Workshops & Events
Workshop Information and Structure
Typically classes start in the Spring continuing through Fall and are held Saturdays starting at 10:00 and last 4 to 6 hours. Workshop fees vary according to class subject. Trees are included in the Beginner Class and are sold at a discount for specialized classes. Tools are available for use, however, we encourage students to purchase their own, then you have what you want on hand when you need it and at home.
There will be a brief lecture followed by hands-on work. Depending on the subject matter there could be trimming, wiring, working the tree’s roots to prepare for potting, de-candling pines, or creating deadwood. When you click the Pay on Line tab you will be taken to Square Market Place and can view other workshops we have held. Most workshops are seasonal or occasional, therefore, many of them will not be available even though they can be viewed.
If you want to stay up to date on all things Bonsai, please consider subscribing to Plant City Bonsai Newsletter!
Bonsai Basics 101
Date: Two to choose from: Saturday, April 1 or MONDAY, April 3, 2023 Fee: $125 Includes Juniper Bonsai, training pot, soil, and use of tools Instructors: Brent & Lauren Wykle
Time: 10:00-1:00
Join this class and the fun, creating your own bonsai with raw tree material to sculpt and transplant. You will learn:
1) How to find the front of your tree
2) Basic wiring, trimming & styling
3) Potting your tree into its bonsai pot
4) Bonsai Live OUTSIDE year round unless tropical
There will be a brief lecture then hands on styling by trimming, wiring a couple of branches, preparing your bonsai pot & how to place and wire the tree into the pot. Bonsai soil will be discussed and how to chop the soil around the tree’s root mass. Last and MOST important is Watering, Fertilizing and how to care for your little tree including winter care.
For more information please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Bonsai Forest workshop
Date: Sunday March 26 – others to be announced Fee: $225.00
Time: 9:00-1:00
Instructor: Steve Cratty
Learn how to create your own REDWOOD forest! Redwoods are the only material available to us at this time, however, in late May or early June we will have affordable elms to create forests.
This class is aimed at walking individuals through creating their own Bonsai Forest. Our staff will guide you through each step required to create your own redwood bonsai forest layouts, preparing the trees to plant, and wiring the trees. Examples of forest layouts will help guide you with tree placement.
Included are 5 trees to create your grove, a training tray, soil, wire, plants, small stones if you want to create a walkway, yin tac rock for rock outcroppings and moss. You may upgrade for an additional fee to a 7 tree grove and/or a larger ceramic tray.
For more information please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Class size is limited. We look forward to having you here!
MINIATURE MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE
Date: TBA Fee: TBA
Time: TBA
Instructor: TBA
Create a mountain scene in special craggy mountain Lace Rock from Utah.
Trees available are small shimpaku, nana juniper, elm, Kingsville & Harlandii boxwood, Alberta spruce and mini gardenia plus a small selection of tropicals such as jade, schefflera, podocarpus, crown of thorns, twisty trunk ficus and cactus.
Join the fun creating exciting mountain landscapes in miniature using stones, trees, and accents. Rocks & trees included in this event with upgrades available. All supplies included: muck, screening, wire, moss, fern, ivy, and accent plants.
For more information please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Class size is limited.
PINE & SHIMPAKU RAMIFICATION SUMMER CARE WORKSHOP
Date: June 25th Fee: $110.00
Time: 9:00 – 2:00 lunch included
Instructor: Chuck Wheat
De-Candling Black Pines & Trimming White Pine
Japanese Black Pine: The student will learn the “de-candling” techniques now used in Japan to create the highest quality bonsai and develop shorter needles. The goal is to increase ramification (more branches), and to refine and balance the growth of the tree. This is also the time to work on white pines to remove excess branching and keep tree more compact.
Shimpaku: Old yellowing foliageand un-necessary branches can becleaned and thinned out. Now is the time to create jin because the bark is not tightly attached this time of year.
Wiring is done after de-candling. If time permits, the student will learn wiring techniques and how to develop branch structure that will develop pads of foliage.
For more information, please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Class size is limited.
FALL MAINTENANCE FOR PINES NEEDLE REMOVAL, BUD SELECTION AND WIRING
Date: October 29, 2022 Fee: $110
Time: 10:00 – 3:00 lunch included
Instructor: Chuck Wheat
Bring your own tree and watch the magic unfold by removal of old pine needles – revealing new small growth created by our summer de-candling. Identify and select buds for future growth. You will be guided as to which limbs need wiring for the continued styling of your trees. Beginners welcomed!
Wire is included, however, for trees needing extensive work, an additional wire charge could apply.
For more information, please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Class size is limited.
KURUME AZALEA WORKSHOP
Date: TBA Fee: TBA
Time: TBA
Instructor: TBA
The Kurume’s are finishing their blooming so this is perfect timing for styling. We will find the tree’s main line and probable front and proceed to cut back aggressively.
For more information please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Class size is limited.
ROOT OVER ROCK
In this awesome workshop you will be guided step by step in how to make your Bonsai roots fuse to a rock. We will help you construct the roots of a trident maple or ficus over a rock, which will allow the roots, over time, to slowly fuse to the rock.
For more information, please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
REPOTTING your PINE bonsai
Date: February 18, 2023 Fee: $125.00
Time: 10:00 – 2:00
Instructor: Chuck Wheat
This is your opportunity to bring your tree or purchase a tree, and be guided to specific professional styling and proper potting techniques. Your bonsai will then be on the road to becoming a specimen.
One gallon of professional soil mix is included with additional available for purchase if needed for larger trees. We encourage use of your own tools. They are available for purchase or can be borrowed from PCBonsai. Time allowed will be for one tree.
For more information please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Class size is limited.
Special Guest Events
YAMADORI WORKSHOP “DON’T MISS” W/ LARRY JACKEL
Date: TBA Fee: TBA
Time: TBA
Instructor: Larry Jackel
Larry’s mission is to acquaint you will the Yamadori process and guide you in styling and furthering your trees, including creating Jin and Shari – deadwood. Larry is the bonsai curator of the Denver Arboretum and we are most excited to have him back with us.
This class is for all levels of bonsai enthusiasts from beginner to experienced, and will expand your knowledge of basic bonsai. Tree offerings include amazing blue spruce collected from the high elevation of the Rockies. Steve will also have selected a group of junipers from the “Sea of Junipers” that have excellent attributes for Yamadori style. They will be specially priced from $25 – $75.
For more information, please contact us at: (770) 983-3377 or pcbonsai@gmail.com
Class size is limited.
