Bonsai Basics

One of the missions of the Fresno Bonsai Society is to provide education about bonsai to our community. This includes both appreciation of the art form and the skills needed to create bonsai. We do this through the Bonsai Basics Class.

Participants must be members of the Fresno Bonsai Society.

Classes are led by veterans of the club. The goal is to introduce sound horticultural practices as well as creative skills. Students will work on developing their own bonsai projects while they learn essential seasonal tasks. All sessions are designed to give the newcomer the skills to collect and maintain their own trees.

Bonsai Basics is taught on a seasonal schedule. For example, we discuss fall pruning in September and October and winter repotting in January and February.

Topics include:

Basic Concepts

• Soils: how to make a basic soil mix.
• How and when to water.
• Wiring Basics: Wiring rules
• Styling: The basics of bonsai styles and Artistic Principles
• Fertilization 101: Basic Reasons for good nutrition, including beneficial soil additives.

Pruning Guidelines:

• Wound management and improving branch structure.

How to select good tree material for bonsai.

Basic tools needed for bonsai.

Bonsai Basics classes will be limited to 10 students. Please check the calendar for dates and times.

Students should read the Bonsai Basics Subject Material handouts on the topics before each class.