Gresham Japanese Garden

2025 The Art of Bonsai - Feb Thursday
2025-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
The Art of Bonsai embodies the Japanese spirit with philosophy and aesthetics harmonizing and complimenting each other. Bonsai is more than just an art form – it is a way of life and thinking; a way of cultivating patience, nobility, and sympathy – and this is the reason why bonsai is important for Japanese culture. Therefore, to understand bonsai, you must learn and understand each of its core values ​​in order to experience it with a calm and open mind.
Explore Gresham Japanese Garden’s Art of Bonsai workshop with Mark Vossbrink. Each month will be a different project in creating your own bonsai. The $40.00 cost includes all materials. A show and tell is part of the workshop, so feel free to bring one of your pieces from home. Please bring your own pruners or snippers.

February’s subject matter will be a forcynthia shrub. Explore the different bonsai styles to show off the beautiful spring bloom.
Cost: $40 per class
2024 Dates: Third Thursday or third Saturday of the month. Project is repeated.
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Place: The Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, the building at the south end of Main City Park. There is a parking lot near the building.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - March Saturday
2025-03-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
March Project: Mugo pine grove on a flat stone.
The Art of Bonsai embodies the Japanese spirit with philosophy and aesthetics harmonizing and complimenting each other. Bonsai is more than just an art form – it is a way of life and thinking; a way of cultivating patience, nobility, and sympathy – and this is the reason why bonsai is important for Japanese culture. Therefore, to understand bonsai, you must learn and understand each of its core values ​​in order to experience it with a calm and open mind.
Explore Gresham Japanese Garden’s Art of Bonsai workshop. Each month will be a different project in creating your own bonsai. The $40.00 cost includes all materials. A show and tell is part of the workshop, so feel free to bring one of your pieces from home.
Please bring your own pruners or snippers.
Cost: $40 per class
2025 Dates: Third Thursday or third Saturday of the month. Project is repeated.
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Place: The Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, the building at the south end of Main City Park. There is a parking lot near the building.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - March Thursday
2025-03-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

2025 The Art of Bonsai - Apr-Thursday
2025-04-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
The Art of Bonsai embodies the Japanese spirit with philosophy and aesthetics harmonizing and complimenting each other. Bonsai is more than just an art form – it is a way of life and thinking; a way of cultivating patience, nobility, and sympathy – and this is the reason why bonsai is important for Japanese culture. Therefore, to understand bonsai, you must learn and understand each of its core values ​​in order to experience it with a calm and open mind.
Explore Gresham Japanese Garden’s Art of Bonsai workshop. Each month will be a different project in creating your own bonsai. The $40.00 cost includes all materials. A show and tell is part of the workshop, so feel free to bring one of your pieces from home.
Please bring your own pruners or snippers.
Cost: $40 per class
2025 Dates: Third Thursday or third Saturday of the month. Project is repeated.
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Place: The Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, the building at the south end of Main City Park. There is a parking lot near the building.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - Apr-Saturday
2025-04-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

Bonsai Critique - Afternoon Session
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
The ‘Bonsai Critique’ brings together bonsai enthusiasts for an in-depth critique session led by Gresham Japanese Garden’s newest instructor, Bobby Curttright. Participants will present a tree for constructive feedback on aesthetics, health, and styling techniques.
Throughout the critique, Bobby will provide insights on refinement, branch structure, and long-term development strategies, helping all students gain a deeper understanding of training, health, and development fostering an engaging and educational atmosphere.
Attendees will leave with valuable knowledge and inspiration to enhance their trees, making the event a rewarding experience for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - May-Thursday
2025-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
MAY AND SEPTEMBER PROJECTS: AIR LAYERING AND GROUND LAYERING FOR BONSAI
🌱 Air Layering & Ground Layering Bonsai Workshop
Location: Gresham Japanese Garden – Kyoudou CenterMaterials Provided | Bring Your Bonsai Tools
Overview
Looking for an affordable and effective way to create your own bonsai tree? Join us for this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn air layering—a technique that allows you to grow a new tree by separating a branch from an existing one.
We’ll cover several approaches to air layering, discuss which tree species respond best, and walk through how to plan your bonsai before separation.
We’ll also explore ground layering, a related technique used to correct aesthetic issues on trees already in containers. Both methods will be demonstrated on real trees in our greenhouse, and students will get to perform their own air layer.

