2025 Fundamentals Class

If you are in the early stages of learning about the bonsai hobby, these classes will help expand your knowledge and understanding of bonsai styles, practices and techniques and set the foundation on which your future bonsai experiences and lessons will build.

Fundamentals Classes this year will be led by Ron Fortmann. This series of five classes will review a number of topics in each session and you will also work on a provided tree in the fourth and fifth sessions. We will work from a text that will be provided as part of the class.

Session 1 - Saturday - February 22 (8:30-1 PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Introductions & expectations
• Bonsai history
• Bonsai tools
• Bonsai terms
• Bonsai styles
• Bonsai Horticulture

Session 2 - Saturday March 8 (8:30-1 PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Review styles and their application
• Bonsai rules
• Bonsai development
• Pot selection
• Potting/Repotting practices
• Repotting workshop

Session 3 - Saturday March 22 (8:30-1 PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Bonsai soils
• Bonsai Fertilization
• Discussion about taper
• Wire and wiring

Session 4 - Saturday April 19 (8:30-3:30PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Work on your class tree
• Review previous sessions

Session 5 - Saturday May 10th (9-1 PM) at Instructor's home in Oconomowoc

• Visit Instructor's Collection
• Review student's tree progress, discuss next steps
• Visit nursery to show what to look for when considering nursery stock for bonsai

Now that your feet are wet....Jump in! Begin your own Bonsai journey.

Class participation will be based on first paid first included basis and includes a tree. Classes are limited to 12 students.

Subject matter in each session may change from what is listed, but all topics will be covered along with many more not listed.

Must be MBS member in good standing.

Host or Publisher Milwaukee Bonsai Society