances and specific care of each species.
Click on a class to read more about it.
DATES
Species Focus: Chinese Elm – April 28, 2024 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm (2 openings)
Special Focus: Hinoki Cypress – May 26, 2024 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm (0 openings)
If there are no available openings for your preferred class date, please call us during normal business hours or email us to get on a waiting list.
Black Pine Workshop
The Japanese Black Pine (JBP) is regarded as the “King” of Japanese bonsai species, with its first recorded use dating back to the 1600s. This series is friendly for all skill levels and will enable students to practice with advanced horticultural and design techniques. Follow this emblematic tree through the seasons and learn how it has adapted to the climate and conditions of New England. Students may begin the course at any installment and will attend a total of four sessions to conduct season-specific work (wiring, candle pruning, bud selection, proper fertilization, fungal mitigation, etc.).
DATES
| 2024 session | |
|---|---|
| Sunday, February 10th, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Sunday, June 9th, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Saturday, August 10th, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Saturday, November 16th, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm |
| 2025 session | |
|---|---|
| Saturday, February 8th, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Saturday, June 14th, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Saturday, August 16th, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Saturday, November 15th, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm |
Each student will provide their own black pine and a range of copper wire sizes. Trees and supplies may be purchased from the nursery if necessary. We encourage students to bring their own tools, but workshop tools are available to borrow if needed.
To enroll, email info@bonsaiwest.com to check available openings.
Cost: $500 for all 4 sessions (tree, wire, soil, and other supplies are not included)
Private Lessons with Bonsai West Staff
Plants, pots, soil, wire, and other materials are not included in hourly rates listed below. Private lessons are limited to one participant.
BEGINNER (1-on-1)
-
- $125/hour + materials
A perfect option for those who want professional guidance with a simple project like repotting, basic/refined pruning, or basic wiring (1-2 branches). Questions on general care or other trees may be addressed during this time. Lesson time may vary; here are some approximations for planning the length of your lesson:
-
- Cleaning and general pruning 1 sm tree: 1hr
-
- Repotting 1 sm tree: 1hr-1.5hr
-
- Refined pruning + basic wiring 1 med/lg tree: 2hrs
INSTRUCTORS
Joe Thomas
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED (1-on-1)
-
- $140/hour + materials
This level will be catered to more complex projects on developed trees or yamadori (collected material). Some examples of challenging tasks might include: refinement wiring, deadwood carving, and grove composition.
Length of your lesson will be discussed when reviewing your material. You may divide your lesson time over multiple sessions.
INSTRUCTORS
Michael Levin
Zuma Fleischmann
PRIVATE CLASS (2 or more)
-
- $280/person
-
- 2-hour class
If you missed the registration for one of our regularly scheduled classes, we now also offer our Introduction to Bonsai I class for groups of 2-8. In this two-hour class, each participant will receive a season-appropriate tree to learn the basics of pruning and repotting. General aftercare and growing tips are reviewed before you take your new bonsai home!
The price of this class includes 1 tree, 1 pot, soil and use of workshop materials for each participant. Options to upgrade material are available for an additional fee.
INSTRUCTORS
Bonsai West staff