An open window into the comings and goings of students and their trees attending our regular weekend and midweek bonsai classes under the ever watchful eyes of John Hanby.
Classroom Corner – Beginners Part Two…December 2014
Once again we had some beginners with us taking part in the second day of their two day Beginners Course. The second day is almost totally a practical hands-on affair. We carried out a styling demonstration as part of the day one class and now the students each select a piece of raw material to create their own bonsai……with our help of course!
Having selected from our extensive stock of hand picked bonsai raw material each student discusses the styling options with John. Once a decision has been made any unnecessary branches are removed. Deadwood is created where appropriate and then all the remaining branches are wired. The students are ably assisted by Len, Derek, and Ian, my trusted helpers for many years.
Once the trees have been wired we can then continue with branch positioning and styling. Each student has the option to purchase their tree at the raw material price but they are under no obligation whatsoever. Most of the time we plead with them not to take the tree home because it is much more valuable and saleable at the end of the day……but we’re miserable pleaders and just about every student takes their new bonsai with them.
The day finishes with a discussion on the practicalities…..watering, feeding, position, pests and diseases. The pictures give you some idea of the transformations taking place. It’s refreshing to see more of our beginners now attending some of our general follow on classes.
Our next Beginners Courses are scheduled for March and June 2015 so if you are interested in learning more about this fascinating hobby please contact the nursery for further information or to reserve a place.
