Meijer Gardens Michigan All-State Bonsai Show

Saturday, May 14 Vendors and Displays 9 am–5 pm

Sunday, May 15 Vendors and Displays 11 am–5 pm

Included with admission.

Meijer Gardens presents Michigan’s largest bonsai show. Join bonsai artists, aficionados, and admirers from across the Midwest to see stunning bonsai on display throughout the Loeschner Grand Atrium and Huizenga Grand Room. Visit the sales area for a selection of specialty tools, pots, wire and bonsai trees. Have the experts help you find the tree that fits your taste, experience level and growing environment. Be sure to attend free demonstrations offered throughout the weekend. Bonsai artists, including guest artist Mauro Stemberger, will demonstrate pruning, wiring, and other styling techniques. Stemberger, an international award-winning bonsai artist and instructor from Italy, will be teaching two workshops during the show. Register early at MeijerGardens.org/calendar —workshops fill quickly!

Advance registration and payment required. Email questions to classes@meijergardens.org. Fees include admission to Meijer Gardens for class participants on the day of the class. Cancellation Policy: withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance for a full refund. Withdraw 7 to 29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. No refund if within 7 days. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147 for cancellations and/or questions.

Saturday, May 14

‘Tiger Bark’ Ficus for Beginners 9 am–12 pm Instructed by Bill Struhar $85 members | $95 nonmembers Beginner | Eight participants

Learn the basics of bonsai while working with ‘Tiger Bark’ Ficus. Each tree will be analyzed as a group for different design possibilities. Various bonsai techniques will be used to shape and trim each Ficus to start on the path toward the desired design. Trees will be repotted and instructions on future care will be provided. All tools and materials will be provided.

‘Shimpaku’ Juniper Workshop 10 am–1 pm Instructed by Mark Fields $75 members | $85 nonmembers Intermediate | 10 participants

Experience how ‘Shimpaku’ junipers make wonderful bonsai. In this workshop, participants who have some prior bonsai experience will explore the potential for trees that have been developed to be bonsai in the future. Wiring, styling and future development will be discussed. The trees will not be repotted during this workshop, though Mark will discuss how to determine when it is appropriate to repot a bonsai. Junipers in nursery pots will be provided. Bring your own tools and copper wire.

Japanese Tree Lilac 12:30–3:30 pm Instructed by Jim Beck $110 members | $120 nonmembers Beginner to Intermediate | Eight participants

Learn how to style and care for Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata). Its best ornamental feature is its showy, fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Students will receive a 1”-to-2”diameter tree in a plastic bonsai pot with bonsai soil. Trees will be trimmed and styled but not repotted during the workshop. All tools and materials will be provided, including handouts with care instructions.

Family Fun with Ficus 1–3 pm Instructed by Scott Zomerlei $85 members | $95 nonmembers Beginner | Four family groups with children ages 10+

Bonsai can be a fun family hobby! Families will work to create a starter bonsai using Ficus. Families will learn some basic styling skills and repot their Ficus into a training pot. Care instructions will be provided. Bring paper and pen for notes and be prepared to get a little dirty! All tools and materials will be provided.

Yews as Bonsai 1:30–4:30 pm Instructed by Ken Huth $85 members | $95 nonmembers Beginner to Intermediate | 10 participants

Yews are excellent trees to develop into bonsai! Participants will work to analyze nursery-grown yews to determine various development paths to become bonsai. Trimming, styling and repotting will be completed during this workshop. All tools and materials will be provided.

Bring Your Own Tree Workshop 2–5 pm Instructed by Mauro Stemberger, Guest Artist $50 members | $60 nonmembers Intermediate to Advanced | Eight participants

Bring one or two bonsai and work on styling or refining your trees with guidance from guest artist Mauro Stemberger. Mauro will discuss each tree, give each student an assignment and then provide one-on-one assistance. Bring your own bonsai, tools and appropriate wire. Japanese Scroll Paintings: History, Symbolism and Bonsai 9–11 am Instructed by Kristine Majeske $30 members | $40 nonmembers

Explore the history of Tokanoma, Japanese scroll paintings and bonsai displays with Kristine Majeske. Kristine has studied the history and symbolism of scroll painting for 25 years and has studied Japanese brush painting under three internationally and nationally recognized artists. In this lecture, she will discuss symbolism, folklore and how this knowledge applies to pairing Japanese scroll paintings to accent bonsai.

Japanese Black Pine 11 am–1:30 pm Instructed by Jim Beck $80 members | $90 nonmembers Beginner to Intermediate | Eight participants

The Japanese black pine is native to Japan and one of the classic bonsai pine species. Being extremely hearty and disease-free makes the black pine bonsai perfect for beginners (some bonsai experience recommended) and masters alike. Learn how to start developing a Japanese black pine tree for bonsai and receive future care instructions. Students will receive a ½”-diameter tree in a nursery pot in bonsai soil, and handouts with care instructions. All tools and materials will be provided.

Spruce & Juniper Forest 12–3 pm Instructed by Scott Zomerlei $160 members | $170 nonmembers Intermediate | Eight participants

Learn how to create a forest-style bonsai, using both spruce and juniper nursery stock. Participants will explore the styles of forests and recommend tree placement as well as how to best integrate two or more species in a harmonic manor. Bring your own tools. All other materials will be provided.

Bring Your Own Tree Workshop 2–5 pm Instructed by Mauro Stemberger, Guest Artist $50 members | $60 nonmembers Intermediate to Advanced | Eight participants

Bring one or two bonsai and work on styling or refining your trees with guidance from guest artist Mauro Stemberger. Mauro will discuss each tree, give each student an assignment and then provide one-on-one assistance. Bring your own bonsai, tools and appropriate wire.