Gresham Japanese Garden

Introduction to the Aesthetic Pruning Approach
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom, 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR
Join us for an engaging Zoom webinar where you’ll learn the principles of aesthetic pruning and how to apply them to the trees and shrubs in your own garden.
Professional aesthetic pruner Maryann Lewis of Portland, Oregon will guide you through the decision-making process behind thoughtful pruning. Rather than simply cutting for size or control, aesthetic pruning focuses on enhancing the natural form, health, and long-term beauty of plants.
During this webinar, you will learn how to:

Evaluate the structure and health of trees and shrubs before making cuts
Understand the role each plant plays in the overall garden design
Identify which branches to remove — and which to keep
Create a pruning plan that supports both plant health and your garden goals

Whether you’re a home gardener or a landscape enthusiast, this session will give you practical tools and a new perspective on pruning that you can immediately apply in your own garden.
Reserve your spot and start pruning with greater confidence, intention, and artistry. This Zoom webinar will be recorded and available for two weeks following. You will automatically receive the link.

Introduction to Ikebana - April
2026-04-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
Instructor Nana Bellerud will lead April’s ikebana workshop with a focus on popular Japanese spring-blooming plants such as cherry and pear blossoms, including their symbolism and seasonal meanings. While maintaining the core principles of ikebana, she will share material selection and design ideas rooted in the Sogetsu approach.
Bellerud will also cover fundamental Sogetsu School ikebana concepts, techniques, tools, and equipment, as well as basic plant care. The workshop emphasizes more than simply creating a beautiful floral arrangement—it offers insight into ikebana as an expressive and mindful art form.
Supplies and tools will be available on-site for use during the workshop. After completing your arrangement, participants are encouraged to photograph their work before dismantling it. Plant materials may be taken home. If you would like to take your arrangement home intact, or plan to continue practicing ikebana, kenzan and containers will be available for purchase at the workshop (see details below).
The class will be held at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, located at 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is at the south end of Main City Park, closest to the Springwater Trailhead. A parking lot is located adjacent to the building.
Kenzan + Container – $30
In ikebana, the two accessories used is a kenzan, or some people say pin frog, and a container. For basic arrangements a shallow container is appropriate. Because ikebana is a practiced art, owning these accessories is a must to further your practice.
Also, if you’d like to preserve the arrangement you created at the workshop, these accessories are available for purchase at the workshop. $30 includes both. Cash, Venmo or check will be accepted.
NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kensan and container.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: April-Thurs
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Making a Kusamono
For this project, the kusamono features Vaccinium ovatum (Evergreen Huckleberry), a refined and seasonally expressive companion plant. As a kusamono, Vaccinium ovatum offers balance and softness beside a bonsai display, suggesting a natural woodland setting. Its compact growth habit and fine branching make it especially suitable for small containers, where it can convey elegance, seasonality, and a sense of place without overpowering the main tree. Enjoy making your kusamono.
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Note on Fees: The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for trees, container and other supplies. To continue offering a high-quality, project-based bonsai program and cover material costs, the Garden has made the difficult decision to adjust the workshop fee. Class size has also been reduced to allow for more individualized instruction.
Gift certificates available here.

Stone-Setting Path Workshop
2026-04-18 09:00 - 15:00 | GJG Tsuru Island, 124 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97030, United States
Learn the Fundamentals of Stone Path Construction
One‑day hands‑on workshop at Tsuru Island, the Japanese garden within Gresham’s Main City Park, hosted by the Gresham Japanese Garden. The day combines instruction, demonstration, and hands‑on experience working taught by a professional stone mason Josh Bond with Bond Stone Masonry.
This workshop focuses on the fundamentals of building a lasting stone pathway, beginning with the most important part of the process: proper ground preparation. Participants will learn the techniques and then practice them by constructing a small section of pathway on Tsuru Island. Tsuru Island, the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Japanese garden is undergoing a major renovation and an ADA strolling pathway is a major component.Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Duration: 6-hour hands-on workshop (includes lunch break)
Location: Gresham Japanese Garden, Tsuru Island
124 S Main Avenue

Meet Josh
Here’s a quick 40 second video showing a snippet of what you will learn.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: April-Sat
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

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.

Pruning Flowering Shrubs
2026-05-02 13:00 - 14:30 | GJG Ebetsu Plaza, 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97030, United States
Are you wondering why your rhododendrons or azaleas aren’t blooming like they should? Or, aren’t growing like you want them to? Join Jim Card, Garden Director, for a hands-on demonstration covering the fundamentals of pruning flowering shrubs.
You’ll learn:

How and where to make the right cuts
When to prune to encourage flowers, not remove them
How to balance aesthetics with plant health

Gather around Gresham Japanese Garden’s Ebetsu Plaza for this free seminar
219A S Main Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030
Free and open to the community.

