2023 Novice Class

If you are in the early stages of learning about the bonsai hobby, these classes will help expand your knowledge and understanding of bonsai styles, practices and techniques and set the foundation on which your future bonsai experiences and lessons will build.

Novice Classes this year will be led by Ron Fortmann. This series of five classes will review a number of topics in each session and you will also work on a provided tree in the fourth and fifth sessions. We will work from a text that will be provided as part of the class.

Session 1 - Saturday - February 18 (9-2 PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Introductions & expectations
• Bonsai history
• Bonsai tools
• Bonsai terms
• Bonsai styles
• Bonsai Horticulture

Session 2 - Saturday March 11 (9-2 PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Review styles and their application
• Bonsai rules
• Bonsai development
• Pot selection
• Potting/Repotting practices
• Repotting workshop

Session 3 - Saturday March 25 (9-2 PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Bonsai soils
• Bonsai Fertilization
• Discussion about taper
• Wire and wiring

Session 4 - Saturday April 15 (9-2 PM) at Boerner Botanical Gardens - Grandparents Room

• Work on your class tree
• Review previous sessions

Session 5 - Saturday May 27 (9-2 PM) Nursery Crawl and Ron's Studio - Oconomowoc

• Evaluate nursery stock for potential bonsai
• Work on your class tree

Now that your feet are wet....Jump in! Begin your own Bonsai journey.

Class participation will be based on first paid first included basis and includes a tree. Classes are limited to 12 students.

Must be MBS member in good standing.