Bonsai Northwest Newsletter

Azaleas

A Blooming Bonsai. Learn the techniques of turning an Azalea into a classic bonsai. We will wire, prune amd plant these trees. $85.00 All materials provided

bonsai 101

March 10 Bonsai 101 Learn the basics of wiring, pruning and re-potting one of the upright styles. This is a great opportunity to get an overview of this fascinating living art form. This class is designed for the beginner and for those who need to refresh their techniques.Limited to 8 students. All materials included. Cost $105. 1:30-4:30 pm

Elm Forest

Using 7-9 smaller trees create a forest of elms in a shallow tray. Basics on design and techniques will be taught. Cost $110 All materials provided.

Maple Forest

Using 7-9 smaller trees create a forest of maples in a shallow tray. Basics on design and techniques will be taught. Cost $110 All materials provided.

Phoenix Graft

March 24th Phoenix Graft- Here we take a twisted old piece of deadwood and attach a juniper to it to create the Illusion of an ancient tree. We also cover the use of carving tools and how to maintain deadwood in our damp northwest environment.Limited to 5 students All materials included. Cost $165.00

Saikai

One of the most creative classes, here a truly miniature landscape is created using several varieties of plants, grasses and rocks in a shallow bonsai pot. A mountain or seaside scene, or any place you have seen can be designed. All materials provided. 8 Students. Cost $110 1:30-4:00pm

Contact us for questions 206-242-8244

Recommended Reading

There are many good bonsai books out there (and a few not so good ones). This quarter we would like to make sure you are all familiar with a book written by David De Groot. David is the curator of the Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection and has been teaching bonsai for over 25 years. David's book, Basic Bonsai Design, is easy to read and very informative.

David discusses the most important aspects of bonsai. From choosing suitable plant material to artistic principles of design for a tree in training. He covers things to look for in selecting an appropriate pot to visual design elements of a mature tree. Between the use of beautiful photos and excellent drawings, David is able to convey the various and many concepts clearly and thoroughly.

If you are a beginner and would like to learn the concept of design we highly recommend this book. It is available at the shop along with many other good books.

If you are looking for a good bonsai book that will help you with basic care, we recommend Harry Tomlinson's RD Home Handbook: Bonsai. This is a small paperback version of his book and is a concise way to get the basics of general maintenance and care. The center portion of the book lists out the most common trees used and their general conditions needed for health.

Calendar of Events

WORKSHOPS are on Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30. They are a one day intensive geared to the beginner covering a specific topic. They are a great introduction to bonsai for those with little or no experience.

CLASSES are on either Tuesday or Thursday evening from 7 to 9 once a week for five weeks. Classes are geared towards the beginner who knows they really want to learn the ins and outs of bonsai. Students will receive 10 hours of hands on training covering three different styles of bonsai.

• Saturday March 3rd, 2012 Maple Forest
• Saturday March 10th, 2012 bonsai 101
• Saturday March 17th, 2012 Elm Forest
• Saturday March 24th, 2012 Phoenix Graft
• Wednesday March 28th, 2012 bonsai 101
• Saturday April 7th, 2012 Azaleas
• Saturday April 14th, 2012 bonsai 101
• Saturday April 28th, 2012 Saikai
• Saturday June 9th, 2012 Phoenix Graft

You may wish to look at the calendar to review all of the planned activities at Bonsai Northwest.

Bonsai Northwest, 5021 S. 144th Street, Tukwila WA, 98168 Phone: 206-242-8244 Open Wed.-Sat. 10:00-5:00, Sunday 11:00-4:00 (Closed Mon. & Tues.)