🌿 Note: Once you learn air layering, you may start scouting branches all over the neighborhood! (Please get permission before layering someone else’s tree.)

What’s Included

✅ Expert instruction
✅ Greenhouse demonstration
✅ One-on-one guidance during hands-on practice
✅ Follow-up class in September for separation and potting

Part 2: Follow-Up Class – September
In September, we’ll host a second class to check on your air layers and (if successful) guide you through the separation and potting process. To ensure everyone can participate—even if their first attempt doesn’t take—we’ll have extra air layers available.
Limited spots available. Secure yours today!

September Thursday's Class

2025 The Art of Bonsai - May-Sat
2025-05-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Saturday May 17 – PART 1Saturday, September 20 – PART 2
🌱 Air Layering & Ground Layering Bonsai Workshop
Hands-on Class + Follow-Up Saturday, September 20Location: Gresham Japanese GardenMaterials Provided | Bring Your Bonsai Tools
Overview
Looking for an affordable and effective way to create your own bonsai tree? Join us for this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn air layering—a technique that allows you to grow a new tree by separating a branch from an existing one.
We’ll cover several approaches to air layering, discuss which tree species respond best, and walk through how to plan your bonsai before separation.
We’ll also explore ground layering, a related technique used to correct aesthetic issues on trees already in containers. Both methods will be demonstrated on real trees in our greenhouse, and students will get to perform their own air layer.

🌿 Note: Once you learn air layering, you may start scouting branches all over the neighborhood! (Please get permission before layering someone else’s tree.)

What’s Included

✅ Expert instruction
✅ All specialty materials provided
✅ Greenhouse demonstrations
✅ One-on-one guidance during hands-on practice
✅ Follow-up class in September for separation and potting

Part 2: Follow-Up Class – September
In September, we’ll host a second class to check on your air layers and (if successful) guide you through the separation and potting process. To ensure everyone can participate—even if their first attempt doesn’t take—we’ll have extra air layers available.
Limited spots available. Secure yours today!

September Sat. Class

2025 The Art of Bonsai-June-Thurs
2025-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Managing Pines for Bonsai
Pines are one of the most iconic and traditional species used in Japanese bonsai. Known for their strength, structure, and symbolism, pines also teach us the importance of managing a tree’s energy. With proper handling—especially in spring—they are a joy to work with. But without guidance, they can leave even seasoned caretakers scratching their heads.
This introductory workshop provides a hands-on overview of pine bonsai care, with a focus on spring maintenance. Participants will choose a pine for their take home project from a variety of pines from our collection. You will leave with not only a pine to care for, but a confident, informed care of this unique species.
🌿 Workshop Details

Date: Thursday June 19, 2025
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center
Class Size: Limited to 16 participants
Cost: $45 – All materials provided. Please bring bonsai tools like snippers, wire cutters, gloves.

📘 What You’ll Learn

Principles of energy management in pine bonsai
Overview of PNW-friendly pine species
Spring care techniques and seasonal expectations
Hands-on experience with greenhouse specimens

This session offers broad exposure to core pine bonsai concepts but does not go in-depth on individual techniques such as decandling.
Coming soon: A dedicated class on Decandling for Double-Flush Pines (like Japanese Black Pine) will be offered as a complement to this workshop.
📝 Register Now
Spots are limited – early registration is encouraged.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - June-Saturday
2025-06-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Managing Pines for Bonsai
Pines are one of the most iconic and traditional species used in Japanese bonsai. Known for their strength, structure, and symbolism, pines also teach us the importance of managing a tree’s energy. With proper handling—especially in spring—they are a joy to work with. But without guidance, they can leave even seasoned caretakers scratching their heads.
This introductory workshop provides a hands-on overview of pine bonsai care, with a focus on spring maintenance. Participants will choose a pine for their take home project from a variety of pines from our collection. You will leave with not only a pine to care for, but a confident, informed care of this unique species.
🌿 Workshop Details

Date: Saturday June 21, 2025
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Location: Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center
Class Size: Limited to 16 participants
Cost: $45 – All materials provided. Please bring bonsai tools like snippers, wire cutter, gloves.

