Development Intensives

The Bonsai Development Intensive is a two-day course for enthusiasts who enjoy growing bonsai at different stages of development. We’ll cover refinement techniques such as wiring and styling as well as basic approaches to creating bonsai from less refined starting points.

Participants will learn to identify the next steps required to improve bonsai throughout the year using their own trees or trees from my collection.

The Basics

The topics covered in a given session will vary from season to season. Sample topics include cutback, wiring, styling, repotting, grafting, fertilizing, layering, carving, defoliation, juniper care, pine technique, watering, and monitoring and managing tree health.

We’ll work on different species throughout the year with a focus on species that grow well in Northern California including oaks, redwoods, junipers, maples, pines, plums, quince, and elms.

Who This Course is For

The Development Intensive is open to students of all levels, and is best suited to those with concrete goals for improving their collections. Retail and wholesale bonsai growers are welcome as the topics covered can apply to nursery management and stock development as well as to refining mature specimens.

What to Bring

• Basic bonsai tools (pliers, wire cutters, branch cutters, scissors, etc.)
• Trees to work on that are appropriate for the season

Power tools and large tools such as jacks and rebar will be available on-site. Bonsai wire (copper and aluminum), raffia, and other supplies will be provided.

Upcoming Courses

2026

• Spring (emphasis on pinching, pruning, decandling; wiring)
  • Session 1 – June 6-7
  • Session 2 – July 11-12
• Summer (seasonal pruning, wiring, deadwood design and maintenance, accents)
  • Session 1 – August 1-2
  • Session 2 – August 8-9
• Fall (pruning and wiring)
  • Session 1 – (tbd)
  • Session 2 – (tbd)

The Details

• Cost: $600 for two days. Enrollment is limited to four participants per session. Minimum enrollment is three students.
• Courses will be held at my garden in Alameda, California, fifteen minutes by car from Oakland International Airport.
• Sessions run from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch.
• Lunch is provided daily.
• You can reserve a space by registering online. Deposits are refundable up to two months before the session starts.
• Classes are a la carte: you can start the program at any time of year with no commitment for additional courses.

Testimonials

Given that I feel very much the novice, I was able to participate fully, thanks to the instructor and the other participants. Fear not! The intensive is suitable for all skill levels.

–Wendy

There’s a fine line between too much help and not enough. I felt that the right balance was struck, at least for how I learn. I particularly noticed in the afternoons that there was an atmosphere of peaceful energy in the room as everyone was focused on quietly working on their tree. When help was needed or wanted, it was available, but it wasn’t intrusive.

— Richard

The thing I found most helpful was that the class gave me the confidence to go back home and problem solve on some of my trees without being scared to mess it up.

–Joshua

The Intensive is a great class to vastly increase your bonsai knowledge. This is done by working on show quality trees, watching, and listening to bonsai teacher Jonas Dupuich!

–Bill

Where to Stay

If you’re coming from out of town, lodging options include getting a room via Airbnb or staying at the following hotels:

• Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham Oakland/Alameda (3-star) at 1628 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501
• Hampton Inn & Suites Oakland Airport-Alameda (4-star) at 1700 Harbor Bay Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94502
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Alameda Oakland Airport (3-star) at 1660 Harbor Bay Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94502