Bonsai 101 Class

Please join us for a class on the creation of bonsai. In this class we will have a demonstration by a bonsai expert followed by hands-on, step by step instruction on how to create a bonsai tree.

You will learn the basics of pruning, styling, and potting the tree. We will be working with Schefflera arboricola, a favorite tropical bonsai material valued for ease of styling and care. At the end of the class participants will have their own bonsai tree to take home.

In class we will provide all the materials for creation including tree, container, soil, and wire. Bonsai tools will be available for use in class. In addition to instruction for creation we will also review best practices for home care that will promote longevity in the tree.

10:00am - Class begins in Farmhouse building at Fodor Farm

10:10am - Brief introduction to the history of bonsai

10:30 am - Demonstration of steps for creating bonsai tree

11:00 am - Hands on session begins

12:30 pm - Wrap-up

Participant ($75): All materials provided + hands-on guidance

Observer ($25): No materials provided

Leading this Bonsai 101 Class is Susan Simmons, Norwalk resident, board member of the Norwalk Tree Alliance, and bonsai enthusiast since 1985. Susan studied and learned the art of bonsai from Master Yuji Yoshimura at his Bonsai School in Briarcliff Manor New York. Later she was assistant to Saeko Oshiro at Shanti Bithi Bonsai Nursery for several years. Today Susan maintains her private collection of approximately 200 trees across the spectrum of hardiness.

Also teaching the class is Michael Pollack, a renowned bonsai artist who has won many awards for his strong artistic ability styling very old and gnarly trees. Michael was Owner and Teacher of Bonsai Shinsei for several years. In that school Michael taught bonsai to many people with varying degrees of expertise. Currently Michael maintains his own collection of outdoor bonsai trees.

Host or Publisher Norwalk Tree Alliance