Spring Candling Pines
2026-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | 30529 SE Wheeler Road Boring OR 97009
Join Laura Dufala, owner of Bentwood Tree Farm, as she guides you through the why’s and how’s of candling pines. Learn about the importance of timing, balance, and health in creating beautifully structured pine trees.
Location: This workshop will take place Bentwood Tree Farm in Boring, Oregon.
Learn how to:

Identify and manage the apical candle
Determine which candles to remove for ideal structure
Know when to break versus when to remove the entire candle
Combine candling, needle pruning, and branch pruning for healthy growth
Understand how each technique affects the tree’s energy and growth pattern

Laura will work on a variety of pine species at her farm during this in-person workshop. Bring your gloves — Laura may turn the class into a collaborative session!
Whether you’re a home gardener or a landscape professional, this course offers high-level pruning techniques to candle pines for successful structure.
This workshop is certified by the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. Licensed landscape construction professionals receive three Continuing Education Hours (CEH).

Introduction to Ikebana - May
2026-05-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
Instructor Nana Bellerud will lead May’s ikebana workshop with a focus on popular Japanese spring-blooming plants, including their symbolism and seasonal meanings, while maintaining the core principles of ikebana.
Bellerud will also cover fundamental Sogetsu School ikebana concepts, techniques, tools, and equipment, as well as share material selection and design ideas rooted in the Sogetsu approach.
The workshop emphasizes more than simply creating a beautiful floral arrangement, it offers insight into ikebana as an expressive and mindful art form.
Supplies and tools will be available on-site for use during the workshop. After completing your arrangement, participants are encouraged to photograph their work before dismantling it. Plant materials may be taken home. If you would like to take your arrangement home intact, or plan to continue practicing ikebana, kenzan and containers will be available for purchase at the workshop (see details below).
The class will be held at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, located at 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is at the south end of Main City Park, closest to the Springwater Trailhead. A parking lot is located adjacent to the building.
Kenzan + Container – $30
In ikebana, the two accessories used is a kenzan, or some people say pin frog, and a container. For basic arrangements a shallow container is appropriate. Because ikebana is a practiced art, owning these accessories is a must to further your practice.
Also, if you’d like to preserve the arrangement you created at the workshop, these accessories are available for purchase at the workshop. $30 includes both. Cash, Venmo or check will be accepted.
NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kensan and container.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: May-Sat
2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Spring Pine Work
In this hands-on workshop, Bonsai Master Bobby Curttright will teach how to manage pine growth for bonsai this spring. He will cover single and multi-flush species, with a focus on decandling techniques to shape and maintain healthy, beautiful pines. Your take-home project will be a Pinus thunbergii.
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Note on Fees: The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for trees, container and other supplies. To continue offering a high-quality, project-based bonsai program and cover material costs, the Garden has made the difficult decision to adjust the workshop fee. Class size has also been reduced to allow for more individualized instruction.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: May-Thurs
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Spring Pine Work
In this hands-on workshop, Bonsai Master Bobby Curttright will demonstrate how to manage pine growth for bonsai this spring. He will cover single and multi-flush species, with a focus on decandling techniques to shape and maintain healthy, beautiful pines. Your take-home project will be a Pinus thunbergii.
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Note on Fees: The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for trees, container and other supplies. To continue offering a high-quality, project-based bonsai program and cover material costs, the Garden has made the difficult decision to adjust the workshop fee. Class size has also been reduced to allow for more individualized instruction.
Gift certificates available here.

Introduction to Ikebana - June
2026-06-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

2026 The Art of Bonsai: June-Thurs
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Buxus Forest Planting (Yose-ue)
Join us in creating a Yose-ue. The tree you will be working with is a Buxus sempervirens for the forest planting (Yose-ue) session. The Buxus sempervirens also known as Common Boxwood evokes the quiet feeling of a natural woodland in miniature. By arranging multiple boxwood trees of different heights, the composition creates the illusion of a mature grove with a clear sense of depth and perspective.
Boxwood is well suited to this style thanks to its small leaves, dense branching, and strong tolerance for pruning, allowing the canopy to be refined and maintained at scale over time. Careful placement of the trees—often in odd-numbered groupings with varied spacing—helps create a natural rhythm and visual movement through the forest.
As the planting matures, selective pruning will develop a cohesive canopy while preserving open spaces that suggest light filtering through the woodland. The result is a tranquil landscape that captures the harmony of trees growing together.
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Note on Fees: The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for tree, container and additional supplies.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: June-Saturday
2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Buxus Forest Planting (Yose-ue)
Join us in creating a Yose-ue. This workshop will be using a Buxus sempervirens for its forest planting (Yose-ue) session. The Buxus sempervirens also known as Common Boxwood evokes the quiet feeling of a natural woodland in miniature. By arranging multiple boxwood trees of different heights, the composition creates the illusion of a mature grove with a clear sense of depth and perspective.
Boxwood is well suited to this style thanks to its small leaves, dense branching, and strong tolerance for pruning, allowing the canopy to be refined and maintained at scale over time. Careful placement of the trees—often in odd-numbered groupings with varied spacing—helps create a natural rhythm and visual movement through the forest.
As the planting matures, selective pruning will develop a cohesive canopy while preserving open spaces that suggest light filtering through the woodland. The result is a tranquil landscape that captures the harmony of trees growing together.
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Note on Fees: The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for tree, container and additional supplies.
Gift certificates available here.

