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.
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.
– 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 david.weiss@minnesotabonsaisociety.org
Cost: $95.00 per person
Skill Level: Beginner
When:
April 26 & 27, 2025
July 19 & 20, 2025
September 13 & 14, 2025
Where:
April 26 & 27: Washington County Fair Grounds, Hooley Hall (12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082)
July 19 & 20: Washington County Fair Grounds, Building B (12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082)
September 13 & 14: 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
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)
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.
2025 DATES
April, 2025 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 23, 2025 7 pm – 9 pm*
Hands-On Sessions: (Limited to 25 spots)
Saturday, April 26, 2025 9 am – 12 pm – Junipers
Saturday, April 26, 2025 1 pm – 4 pm – Junipers
Sunday, April 27, 2025 9 am – 12 pm- Junipers
July, 2025 Workshops: (Tropicals Only)
Location:Washington County Fair Grounds, Building B (12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082)
Zoom Lessons: (Included with your hands-on workshop)
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 7 pm – 9 pm*
Hands-On Sessions: (Limited to 25 spots)
Saturday, July 19, 2025 9 am – 12 pm – Tropicals
Saturday, July 19, 2025 1 pm – 4 pm – Tropicals
Sunday, July 20, 2025 9 am – 12 pm- Tropicals
September, 2025 Workshops: (Junipers and Tropicals)
Location: Otten Bros. Nursery in Long Lake, MN (2350 Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, MN 55356)
Zoom Lessons: (Included with your hands-on workshop)
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 7 pm – 9 pm*
Hands-On Sessions: (Limited to 25 spots)
Saturday, September 13, 2025 9 am – 12 pm – Tropicals
Saturday, September 13, 2025 1 pm – 4 pm – Tropicals
Sunday, September 14, 2025 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.
Workshop 2.0: (Free after completing your Novice Workshop, limited to 25 spots)
Novice 2.0 is a chance to come back and work with MBS volunteers at the next workshop weekend. For example, if you register for the April workshop, you will be invited to sign up for the July 2.0 session, held on the Sunday afternoon of that July weekend. As always, email the instructor, David Weiss with questions: david.weiss@minnesotabonsaisociety.org
April:
Sunday, April 27, 2025 1 pm – 4pm (For 2023 participants)
Location: Washington County Fair Grounds, Hooley Hall (12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082)
July:
Sunday, July 20, 2025 1 pm – 4pm
Location: Otten Brothers (3435 US-12 SE, Delano, MN 55328)
Sunday:
Sunday, September 14, 2025 1 pm – 4pm
Location: Otten Bros. Nursery in Long Lake, MN (2350 Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, MN 55356)
Link to register for 2.0 will be sent to attendees only after your workshop.