Cape Fear Bonsai Society is excited to announce the launch of an Introduction to Bonsai course beginning this October 19th, 2024.

  
 

The 5-part course will be held at a new venue for us the UNCW's Truist Hall, 680 South College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403

  
 

Classes begin at 9:00 am-12:noon on Saturday, October 19th and continue the following Saturdays:

  • October 19, 2024
  • November 16, 2024
  • January 18, 2025
  • February 15, 2025 - cancelled
  • March 15, 2025
  • April 19, 2025
  
  Our own talented and experienced member Hank Gross will teach this program. With more than 40 years practice in bonsai, Hank notes that it was perhaps 30 years ago that he “got serious”. He joined the Bergen and Great Swamp Bonsai Societies both in New Jersey. Hank credits David Easterbrook of Montreal as his primary mentor. He has exhibited his trees in many venues around the country but the US National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, NY and the Winter Silhouette Exhibitions in Kannapolis, NC perhaps the most noteworthy. Hank has been a CFBS member since 2017 and is currently Director at Large on our Board.  
 
  Intro to Bonsai will guide students through the many elements of bonsai design, it’s styling and care in a lecture - demonstration and “hands on” lab course. You will be provided your own tree to work on throughout as well as the Introduction to Bonsai- A Course Syllabus- from the American Bonsai Society. Basic bonsai tools will be required. (to be discussed at the first session) A ceramic container and wire will be provided  
 

The sequence of classes will include:

  • An overview of bonsai and brief history.
  • The standard style categories that trees typically fit and variations within these styles and appropriate design considerations.
  • Sourcing of material from nursery stock to collecting and propagation .
  • Bonsai tools and their proper use.
  • Pruning technique to establish and thereafter maintain shape and dimensions.
  • Wiring to shape trunk and branches into desired contours.
  • Container considerations and selection. Size, shape and color.
  • Soil composition and essential characteristics.
  • Potting protocols and proper root pruning and attention.
  • Plant care and maintenance, including watering, fertilizing, pest and disease control.
 
 

This Introduction to Bonsai course is limited to 10 students on a first come basis. The Workshop Fee is $150 for all 5 classes.

Make check payable to “CFBS”  addressed to: Ron Lang, 797 Toney Drive, Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461