Hours:

As part of our mission to educate the public about bonsai, we give free bonsai demonstrations and low cost workshops. They are held most months on the fourth Sunday of the month, from 1 - 3 pm.
 

Demo/Workshop Schedule

An Introduction into the Art of Bonsai
WHEN:   4^th Sunday of every month, 1-3 pm (except December) at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt.

Make Workshop Reservations at by leaving your name, phone#, email address via:

Email:  bonsailakemerritt@gmail.com   Put ATTENTION: 4^th SUNDAY in the
Subject Area  or -

Phone: 510.763.8409    Direct message to the  4^th Sunday Coordinator

The goal of bonsai is to create a tree that looks aged, believable and artistic.  Our goal is to help you learn about the art of bonsai as  a process.  It requires an effort of time to work on the tree and time for the tree to grow and develop as it is not an instant process.  Part of our mission at the Bonsai Garden is to introduce the art of bonsai to the public.

Demonstrations and workshops are free and open to participants 18 years and older at beginner up to 2 years experience level.  The workshops are limited to 6 individuals at a time.  There is no limitation on participants who observe.  Tools are available for check-out and use during the workshop. Participants may bring their own tree material or purchase pre-bonsai stock from the Garden for a nominal price.  Pre-bonsai material has been grown and groomed as future bonsai material. 

The Bonsai Garden is very fortunate to have Michael Pistello as workshop teacher. Mike has been practicing the art of bonsai for seventeen years. Over the years he has studied with local teachers such as Jimmy Inadomi, Dennis Makishima, Johnny Uchida and Boon Manakitivipart. Mike has written articles for Golden Statements and Bonsai Focus. Mike is a former member of Fuji Bonsai Club in Berkeley and a current member of Yamato Bonsai Kai in Hayward.  He is prepared to demonstrate and provide guidance to participants who want to observe or begin a bonsai tree project.  

The Board of Directors of the BGLM is a non-profit educational organization and appreciates all donations.

Preparing Bonsai Soils

Kathy Shaner's upcoming
dates at the garden are:

Early July

Other dates TBD

Experienced bonsai volunteers can gain tremendous knowledge from volunteering to assist Kathy Shaner as she works on the Collection’s bonsai.  These are often the times when quite advanced bonsai care is done, such as:

1. Major restyling

2. Bare root repotting

3. Selection of new pot.

Kathy’s schedule is variable, so if you are an experienced bonsai person and would like to benefit from Kathy’s vast store of knowledge, contact the garden at (510) 763-8409 to begin the process.