📘 What You’ll Learn

Principles of energy management in pine bonsai
Overview of PNW-friendly pine species
Spring care techniques and seasonal expectations
Hands-on experience with greenhouse specimens

This session offers broad exposure to core pine bonsai concepts but does not go in-depth on individual techniques such as decandling.
Coming soon: A dedicated class on Decandling for Double-Flush Pines (like Japanese Black Pine) will be offered as a complement to this workshop.
Spots are limited – early registration is encouraged.

2025 The Art of Bonsai-July-Thurs
2025-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
The project for July is Kusamono.
You will make a Kusamono, learn why and when they are used, and the careful maintenance. Kusamono are traditionally used next to bonsai to complement the bonsai and enhance the display, with the suggestion of a season.
The Art of Bonsai embodies the Japanese spirit with philosophy and aesthetics harmonizing and complimenting each other. Bonsai is more than just an art form – it is a way of life and thinking; a way of cultivating patience, nobility, and sympathy – and this is the reason why bonsai is important for Japanese culture. Therefore, to understand bonsai, you must learn and understand each of its core values ​​in order to experience it with a calm and open mind.
Explore Gresham Japanese Garden’s Art of Bonsai workshop. Each month will be a different project in creating your own bonsai. The cost includes all materials.
Please bring your own pruners or snippers.
Cost: $45 per class
2025 Date: Thursday July 17, 2025
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Place: The Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, the building at the south end of Main City Park. There is a parking lot near the building.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - July-Saturday
2025-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
The project for July is Kusamono.
You will make a Kusamono, learn why and when they are used, and the careful maintenance. Kusamono are traditionally used next to bonsai to complement the bonsai and enhance the display, with the suggestion of a season.
The Art of Bonsai embodies the Japanese spirit with philosophy and aesthetics harmonizing and complimenting each other. Bonsai is more than just an art form – it is a way of life and thinking; a way of cultivating patience, nobility, and sympathy – and this is the reason why bonsai is important for Japanese culture. Therefore, to understand bonsai, you must learn and understand each of its core values ​​in order to experience it with a calm and open mind.
Explore Gresham Japanese Garden’s Art of Bonsai workshop. Each month will be a different project in creating your own bonsai. The $45.00 cost includes all materials. Please bring your own pruners or snippers.
Cost: $45 per class
2025 Dates: Third Saturday of the month.
Time: Saturday: 1pm – 3pm,
Place: The Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, the building at the south end of Main City Park. There is a parking lot near the building.

Bonsai: Open Kobo
2025-08-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
We’re excited to unveil Open Kobo, the newest offering in our Art of Bonsai series. This drop‑in workshop invites you to bring your bonsai anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM, in a relaxed, collaborative environment at the Kyoudou Center. Open Kobo will end at 2pm, so arrive early enough to receive consultation.
Whether you’re refining a bonsai’s shape, practicing wiring, or planning future enhancements, you’ll receive expert guidance from GJG’s bonsai master, Bobby Curttright. alongside a friendly community of fellow enthusiasts.
You will have access to use Bobby’s bonsai tools and wiring supplies. Please note: repotting supplies will not be provided, as repotting is covered in a separate class. Light refreshments will be available.
If you’re planning on dropping in, please bring payment ($20) in cash. We look forward to seeing your creativity enhanced and your knowledge of bonsai strengthened!
NOTE: Kobo means “workshop” in Japanese.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - August-Saturday
2025-08-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
August class is: Grafting demonstration on juniper. Each student will go home with a small juniper on rocks, and learn how to care for it.
Explore Gresham Japanese Garden’s Art of Bonsai workshop. The project for August has not been decided yet. The $45.00 cost includes all materials. Please bring your bonsai tools.
Cost: $45.00
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Location: The Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, the building at the south end of Main City Park. There is a parking lot near the building.

