Join us on Wednesday, September 19th, from 7:00pm-9:00pm as Linda Schubert and Janet Kivell guide us through demystifying bonsai!

You may have wondered if you could create one of these miniature majesties yourself? Well, you can! Every bonsai enthusiast started by creating tree "number one."

During this demonstration, Linda and Janet will explain how to to choose a likely tree candidate from a local nursery or even from your own back yard.

The basics of bonsai creation plus best practices for the care and maintenance of the tree will be shared.

Participants will also explore answers to the following questions:
• Which side is the front?
• When is the right time to plant the tree in a bonsai pot?
• What story is the tree trying to tell?
• Where should bonsai be kept?

On display will be trees from the presenters' collections, basic tools, bonsai pots and recommended books. Please understand that Linda and Janet do not consider themselves "experts"– so if they can learn bonsai, so can you!

There is no fee for this class and donations are requested to support The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park.

This class is open to the public and advance registration is recommended.

About our presenters, Linda Schubert and Janet Kivell:

Linda Schubert has nurtured bonsai for ten years finding it provides a satisfying contrast to the often short and frenetic Northern Michigan growing season. One must work patiently within the trees natural, yearly growth cycle. She likens the process to sculpting; recognizing and removing what is unwanted to reveal the beauty that remains. Linda was one of eight people selected nationally for the 2016 Joshua Roth New Talent competition. The Sakura Bonsai Society has been invaluable for this bonsai artist in training; providing camaraderie, mentoring, supplies, etc. She has been a member since 2009 and is the current President. One of Linda’s favorite club events is the annual Best Dead Bonsai Contest each October.

Janet Kivell has been dabbling with bonsai for over 40 years, more seriously since joining Sakura Bonsai Society. She has received the People’s Choice Award at the Michigan All State Bonsai Show at Frederick Meijer Gardens for her blooming crab apple. Janet prefers native trees collected from the wild but loves any type of flowering tree. She currently has about 10 bonsai in various stages of development including root over rock and Phoenix graft. Janet is the Sakura Bonsai Society of Northern Michigan’s Secretary and Treasurer.