Introduction to Bonsai Workshops- 2023

If you’re new to bonsai, this beginner workshop is a great way to get started. Each participant will receive a pre-bonsai tree, a suitable pot with soil. Prior to your hands-on session, an educational online Zoom meeting will be held to help you prepare for the class. Participants will also receive a 1 year MBS membership after registering purchasing the workshop.*

After successfully registering and completing your Novice Workshop, you will have a first come first served basis chance to sign up for Novice 2.0 at no extra cost. There will be 25 slots available where you can come back and go a little deeper into your bonsai tree knowledge at one of the later workshop dates. Participants will have time to talk about and work on pruning, wiring, fertilizing, and winter care among other topics. The MBS Novice 2.0 will only be available on a Sunday afternoon session (1-4pm) of the July and September workshop weekends. See the workshop schedule below for more information. 

* One free membership per purchase only, no cash value, coupon will be mailed in email receipt after purchase. Free membership expires 30 days after the workshop. No exceptions.
– Due to the popularity of this class, any cancellations made within 7 days will not be refunded.

Instructor:
David Weiss,
MBS 2nd vice president and former president
Questions:
For questions please contact instructor David Weiss at mbsorg.vp2[at]gmail.com


Cost: $85.00 per person
Skill Level: Beginner
When: See dates below
Where:
April: Washington County Fair Grounds, Hooley Hall (12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082)
July classes: Washington County Fair Grounds (12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082)
September: Otten Brothers Garden Center (2350 Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, MN 55356)
Time:
Choose a morning (9-12PM) or afternoon (1-4PM) spot, includes online educational Zoom meeting Wednesday prior to event.
Provided: Soil, pot, tree and wire will be given at the workshop. Bonsai tools will be provided to use during the workshop. Food or drinks not provided. 
Selecting your tree: 
Tropical or Juniper – See descriptions below

Note: All classes are sold out for 2023. 2024 classes will be posted in February.


Ficus

TROPICALS

Apartment dwellers might be happiest with a tropical species of tree. Although it would enjoy a summer outside if you have a balcony, tropical trees can be considered indoor bonsai and should be kept indoors during the winter. The type of tropical provided will vary depending on availability. Note: Tropical trees are only available for July and September workshops, since they can only be re-potted after Spring. 2022 Tropicals provided are typically a Ficus. (Click for images)

Garden Juniper

JUNIPERS

If you enjoy conifers then a juniper is a good choice. This tree needs to live outside and go through the change of seasons. It will need some winter protection, such as an unheated garage. This tree will not survive inside a warm house. This is often thought of as a “classic” Japanese bonsai species and is very common. Note: Junipers are only available for May and September workshops, since they can only be re-potted at certain times of the year.


* One free membership per purchase only, no cash value
– Due to the popularity of this class, any cancellations made within 7 days will not be refunded.


2023 DATES, 2024 dates will be posted by end of February 2024

April, 2023 Workshops: (Junipers Only)
Location: Washington County Fair Grounds, Hooley Hall (12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082)

Zoom Lesson: (Included with your hands-on workshop)
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 7 pm – 9 pm*

Hands-On Sessions: (Limited to 25 spots)
Saturday, April 29, 2023 9 am – 12 pm – Junipers
Saturday, April 29, 2023 1 pm – 4 pm – Junipers
Sunday, April 30, 2023 9 am – 12 pm- Junipers

July, 2023 Workshops: (Tropicals Only)
Location: 12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

Zoom Lessons: (Included with your hands-on workshop) 
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 7 pm – 9 pm*

Hands-On Sessions: (Limited to 25 spots)
Saturday, July 15, 2023 9 am – 12 pm – Tropicals
Saturday, July 15, 2023 1 pm – 4 pm – Tropicals
Sunday, July 16, 2023 9 am – 12 pm- Tropicals

September, 2023 Workshops: (Junipers and Tropicals)
Location: TBD –
Otten Bros. Nursery in Long Lake, MN 

Zoom Lessons: (Included with your hands-on workshop)
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 7 pm – 9 pm*

Hands-On Sessions: (Limited to 25 spots)
Saturday, September 16, 2023 9 am – 12 pm – Tropicals
Saturday, September 16, 2023 1 pm – 4 pm – Tropicals
Sunday, September 17, 2023 9 am – 12 pm – Junipers

*A prerecorded video can be sent if you can not attend the Zoom class prior to your workshop
Zoom link to be send by instructor prior to event. 

Note: All classes are sold out for 2023. Please contact instructor David Weiss at mbsorg.vp2[at]gmail.com to be put on a waiting list. 2024 classes will be posted in February.


Workshop 2.0: (Free after completing your Novice Workshop, limited to 25 spots)
Location TBD
Sunday, April 30, 2023 1 pm – 4pm (For 2022 participants)
Sunday, July 16, 2023 1 pm – 4pm 
Sunday, September 17, 2022 1 pm – 4pm
Link to register for 2.0 will be sent to attendees only after your workshop.

Images below are from the 2023 September workshops