UPCOMING CLASSES

BONSAI BASICS CLASS

Learn the art and science of bonsai with the Tucson Bonsai Society during this three-part workshop designed for beginners.  You will learn the techniques for long-term cultivation and shaping of plants in containers adapted to the horticulture of our Sonoran Desert. 

Classes will be given at the beautiful Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way.

                                                   Cost $120              Choose from two times:

                                                                                          9am-noon

                                                                                             1-4pm

INCLUDED:

Three 3-hour classes (SATURDAYS, May 23, June 20 and August 22)

A plant suitable for bonsai in Tucson's climate (your selection)

Detailed workbook 

Use of a variety of bonsai tools 

Our experienced teachers will provide hands-on assistance throughout these sessions

May 23 - Class 1, Instructors cover Bonsai Basics and history.  We will demonstrate how to choose material for bonsai and how to design the future tree with emphasis on style, visual front, trunk, limb structure and rootage.  We will also demonstrate pruning and wiring.  You will select a tree ideal for Tucson climate and begin caring for and styling your tree until the next class.

June 20 – Class 2.  After the plant has rested for a month, the class will share knowledge of each participant’s plant choice and will explore the best species for training bonsai in our desert environment, and what to avoid.  We will devote more on pruning and wiring, soil mixes, watering, fertilizers and climate.   More discussions on major styles used for training your bonsai.

August 22 – Class 3.  In the final session (two months under your care), we give the plants more time to adjust for our climate change before we transplant the bonsai into a selected container of your choice.  Containers will be available for purchase ($10 to $20 depending on the pot). Cash or check accepted.

What to Bring:  Pen and any bonsai tools you own, such as wire cutter or shears (however, all tools will be provided to work on your tree if you don't own any.)  Tools will also be available for sale.

Contact the Tucson Botanical Gardens:  (520) 326-9686  or on their website.