Spring Celebration 2024

Save The Date: Saturday April 13th (9am - 5pm)

Join us on Saturday April 13th, for a FREE day full of bonsai education.

New England Bonsai is a well-known Bonsai nursery and educational center located in Bellingham, Massachusetts. We organize several events throughout the year to celebrate different occasions, and our Spring Celebration is one of them.

Spring Celebration is a great opportunity for Bonsai enthusiasts and nature lovers to learn, explore, and connect with others who share their passion.

During the Spring Celebration, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including Bonsai Demonstrations and Workshops, plant sales, and more. You will also interact with the experts at New England Bonsai, who are always willing to share their knowledge and experience with others.

If you're interested in attending the Spring Celebration at New England Bonsai, visit the website or social media pages to find out more about demonstration and workshop schedules.

Admission is free!!!

Spring Celebration Private Workshops

Along with the demonstrations (free to the public) we will also be offering these exclusive paid workshops. Learn from these great bonsai artists in a small intimate setting.  

  • 9:30 – 11:30 Introduction to Bonsai: Embark on your Bonsai Journey! – Purchase Tickets
  • 1:00 – 3:30  Kotohime Japanese Maple Workshop with Andrea Meriggioli – Purchase Tickets
  • 2:30 – 4:30  Kishu Shimapku Juniper Workshop with John Romano – Purchase Tickets

Featured Artist

Andrea Meriggioli

9:30 – 11:30 am: Japanese Maple Demonstration with Andrea Meriggioli

Andrea will guide you through the delicate process of shaping and refining a Maple Bonsai. Delving into the intricacies of refining branch structure, detailed pruning methods, specialized wiring techniques, and the art of achieving balanced proportions on an incredible Japanese Maple we acquired in 2023. Admire the mesmerizing transformation as Andrea coaxes the Maple’s branches into graceful formations, showcasing the timeless allure of this ancient horticultural art form.

Here is what to expect:

9:00-11:00 Breakfast and Early Bird Sale

  • Enjoy a 30% discount on all pot. Excludes Hand-made and Tokoname, unless specified.
  • A bunch of Ikebana pots and vases also on special.
  • 10% discount on everything else in-store, including Trees, Tools, Soil, and more.
  • Exciting news! Our tropical truck from Florida arrives in the first week of April. We aim to have everything priced by then!
  • A diverse collection of new Cacti and Succulents awaits your discovery.
  • FREE Coffee, Bagels, Muffins, and Donuts will be served in retail 

11:30am to 12:30pm Tool Sharpening Demo

with John Romano

Ensuring the sharpness of Bonsai tools is crucial for maintaining their efficiency and achieving precise cuts, a key factor in promoting the health of your Bonsai tree.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on sharpening Bonsai tools, with particular emphasis on pruning shears, commonly employed in Bonsai care.

11:30am to 1pm - Open Forum with Andrea

with Andrea Meriggioli

Engage in an enriching Open Forum with Andrea and Peter! Have burning questions about Maples or Bonsai in general? Eager for expert advice on your tree?

This is your chance! Join us for a dynamic session where you can ask anything, share your Bonsai, and benefit from personalized critiques.

Andrea and Peter are here to guide you. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and enhance your Bonsai journey!

12 to 1pm - Lunch

Served in Retail

Finger food (sandwiches), chips, and refreshments will be served.

12:00 – 2:00 Alternatives to Traditional Carving: Enhancing and Creating Driftwood with Epoxy with Ann Loftquist

with Ann Loftquist

Ann Lofquist will present a discussion on a unique technique to enhance and create driftwood using Epoxy. The session covers key aspects such as preventing and treating rot in deadwood, repairing rotting shari using epoxy, and the art of adding driftwood branches.

Additionally, Ann shares insights from her experiments with wood hardeners like Minwax and PC Petrifier, revealing their ineffectiveness in preventing rot. She conducted tests, cut cross sections, and offers participants a visual exploration of product penetration. She introduces the concept of “Reverse Tanuki,” involving the addition of driftwood- artificial or real- to existing trees for both mature Bonsai enhancement and the illusion of age in younger trees. Participants can expect a fascinating journey into this unconventional yet artistically enriching Bonsai practice.

1pm - 3:30 pm Tropical Bonsai in New England with Peter Olson

with Peter Olson

Enthusiasts are promised an intriguing exploration of adapting exotic trees to the region’s unique climate. In this session, participants will discover the artistry of cultivating tropical Bonsai in a non-tropical environment, highlighting the challenges and innovative techniques involved.

The demonstration will cover traditional tropical Bonsai principles, specialized care for tropical trees in colder climates, and the creative incorporation of New England aesthetics into the Bonsai design. Peter will execute a transformative design plan with region specific adjustments by showcasing each step of a multi-season progression.

3:30 - 5pm Hang with the Experts

with Andrea, Pete & John

Joining the Bonsai experts for a casual gathering offers a relaxed opportunity to ask questions and gain insights. This informal session provides an ideal environment for Bonsai enthusiasts to engage in meaningful conversations, seek advice, and share experiences with the experts. It’s a laid-back setting where the exchange of knowledge is complemented by the enjoyment of refreshments, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced Bonsai enthusiast, this hangout allows for a delightful blend of learning, socializing, and appreciating the artistry of Bonsai.