2025 The Art of Bonsai-August-Thurs
2025-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
August class is: Grafting demonstration on juniper. Each student will go home with a small juniper on rocks, and learn how to care for it.
Explore Gresham Japanese Garden’s Art of Bonsai workshop. This month’s project has not been decided yet, but rest assured you will learn a new technique AND take a bonsai home with you with care instructions. Cost includes all materials. Please bring your bonsai tools.
Cost: $45 per
2025 Date: Thursday August 21, 2025
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Place: The Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, the building at the south end of Main City Park. There is a parking lot near the building.

2025 The Art of Bonsai -Sept-Thursday
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
🌱 Air Layering & Ground Layering Bonsai Workshop – Part 2
Hands-on Follow-Up Class
Location: Gresham Japanese Garden – Kyoudou Center
Materials Provided | Bring Your Bonsai Tools
Overview
This class you will check on your air layers and (if successful) guide you through the separation and potting process. To ensure everyone can participate—even if your first attempt doesn’t take—we’ll have extra air layers available. You do not need to have taken Part 1 to participate. Air layers will be available.
🌿 Note: Once you learn air layering, you may start scouting branches all over the neighborhood! (Please get permission before layering someone else’s tree.)
What’s Included

✅ Expert instruction
✅ All specialty materials provided
✅ One-on-one guidance during hands-on practice

Limited spots available. Secure yours today.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - Sept-Sat
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
🌱 Air Layering & Ground Layering Bonsai Workshop – Part 2
Hands-on Follow-Up ClassLocation: Gresham Japanese Garden – Kyoudou CenterMaterials Provided | Bring Your Bonsai Tools
Overview
This class you will check on your air layers and (if successful) guide you through the separation and potting process. To ensure everyone can participate—even if your first attempt doesn’t take—we’ll have extra air layers available. You do not need to have taken Part 1 to participate. Air layers will be available.

🌿 Note: Once you learn air layering, you may start scouting branches all over the neighborhood! (Please get permission before layering someone else’s tree.)

What’s Included

✅ Expert instruction
✅ All specialty materials provided
✅ One-on-one guidance during hands-on practice

Limited spots available. Secure yours today.

Bonsai: Group Kobo
2025-10-03 16:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
We’re excited to unveil Group Kobo, the newest offering in our Art of Bonsai series. This drop‑in workshop invites you to bring your bonsai anytime between 4PM and 8PM, in a relaxed, collaborative environment at the Kyoudou Center. Group Kobo will end at 2pm, so arrive early enough to receive consultation.
Whether you’re refining a bonsai’s shape, practicing wiring, or planning future enhancements, you’ll receive expert guidance from GJG’s bonsai master, Bobby Curttright. alongside a friendly community of fellow enthusiasts.
You will have access to use Bobby’s bonsai tools and wiring supplies. Please note: repotting supplies will not be provided, as repotting is covered in a separate class. Light refreshments will be available.
If you’re planning on dropping in, please bring payment ($20) in cash. We look forward to seeing your creativity enhanced and your knowledge of bonsai strengthened!
NOTE: Kobo means “workshop” in Japanese.

2025 The Art of Bonsai: Oct-Thurs
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Basic Wiring
Overview
This class will focus on basic wiring of bonsai.Wiring a bonsai is an important design technique for shaping a bonsai. The growth and shape of the bonsai is influenced by the wire that is wrapped around the trunk and/or branches. The wired parts are bent in the desired direction. Once the form has solidified, the bonsai wire can be removed.
Slightly more detailed wiring a bonsai is, besides pruning, the most important design technique for forming a bonsai. When forming a bonsai, a normal tree is designed according to a given ideal. The goal is usually that young, not yet developed bonsai tree to look old and venerable.
All materials are provided. Please bring needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and your own bonsai tools if you have them.
NOTE: This bonsai workshop will be taking place in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s greenhouse behind the Kyoudou Center.
Limited spots available. Secure yours today.

