Bonsai Northwest Newsletter

Beginning Bonsai Workshop

10/2/2010 Learn the basics of bonsai. This workshop will teach you the informal upright style of shaping as well as wiring, re-potting, proper pot placement, use of proper tools, winter care and pest prevention techniques. This workshop costs $85.00 and includes all items needed to create your own first bonsai. $85.00.

CASCADE STYLE

Oct 30. Cascade style. Using Blue Atlas cedars, we will create the dynamic look of a tree clinging to a mountain side, an upright tree driven downward by the forces of Mother Nature. This bonsai will be potted in a tall narrow container. Wiring, shaping, pruning and potting will be done in class. All materials are included. Limited to 10 students. Cost $85.00.

Phoenix Graft

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

Raft Style

Sept 11th. In this class we lay a tree on it's side, the branches on the upward side are wired and become a forest, those on the downward are cut off. The planting is placed in a shallow container. Eventually the root ball is removed and a forest is created. All materials are included. Cost $85.00. Limited to 10 students.

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 September 11th, 2010 Raft Style
• Saturday October 2nd, 2010 Beginning Bonsai Workshop
• Saturday October 30th, 2010 CASCADE STYLE
• Saturday November 6th, 2010 Beginning Bonsai Workshop
• Saturday November 13th, 2010 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.)