Dwarf Elephant Bush Bonsai Workshop, 8/10

Learn basic bonsai techniques to start transforming plants into bonsai. Learn why it is important to have a good soil mix, root-prune, repot, and choose the right angles when repotting. Take this knowledge home and apply it to other plants as well.

In this class we will work on the Dwarf Elephant Bush, an evergreen succulent bonsai.

'Jade' the Dwarf Elephant Bush, a hardy stout grower native to Africa with super low water needs.

I am an evergreen succulent shrub known for my reddish brown stem and variegated cream and green leaves. Keep me in a location that has direct sunlight a few hours a day. A southern or western facing window works well. To water, submerge my pot in water up to the rim for 5-10 minutes and then let me drain thoroughly. Do this about once every 10-12 days, or when my pot feels light. Dry, warm apartments might make me dry out quicker, so check the weight of my pot. Take me outside on nice days in summer for warm summer air.

Symbolism: Jade is a popular good luck charm in Chinese culture, thought to bring in financial energies. This beautiful succulent plant has vibrant green leaves symbolic of growth, renewal and abundance. It's round leaves resemble jade coins which is symbolic of prosperity and wealth. It is a traditional gift for businesses and many business owners place a Jade Plant near the entrance of their restaurants or shops, or in a southeast location to bring prosperity and success. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, Jade Plants are set on top of stock and investment certificates so they will increase in value during the coming year.

This class is for beginners to intermediate.

TOTAL SEATS: 5

Materials Provided: One handmade small bonsai planter in white, one bonsai tree, soil, decorative rocks, necessary tools for repotting. Other materials on site available for purchase.

About the instructors:

Matthew Puntigam lived and worked in Tokyo for 7 years learning bonsai techniques and garden skills while apprenticing at a garden design and bonsai shop. He opened Dandy Farmer in 2016 to bring the art of bonsai to the NYC community.

FAQs

Do I need to bring anything to the workshop?

All bonsai making materials will be provided. Keep in mind there will be soil and water, possibly flying through the air. You may want to bring an apron if you are a messy planter and want to keep dirt off your lap (we provide gloves if you'd like to use them and we have a sink nearby).

Can I bring my bonsai home with me?

Absolutely! You should even give it a name. We'll show you how to package your new plant well enough to make the journey home , and send you off with watering instructions because, well, water is everything.

What's the refund policy?

Sorry, but there are no refunds within 7 days of the event, due to a limited number of spots in the workshop and the preparation involved.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can send us an email to [email protected] and we'll get back to you.

Host or Publisher The Bonsai Shop by Dandy Farmer