2025 The Art of Bonsai: Oct-Sat
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Basic Wiring
Overview
This class will focus on basic wiring of bonsai. Wiring a bonsai is an important design technique for shaping a bonsai. The growth and shape of the bonsai is influenced by the wire that is wrapped around the trunk and/or branches. The wired parts are bent in the desired direction. Once the form has solidified, the bonsai wire can be removed.
Slightly more detailed wiring a bonsai is, besides pruning, the most important design technique for forming a bonsai. When forming a bonsai, a normal tree is designed according to a given ideal. The goal is usually that young, not yet developed bonsai tree to look old and venerable.
All materials are provided. Please bring needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and your own bonsai tools if you have them.

NOTE: Due to a rental in the Kyoudou Center, this workshop is being held on the 4th Saturday of the month.
Limited spots available. Secure yours today.

2025 The Art of Bonsai: Nov-Sat
2025-11-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Saikei (最景)
Overview
This class will focus on saikei. Saikei is a Japanese art form that combines bonsai techniques with elements of landscape gardening to create a living landscape. You can introduce trees, rocks, and other natural materials to depict a natural scene, such as a forest, mountain, or coastal area. The goal is to evoke the feeling of a large natural landscape in a small, contained space.
All materials are provided. Please bring your own bonsai tools if you have them.
Limited spots available. Secure yours today.

2025 The Art of Bonsai: Nov-Thurs
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

Bonsai: Group Kobo
2025-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
We’re excited to unveil Group Kobo, the newest offering in our Art of Bonsai series. This drop‑in workshop invites you to bring your bonsai anytime between 1-4pm in a relaxed, collaborative environment at the Kyoudou Center. Group Kobo will end at 4pm, so arrive early enough to receive consultation.
Whether you’re refining a bonsai’s shape, practicing wiring, or planning future enhancements, you’ll receive expert guidance from GJG’s bonsai master, Bobby Curttright. alongside a friendly community of fellow enthusiasts.
You will have access to use Bobby’s bonsai tools and wiring supplies. Please note: repotting supplies will not be provided, as repotting is covered in a separate class. Light refreshments will be available.
If you’re planning on dropping in, please bring payment ($20) in cash. We look forward to seeing your creativity enhanced and your knowledge of bonsai strengthened!
NOTE: Kobo means “workshop” in Japanese.

2025 The Art of Bonsai: Dec-Thurs
2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Bonsai Spruce
Overview
Nothing speaks to the holidays than a decorated spruce tree. This class will focus on spruces. Yes you can shape like a Christmas tree or take your art a different direction. Bonsai Master Bobby Curttright will share insights on styling based on the spruce you choose for the workshop. Wiring will be an option as well.
Spruces requires full sun, consistent moisture, and proper drainage, but needs protection from harsh winters. You will learn about winter care, and spring care including when to prune and when to fertilize.
All materials except holiday decorations for your spruce are provided. Please bring your own pruners, snippers, needle nose pliers and gloves.
Gift certificates available here.

Group Kobo: Repotting
2026-03-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
We’re excited to unveil Group Kobo, the newest offering in our Art of Bonsai series. This drop‑in workshop invites you to bring your bonsai to work on, alongside a friendly community of fellow enthusiasts.
Repotting should happen between February and March, just as buds swell, yet before leaves fully emerge.
Bring your bonsai, and a couple options for containers (if possible) to Group Kobo. You will have full access to Bobby’s bonsai tools and wiring supplies. Soil will be available for purchase.
Drop in are welcomed.
For this workshop, Group Kobo will be held in the greenhouse that is behind the Kyoudou Center.

Bonsai: Group Kobo
2026-04-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Group Kobo is a drop‑in workshop. Whether you’re refining a bonsai’s shape, practicing wiring, or planning future enhancements, you’ll receive expert guidance from GJG’s bonsai master, Bobby Curttright. alongside a friendly community of fellow enthusiasts.
Bring your bonsai anytime between 2-5pm in a relaxed, collaborative environment at the Kyoudou Center. Group Kobo will end at 4pm, so arrive early enough to receive consultation.
You will have access to use Bobby’s bonsai tools and wiring supplies, but not repotting supplies. Repotting is covered in a separate class.
If you’re planning on dropping in, please bring $20 in cash. We look forward to seeing your creativity enhanced and your knowledge of bonsai strengthened!
NOTE: Kobo means “workshop” in Japanese.
