Bonsai Society of Victoria has developed an outstanding program for beginners and novices to bonsai. It is a comprehensive program over three Saturdays which covers all aspects of bonsai to prepare you to understand bonsai, gain knowledge and develop the necessary skills and techniques.
The levels of competency and confidence you will acquire through this program will enable participants to successfully enjoy their interest in bonsai.
BSV Novice Program 2024
Bonsai Society of Victoria has developed an outstanding program for 12 people beginning their bonsai journey. There are only 12 places in 2024. This is a comprehensive program over three Saturdays. It covers all aspects of bonsai to gain knowledge and develop the necessary skills and techniques. The levels of competency and confidence acquired through this program will enable participants to successfully enjoy their interest in bonsai.
There are 3 dates in the program. You book all dates as one event.
Saturday 24th August
Saturday 31st August
Saturday 7th September
12 PLACES. (First in best dressed)
The duration will be seven hours held in two sessions:
Morning session: 9.30am - 1.00pm
Afternoon session: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Pricing
3 Session Pack: $350
Booking includes the first year’s BSV membership.
Material supplied
Students will receive a booklet with a comprehensive set of notes for each session.
3 suitable trees to style and design during the program (retail value over $90).
Suitable wire and tools for use in practice and wiring of trees.
In the notes, there will be information about the bonsai styles to be covered.
Trading Table
The Club’s Trading Table will operate whilst the course is being conducted. If you require any wire, tools, pots etc. they may be purchased as needed.
Course Venue
Nunawadding Community Hub
96 Springvale Road, Nunawading Victoria 3131
Please provide your own refreshments. Food is available at café nearby.
Schedule
Session 1
Morning: 9.30am - 1.00pm
History of bonsai
Five basic styles
Basic bonsai equipment usage and maintenance
Styling
Pruning to achieve style
Wiring using wooden frame
Teaching focus: formal upright/chokkan style with demonstration
Bonsai pot selection
Afternoon: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Design and application
Practise one style with supplied tree
Group photo of participants and created tree
Participants to assist with clean up and pack up of room
Session 2
Morning: 9.30am - 1.00pm
Best species for bonsai novices
Watering protocol
Soil for successful bonsai – which nutrients for which species
Fertiliser benefits, when and how
Further wiring techniques
Teaching focus: informal upright/miyogi and slanting/shakan with demonstration
Discussion on designing and shaping a bonsai tree and the importance of planning and visualising a bonsai tree’s final form
Afternoon: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Design and application
Practise one style with supplied tree
Group photo of participants and created tree
Participants to assist with clean up and pack up of room
Session 3
Morning: 9.30am - 1.00pm
Repotting bonsai
Pot up a styled bonsai.
Dealing with pests
Weeding
Seasonal activities for evergreen and deciduous species
Other common bonsai styles
Teaching focus: semi-cascade/han-kengai, cascade/kengai and literati/bunjing with demonstration
Afternoon: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Design and application
Practise 1 style with supplied tree
Group photo of participants and created tree
Participants to assist with clean up and pack up of room
To join the Bonsai Society of Victoria, complete the application form found in the Membership section.