Beginner's Classes
About Beginning Classes (See Schedule)
3 Classes are offered to club members 3 times per year. Each class consists of 4 sessions. Beginners are encouraged to consider taking multiple classes to familiarize themselves with multiple tree types:
- Class 1 Winter: Sessions are in January, February, March, June
- Class 2 Spring: Sessions are in April, June, July, November
- Class 3 Summer: Sessions are in August, September, November
Session 4 for each class will be 3-4 months after the last session for each class. The date is determined by the variety of tree and
other scheduling. This is an important session to help students with continuing growth – continuing education as it were. This is one of the keys to successful Bonsai growing.
What Day?
Classes will occur on the same day as the regular meeting which is generally the 2nd Sunday of the month. Check the schedule on the home page for the exact date of each month's meeting.
Provided to the Student:
Bonsai Starter stock plant, shears, soil, wire, screen, bonsai pot and instruction. Instruction for each class is in 3 sessions. All this for $40; such a deal. Other goodies may be given at the discretion of the teacher.
Session One
- The 5 basic bonsai styles
- Plant material, variety chosen is generally based on the season and when it
will be transplanted. - Discuss plant growth and care particularly as it applies to Bonsai.
- Initial clean-up work, finding the line and the front of the tree, by
studying the trunk and roots - Find main branches and discuss styling possibilities. Time permitting, do
the initial styling and wiring.
Session Two
- Basic tools and how they are used.
- Proper pruning, thinning and pinching techniques.
- More on wiring techniques. Continue wiring and styling the tree.
Session Three
- Basic soil and proper soil mixes good drainage and soil aeration.
- Bonsai pots and how they are chosen.
- Pot up the tree where you are shown proper root preparation, potting techniques and securing the tree in the pot.
Session Four
Information for all aspects of your tree to give you hands-on guidance as it grows.
How to Enroll
You must be club member and have annual dues up-to-date to enroll in classes. You can join online or at club meetings.
Two months before the start of the first session for that class, enrollment will open. At this time, a button will appear on the beginner's class schedule page which will allow you to enroll and make payment via PayPal. Alternately, you may see William Graham at the club meeting and enroll and make payment then. If enrolling in person, bring your checkbook as your spot is not reserved until payment is received.
Once the class enrollment is full, the enrollment button for the class will be removed from the website and you will need to wait until enrollment opens for the next class. Sign up early as beginner's classes are very popular and fill up quickly.
You must be club member and have annual dues up-to-date to enroll in classes. You can join online or at club meetings.
Two months before the start of the first session for that class, enrollment will open. At this time, a button will appear on the beginner's class schedule page which will allow you to enroll and make payment via PayPal. Alternately, you may see William Graham at the club meeting and enroll and make payment then. If enrolling in person, bring your checkbook as your spot is not reserved until payment is received.
Once the class enrollment is full, the enrollment button for the class will be removed from the website and you will need to wait until enrollment opens for the next class. Sign up early as beginner's classes are very popular and fill up quickly.