Bonsai Tree Workshop for Adult-Child Pairs

Ever wanted to try your hand at Bonsai? Here is another opportunity for spending some quality time with a young person in your life while learning a new skill together.

Bonsai is the very popular Japanese and East Asian living art of growing and training miniature trees in containers. Depending on a person's culture or beliefs, bonsai trees are seen as symbols of harmony, balance, patience, or even luck. Many people simply use the potted trees as living ornaments for interior design, while others—Zen Buddhists for example—believe the Bonsai is an object of meditation or contemplation. 

Bonsai captivates the imagination of young and old alike. Children, especially, are often fascinated by the “fairy trees”. Cultivating these special trees can instill an appreciation for the delicate beauty of nature and act as a peaceful counterpoint to busy, screen-filled lives.

Our expert tutor is Che Vincent, who has dedicated his life to learning the complex processes of pruning, shaping, and adapting to the tree's behavior. This workshop is not a passive lecture. Instead, you and your child will team up to jointly explore the gentle art of caring for and maintaining Bonsais.

As the workshop concludes, take home your very own tiny trident maple tree to continue your journey.

Please bring your secateurs. Larger bonsai will be available for purchase.

Please note that this workshop is specifically for pairs of one child accompanied by one adult only.

Limited to 10 adult-child pairs. Suitable for children 9 years and older. Sponsorships available (just ask). Bookings essential!

This workshop is proudly sponsored by the Riverside Community Trust. Please contact Tanja (at education@riverside.org.nz) for workshop questions or to ask about sponsorship options.