Description

Skill Level:  Beginner to Advanced
Duration: 3 hours 10am to 1:00pm, class size is no more than 5

Focus: Individual tree progression

This workshop is designed for students who are ready to move beyond foundational structure and focus on long-term refinement and tree development.  At this stage, the emphasis shifts from creating initial form to improving detail, balance, and overall maturity.

Participants will work on advancing their own trees or trees in our garden with guidance on branch refinement, ramification development, and energy management.  We will discuss how to build density while maintaining structure, when to allow growth and when to restrict it, and how to make incremental improvements over multiple seasons.

Attention will also be given to refining silhouette, improving taper and movement, and enhancing visual balance.  Students will learn how to identify refinement goals specific to their tree’s species and stage of development.  This class encourages thoughtful, patient progression and strategic decision-making rather than quick changes.

Development & Refinement is ideal for those who want to elevate their trees from early-stage design to a more polished and mature presentation.

Possible Advanced Topics:
• Refining branch structure and ramification
• Managing vigor and balancing tree energy
• Multi-season development planning
• Improving silhouette and visual balance
• Incremental refinement techniques
• Species-specific development considerations

Prerequisite:
Participants should have completed our Beginner Bonsai Class and have experience with wiring and structural styling, or demonstrate an equivalent level of proficiency.

What to Bring:
Participants should bring their own bonsai in active development.  Additional supplies are available for purchase in our shop.