This year we have included more introductory classes to accommodate requests. They are packed with so much information, previous students may want to come as observers for a review. The open studios are now on Wednesday nights. Consider bringing the same plants each session to begin a calendar of care and maintenance month by month.

We offer each student a coupon worth 20% off a one time purchase at Nature`s Way. We provide everything you need for the introductory level classes. Bring a brown bag lunch, drinks will be provided.

NOTE: An asterisk (*) after a class name indicates that students must have completed our Introduction to Bonsai workshop or have some previous experience in bonsai.

From Walter:

I will be at Nature's Way Nursery in Harrisburg, PA at the beginning of April. This time we will offer very special workshops. There are more than 30 outstanding collected trees that we work on. These are Rocky Mountain Junipers and Ponderosa Pines of exceptional quality. Some of them are clearly material for world class bonsai.

We will do with the trees whatever need to be done at their stage. This will be lifting from the container, examining roots. taking out old debris from the root ball, cutting branches, deciding about future shape, reducing foliage, cleaning trunks, potting into bonsai pots. The participants will actually work with these trees hands on. I will explain every step, what, how and why. I will go into the horticultural side at length and certainly also into the artistic side. We will not style a single tree, but participants will get a good picture of the future of each tree. I will also make professional photographs of the trees during the sessions. Folks who are interested will get my advice about how to make professional bonsai images.

Most of the trees are available for sale by Jim Doyle. They are certainly not cheap though. It is not required that someone purchases any tree. Prices can NOT be quoted at this point in time. Trees will have a price tag at the beginning of April though.

Fee: $150 for the day. In addition you may bring one tree of your own for styling advice. Register now with a $50 deposit.

Dates: April 4, Friday, 9am-5pm, and April 6, Sunday, 10am-5pm

Individual sessions may be available on April 5 or 7. Pricing by Pall. Email or call for further information 717-545-4555.

SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION with Marco Invernizzi*

BYO TREE WORKSHOP

An opportunity to study with one of the bonsai world`s great stylist and technician. This is an all day session to take your trees to the next level. BYO tree/trees. Class size limited. Lunch included.

Fee: $100 Observer: $35

Date: Thurs, May 8 10 am to 5 pm

INTRODUCTION TO BONSAI

Become aware of all the elements of bonsai through this beginner`s course. History, styles, design, year-round maintenance, pruning, wiring, potting and refinement are all covered, along with a hands-on workshop where you will create your own future masterpiece. A great `refresher course`. Plant, pot, soil, wire, fertilizer and booklet are included.

Fee: $85 Observer: $20

Dates:

Sat, - October 27 - 9:30 am to 4 pm
Sat, - November 17 - 9:30 am to 4 pm
Sat, - March 22 - 9:30 am to 4 pm
Sat, - April 12 - 9:30 am to 4 pm
Sat, - June 7 - 9:30 am to 4 pm

INTRODUCTION TO TROPICAL BONSAI

Tropical & subtropical plants make good candidates for indoor bonsai. Understanding different climates of the world is a key to choosing plants suitable for indoor culture. Plant, pot, soil, wire & supplies are included in this hands on workshop.

Fee: $70 Observer: $20

Dates:

Sat, - Jan 12 - 9:30 am to 3 pm
Sat, - April 26 - 9:30 am to 3 pm

YOUNG PERSON'S WORKSHOP

Ages 9-16

Here`s an opportunity for kids to get an introduction to bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh). Combining a history lesson, theory and the fun part: hands-on pruning, styling, and potting your tree. Japanese snacks and drinks provided. Plant,pot and booklet included.

Fee: $45 -- Sorry no observers

Date: Sat, January 19 - 9:30am to 1:30pm

BRAZILIAN RAINTREE WORKSHOP

Its small leaves, reddish new growth and flaking bark make this tropical a great candidate for bonsai design. The fact that it is easy to grow and requires very little wiring are the bonus. Selected trees from a respected nursery in Florida will be provided.

Fee: $75 Observer: $20

Date: Sat, - Jan 26 9:30 am to 2 pm

CARISSA WORKSHOP

These tropical trees, known as natal plum or christ`s thorn, have been on reserve for a full year here at the nursery. The waxy deep green foliage, woody trunks, fragrant flowers, and edible fruit make it a particularly interesting bonsai subject. Potting included.

Fee: $80 Observer: $20

Date: Sat, Feb 16 9:30 am to 1 pm

CHINESE ELM WORKSHOP*

Ulmus parviflora
The trees for this workshop are field grown stock which have been well established in growing boxes. Culture and care will be reviewed in detail. There is much room for design solution.

Fee: $100 Observers: $20

Date: Sat, March 15 noon to 4 pm

JAPANESE GARDEN DESIGN

Do you have a Japanese garden or are you considering designing one? This course can provide you with history, individual elements, symbolism and composition. Personal slides taken throughout Japan and the United States will be shown. Handout, book, and refreshments are included.

Fee: $25 $35/couple from same household

Date: Wed. - March 19 - 6 to 9:30 pm

COLLECTED LARCH WORKSHOP

Larix laricina
A 3 tree composition of these 20-30 year old larch is the basis of this workshop. Design elements, tree positions, selection and care will be discussed. Rocks will be used to define this naturalistic design. Plants, pots, rocks and materials included.

Fee: $140 Observer: $20

Date: Sat. - March 29 - 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

MAPLE FOREST WORKSHOP

Acer Palmatum
The many varieties of Japanese maples will be discussed in depth. Propagation, styling, pruning techniques, care and maintenance will be discussed. Learn positioning and design elements to make a good composition. Japanese maple seedlings will be used to create a 5 tree group. Plants and pot included.

Fee: $110 Observer: $25

Date: Sat, April 5 - 9:30 am to 4 pm

Pinus thunbergi
The S-shaped trunks of these pines offer a good base for a design and styling workshop. The specifics of growing and maintaining black pines will be discussed in detail. Potting is included.

Fee: $80 Observer: $20

Date: Sat, April 19 9:30 am to 3 pm

Picea Yezonensis `JD`s Dwarf`
Originally from Japan, these 13-15 year old trees are from cuttings taken from the mother tree still at our nursery. Stunning, unusual dwarf characteristics make this plant a superb specimen for bonsai.

Fee: $285 Observer: $20

Date: Sat, May 31 9:30 am to 3 pm

ROCK PLANTING WORKSHOP

Each student will create their own saikei (land/rock) planting on tuffa, a craggy rock collected from ancient ocean beds in Ohio. Experience the grand meditation of creating a landscape in miniature. Dress to be outside for the day. Class size is limited.

Fee: $85 Observers: $20

Date: Sat, July 19 - 9:30 am to 3 pm

For Continuing Students

Our studio opens its doors to help the continuing student develop ongoing projects. Our work benches, specialty tools, research and advice are available. We hope you can join us. (Please call one week before each studio session to reserve a space.)

Fee: $10 - 2 hours

OR

$25 - 12-8pm sessions

Dates:

2007:

Wed, October 24 6:30 to 9 pm
Wed, November 14 6:30 to 9 pm

 

2008:

Wed, January 16 6:30 to 9 pm
Wed, February 20 6:30 to 9 pm
Wed, March 26 noon to 8 pm
Wed, April 16 noon to 8 pm
Wed, May 21 noon to 8 pm
Wed, June 4 6:30 to 9 pm
Wed, July 9 6:30 to 9 pm

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