Class 1 (Spring):

Repotting. The backbone to a healthy and refined tree is your soil. What soil to use, why to use that soil, and why not to use other soil. Finding the front of your tree and then matching that tree to the correct pot are often overlooked skills, even by veteran bonsai enthusiasts. All of this is covered extensively.

Class 2 (Late Spring/Early Summer):

Styling. What am I trying to achieve and what are the steps I’ll need to take to get it there. This is where we conceptualize our tree and begin the work to achieve it.

Class 3 (Summer):

Wiring. There’s only one way to get better at wiring. It is a skill that we use to set the branches for a future masterpieces. But, it can just as easily lead to an ugly or dead tree when applied incorrectly. Even professionals need to sharpen this skill routinely. We focus on this skill for the entire class.

Class 4 (Fall):

Preparing for winter. In fall our trees have the strength from a full growing season and they begin to slow down and prepare for dormancy. As bonsai practitioners we will take full advantage of this season to do much of the straining work that is required for our trees. Pruning, heavy bends, and big cuts are all on the schedule for this class. We will also cover proper winter storage. The need for winter dormancy and the best ways to keep your trees happy in our New England climate.

2023 CLASS SCHEDULE (Dates are subject to change)

Shohin Group 

Class #1 – April 22nd (10 am – 3pm)
Class #2 – June 3rd (10 am – 3pm)
Class #3 – July 15th (10 am – 3 pm)
Class #4 – October 7th (10 am – 3 pm)

Mame Group

Class #1 – April 29th (10 am – 3 pm)
Class #2 – June 10th (10 am – 3 pm)
Class #3 – July 22nd (10 am – 3 pm)
Class #4 – October 14th (10 am – 3 pm)

Class 1:

In year two we begin to utilize the skills we’ve established from our first year of intensive training. Students will begin a project that they will then nurture and refine for the duration of the school. Root over rock. air layer, forests planting, planting on rock or slab, grafting, or anything else that a student wants to expand on are encouraged projects for this class.

Class 2:

Refinement and a field trip. Students focus on refining their trees during this class. Routine pruning, developing shorter internodes, reducing leaf size and all of the other maintenance that is required to bring your tree from the bench to the display table. We also take a field trip during this class. Whether it is a bonsai practitioner’s garden or workspace, an inspiring natural location, or a botanical institution we will try to achieve a different perspective than our typical classroom offers.

Class 3:

Preparing a tree for display — exploring the art of display. Many bonsai practitioners view this aspect of bonsai as the time when a bonsai is at the pinnacle of it’s artistic capability. We discuss the plans to achieve this goal and begin the work to attain it in the future.

Class 4:

Graduation! An eclectic celebration of the work completed as well as an introduction of ways to continue your bonsai journey. A bonsai tree is never completed and neither is the work and knowledge it takes to create these inspiring pieces of art. We often share our celebration with the meeting of the Kaikou Bonsai Study group — a club started by Kaikou grads. Students are encouraged to join the club and continue their quest for bonsai knowledge. Club members organize a raffle of trees, pots, and other bonsai related material. This is an excellent occasion to get world class material for a seldom seen price. Whether you continue on with the club or continue your journey in another avenue you are always welcome and encouraged to stay in contact with your Kaikou teacher and fellow students who have helped you build a richer understanding of the true art of bonsai.

2023 CLASS SCHEDULE (Dates are subject to change)

Chojubai Group

Class #1 – March 11th (10 am)
Class #2 – May 20th (Field Trip)
Class #3 – August 12th (10 am)
Class #4 – December 2nd (11 am – Graduation)

Zoki Group

Class #1 – March 18th (10 am)
Class #2 – May 20th (Field Trip)
Class #3 – August 19th (10 am)
Class #4 – December 2nd (11 am – Graduation)

The Teachers