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Japanese Cultural Programs: Introduction to Bonsai

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to learn about bonsai and design with award-winning horticulturist, Bob King. Bob is a founding member of the Nikkei Bonsai Society and has over 30 years of experience in the art of bonsai. He has received numerous awards for his trees, which have been exhibited throughout British Columbia and in Washington and Oregon states.

This two-part workshop, "Introduction to Bonsai," will be presented over two lectures with accompanying demonstrations. The first part, "Horticulture & Care," will take place on Saturday, June 24, and will cover the development and refinement of trees suitable for cultivation in small containers. The second part, "The Design of Bonsai," will take place on Saturday, July 15, and will present an overview of the traditional artistic concepts involved in bonsai design.

Bonsai trees require a delicate balance of care to maintain their health and appearance over time. The horticulture and care portion of the workshop will discuss seasonal management, including providing adequate sunlight and regular watering, along with appropriate fertilization. In the design portion of the workshop, participants will learn how to create a harmonious and balanced composition that reflects the beauty and simplicity of nature through careful shaping, pruning, and selection of decorative elements.

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About Bonsai

Bonsai is the art of growing and shaping miniature trees in small containers. This ancient Japanese practice, which originated in China, involves meticulously pruning, wiring, and shaping trees to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing composition. Bonsai trees are not merely miniature versions of their larger counterparts; they are living works of art that require constant attention and care. Bonsai enthusiasts carefully choose the species of tree, container, and soil to ensure the proper growth and development of the tree. The process of creating a bonsai tree is a patient and meditative practice that requires a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of simplicity.