MBS Bonsai Skills 101-2026

This educational offering is directed to the novice bonsai hobbyist who would like to grow in their bonsai understanding, skills and practice. It will include 6 days of classes spread out over the bonsai season from late winter through late autumn, during the months when appropriate work can be performed safely.

There are 8 spots available in the class with the possiblity of adding 2 more.

The fee for all 6, 6+ hour sessions, will be $350.00

The instructors will be Zach S accompanied by either Brian S or Steve C

The class will be held at Night Owl Bonsai in the River West neighborhood of Milwaukee. There are 12 work stations at the studio.

The class will be structured as a lecture/demonstration style class. The earlier part of the day will be spent discussing pertinent topics related to the scope of work that is appropriate for the season at hand. The balance of the time will be spent discussing trees. Some trees might be the presenter’s own trees which demonstrate seasonally appropriate work, but most will be the personal trees of the class participants. One tree will be discussed at a time while the other participants listen to the issues of the tree presented. All will learn from each tree discussed. If there is time permitting, some work might be performed on these trees. Any recommended work will be directed by the instructors and performed by either one of the instructors or by the member themself, if appropriate.

It should be understood that all will benefit from each tree presented and each person or tree may not receive the EXACT amount of time or attention. A younger tree may be able to be discussed in a shorter time than a larger, more involved tree. Remember that younger trees grow into larger trees and when a younger trees matures, the member will be familiar with the work necessary by observing the procedures done on another member’s more mature tree.

The class will be an open, casual, and thorough learning experience… and it is always a lot of fun.

Class dates for the 2026 season:

Saturdays, 8:30AM-4PM

• March 21 - Repotting
• April 18- Wiring and Styling, Deadwood creation
• June 6 - Post flush-Harden-prune, Wiring, Styling
• August 8 - Final summer cut-back, Wiring, Styling
• October 17 - Wiring, Styling, Deadwood creation
• November 14 - Fall cut-back, Deciduous Wiring, Fall Pine work

All classes will be held at:

Night Owl Bonsai

3728 North Fratney Street

In Riverwest

Milwaukee

More class details will be sent as the start date approaches.

There are 5 - $100 scholarships available to help pay for the registration fee of this class. If you are interested in being considered for one of these scholarships please indicate your interest when you register. If there are more than 5 students interested in receiving the scholarships the MBS executive committee will base the awards on total 2025 MBS volunteer hours. The scholarship receipants will be notified via email and sent a check by mail.

Must be a MBS member in good standing to register.

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