Gresham Japanese Garden

2025 The Art of Bonsai: Oct-Sat
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Bonsai: Group Kobo
2026-06-28 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-25 15:00 - 19:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
