Public Library Outreach Teaching Bonsai Creation?

[clangstraat]

Hello - I am the Adult Services Librarian at the Poulsbo branch of Kitsap Regional Library. I am reaching out to see if anyone has a resource for a teacher who would be interested in teaching the art of bonsai to beginners? I am envisioning a program where folks start with a very simple plant and learn a few basic techniques.

Thank you for considering.

Carina Langstraat
Adult Services Librarian
Kitsap Regional Library, Poulsbo

 

[rockm]

Do a search on Oregon bonsai clubs. There are several really good ones around you who would probably jump at the chance to do this

Here’s a place to start but there are several Oregon people here as well

Bonsai Society of Portland

The Bonsai Society of Portland, Oregon, promotes the art of bonsai through education with monthly club meetings, mentoring classes, library resources and social events. Join the Bonsai Society of Portland and participate in an educational and pleasurable learning environment. Webmaster: Karl Holmes

www.portlandbonsai.org

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Greetings and Welcome to Bonsai Nut! It’s so good to see questions like this on the site, especially from folks in he Puget Sound Area!

There are no modern curricular for teaching bonsai . A couple of books have the necessary data to teach bonsai about particular trees. Also there are a number of resources on the net that one could use to teach bonsai on a recurring basis. I say recurring basis, because is not a short term discipline.

To create an acceptable bonsai from prebonsai/nursery stock it would take five years and a bit of prior experience. In addition, Bonsai development becomes more and more hands on over time. Also most of the folks in your area get their intro and follow up bonsai instruction from Puget Sound Bonsai Association, or the Tacoma or Olympia club. I’m not sure if there is a Kitsap county study group. The closest one is likely Puyallup.

….That said it could be doable with the right teacher and participants. While my better half and I teach azalea bonsai classes at present, (Retired science teacher) if I was to begin this endeavor, would recommend you start folks with Shimpaku juniper. Mainly because they can be pretty bulletproof with good instruction.

… and there are two resources I would highly recommend, both for the same site Bonsaify. Both cost a one time fee of 75.00 for lifetime use. Also Eric, the owner, sells starting material.

Mastering Juniper Shohin

Mastering Shohin Black Pine

There are also a couple of pro instructors Eric and Victorina Ridgeway in Bremerton who might help give you more local information. Also the guru of ancient Bonsai technique, Dan Robinson at Elandon Gardens.

I hope this information helps!

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[rockm]

You say Washington I say Oregon. Tomayto tamahto

Glad someone with a better sense of geography posted