Introduction to Bonsai

Download materials list for Introduction to Bonsai workshop by clicking here.

Learn the history of bonsai – styling, pruning, wiring, repotting, feeding and mixing soils, in this fun 3-week evening workshop.

A tree and wire will be provided to each student.

Instructor Bob Shimon and his son, Zack, started Mendocino Coast Bonsai in 1997, specializing in collected California natives, mostly redwoods. They also sell Mendocino pygmy cypress, live oaks, and Sierra junipers. In addition to trees, they also sell Chinese, Sara Rayner and Vicki Chamberlain pots, soil, burl slabs, stands, and tools.

Shimon first became interested in bonsai in the mid-1960s while in college, using the first Sunset book as his guide. The military draft took him away from his hobby back in 1968, but he made his way back to it in 1985 when he saw a poster and joined the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society in Santa Rosa. Shimon continues taking classes with the current club sensei, Kathy Shaner and other prominent bonsai teachers, including Mr. Mitsuya, Mr. Tokita and Mr. Tanaka of Japan and Marco Invernizzi and Peter Tea. In 2010, Shimon worked with Ryan Neil and says he has continued to work with him, mostly on Sierra junipers.

In 2010 one of Shimon’s redwoods won “Finest North American Species Bonsai” award at the 3rd U.S. National Bonsai exhibition in Rochester, N.Y. In 2015 another was selected for the Artisans Cup exhibit in Portland, OR.

Visit Shimon’s website at mcbonsai.com for more information.

Registration, Payment & Cancellation Policy

Register at Gualala Arts Center, Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm or call (707) 884-1138.     We accept Visa and Mastercard. Out of town workshop participants: see our Visitor Informationpage, including lodgings & restaurants.

Class must be paid in full at registration. Payments can be refunded (minus a $25 non-refundable fee) until the “register by” date; after that date, no refunds. Classes are filled on a first come first served basis until all spaces are filled. All classes are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. If the class does not fill, you will receive a full refund. Please check that your class has filled before the first meeting date.