Peter Tea Fundamentals Program

2022 Level II Schedule (Open to Level 1 participants, Waiting List only) Peter will visit twice in 2022, March 26 and 27 and October 15 & 16. Level II registration is first open to everyone that completed level 1.


The Fundamentals series is a continuous learning program designed to teach you foundational bonsai skills; which you will build and expand upon, through guided practice, in a learning environment. Unlike styling workshops, this first of its kind experience offers MBS members the exclusive ability to study with a bonsai professional without the expense of traveling to the teacher’s studio.

Each session begins with classroom instruction that will focus on appropriate seasonal work in order to understand proper techniques, their application and expected outcomes. Following the classroom instruction, you will practice the techniques with Peter’s guidance. Between class sessions, you will care for these trees, observe results and return with them to the next session to continue the developmental process. Each subsequent session will reinforce and expand the learning you have acquired in the previous session.

Your commitment to at least two years of learning in this program offers you an opportunity to work with a highly skilled professional on a one to one basis as well as gaining precious knowledge to help you expand your own abilities.

2020 marked the launch of the second series of the intensive Fundamentals program that will provide a substantial improvement to your trees, your overall bonsai knowledge and your skill level. Level 1 of this program will be completed by everyone, regardless of their skill level before they progress to year 2 (level 2), where you will continue to build and expand your bonsai knowledge and abilities.

There are two levels of participation in the Fundamentals program: a full working position allows you to be one of six individuals to work with Peter on one day of each weekend and observe the other, or an as observer, where you watch and learn from Peter’s discussions and procedures performed on each of the working members trees.

Peter Tea’s background as an apprentice to Mr. Junichiro Tanaka (a fourth generation bonsai grower), in Nagoya, Japan, offers him a unique teaching perspective, how to grow and develop trees of all ages. He will show you the steps that are needed and what techniques applied to create a fully developed and ramified tree. He is an excellent teacher and has a great eye for getting the best out of the material.

2020 Level 1 Schedule (Registration Closed)
Peter will visit twice in 2020, April 18 & 19 and October 10 & 11. There will be a class on January 25th without Peter to prepare and answer any questions before Peter arrives in April.



Click map for directions

Working Spot Cost: $270.00
Observer Spot Cost: $140.00
When:

March 26 and 27
October 15 and 16
Tools and supplies required (not provided): Pliers, wire cutter, concave cutter, shears, sharp knife, wound dressing, wire copper (gauge): 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) and aluminum wire(mm: 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5)
Trees: 2 Trees required (1-Coniferous, 1-Deciduous)*

**
Tools and supplies required (not provided): Pliers, wire cutter, concave cutter, shears, sharp knife, wound dressing, wire copper (gauge): 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) and aluminum wire(mm: 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5)
Trees: 2 Trees required (1-Coniferous, 1-Deciduous)*

Available to MBS members only. Please login prior to registration to confirm your information and membership is up to date.

*We will be sourcing bonsai stock directly from growers, both coniferous and deciduous, specifically for this class that will allow you the best opportunity to practice and learn on. These trees will be offered at cost for class participants. If you feel you have suitable material for the series, or any other specific questions, please contact Dale Krueger, Fundamentals Coordinator, for answers or consultation on the appropriateness of your trees.

**Dates subject to change.

About Peter Tea:
https://www.ptbonsai.com/

Peter started his bonsai journey at his home of San Jose, CA. He was employed full time as an auto mechanic before he began working with trees and soon found he had a passion for them. He learned all he could and eventually found himself working with “Bonsai Boon” Manakitivipart in the Bay area. He established a reputation for excellence and started teaching even before beginning his apprenticeship in Japan. While working at Bonsai Aichien, Peter not only worked on some of the best trees in the world and participated in all the major Japanese shows, he gained an experience that not all professionals were exposed to: he learned how to create trees from all stages of development. From young material to old precious trees that needed revitalization. This allows him to make decisions that will best give you long term results on your trees as well as immediate satisfaction. After completing his apprenticeship with Mr. Tanaka he returned home and began touring and teaching before establishing his own garden in Auburn, Ca, northeast of Sacramento about 4 years ago. He continues to develop his trees and his nursery.