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

Introduction to Ikebana - July
2026-07-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
Instructor Nana Bellerud will lead May’s ikebana workshop with a focus on popular Japanese summer-blooming flowers, including their symbolism and seasonal meanings, while maintaining the core principles of ikebana.
Nana will also cover fundamental Sogetsu School ikebana concepts, techniques, tools, and equipment, as well as share material selection and design ideas rooted in the Sogetsu approach.
The workshop emphasizes more than simply creating a beautiful floral arrangement, it offers insight into ikebana as an expressive and mindful art form.
Supplies and tools will be available on-site for use during the workshop. After completing your arrangement, participants are encouraged to photograph their work before dismantling it. Plant materials may be taken home. If you would like to take your arrangement home intact, or plan to continue practicing ikebana, kenzan and containers will be available for purchase at the workshop (see details below).
The class will be held at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, located at 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is at the south end of Main City Park, closest to the Springwater Trailhead. A parking lot is located adjacent to the building.
Kenzan + Container – $30
In ikebana, the two accessories used is a kenzan, or some people say pin frog, and a container. For basic arrangements a shallow container is appropriate. Because ikebana is a practiced art, owning these accessories is a must to further your practice.
Also, if you’d like to preserve the arrangement you created at the workshop, these accessories are available for purchase at the workshop. $30 includes both. Cash, Venmo or check will be accepted.
NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kensan and container.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: July-Thursday
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Bonsai Styling: Prunus emarginata
In this workshop you will style Prunus emarginata, the Pacific Northwest native bitter cherry. Known for its delicate spring flowers, developing bark character, and graceful branching, this species makes an elegant and regionally meaningful bonsai.
Bobby will focus on covering techniques that are useful on various flowering and fruiting trees that are commonly used in bonsai. Participants will learn how to establish the tree’s primary structure through thoughtful pruning and branch selection. Bitter cherry often produces long shoots, making selective pruning an important technique
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Note on Fees: The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for tree, container and additional supplies.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: July-Saturday
2026-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

Introduction to Ikebana - August
2026-08-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
Instructor Nana Bellerud will lead August ikebana workshop with a focus on popular Japanese summer-blooming flowers, including their symbolism and seasonal meanings, while maintaining the core principles of ikebana.
Nana will also cover fundamental Sogetsu School ikebana concepts, techniques, tools, and equipment, as well as share material selection and design ideas rooted in the Sogetsu approach.
The workshop emphasizes more than simply creating a beautiful floral arrangement, it offers insight into ikebana as an expressive and mindful art form.
Supplies and tools will be available on-site for use during the workshop. After completing your arrangement, participants are encouraged to photograph their work before dismantling it. Plant materials may be taken home. If you would like to take your arrangement home intact, or plan to continue practicing ikebana, kenzan and containers will be available for purchase at the workshop (see details below).
The class will be held at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, located at 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is at the south end of Main City Park, closest to the Springwater Trailhead. A parking lot is located adjacent to the building.
Kenzan + Container – $30
In ikebana, the two accessories used is a kenzan, or some people say pin frog, and a container. For basic arrangements a shallow container is appropriate. Because ikebana is a practiced art, owning these accessories is a must to further your practice.
Also, if you’d like to preserve the arrangement you created at the workshop, these accessories are available for purchase at the workshop. $30 includes both. Cash, Venmo or check will be accepted.
NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kensan and container.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: August-Saturday
2026-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Formal Upright Design Using a Sitka Spruce
Using our native Sitka Spruce species, participants will learn how to create a classic Formal Upright bonsai design, known in Japanese as Chokkan. This traditional style emphasizes a straight, tapering trunk, balanced branch placement, and a strong sense of symmetry and stability. Through a combination of wiring, pruning, and careful structural refinement, students will explore the techniques needed to develop and maintain this iconic bonsai form.
Along the way, we will discuss design principles, species-specific considerations for Sitka Spruce, and the patience and diligence required to guide a tree toward its long-term artistic potential. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts interested in refining their styling skills and deepening their understanding of formal bonsai design.
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided. The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for tree, container and additional supplies.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: August-Thursday
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

Sculptural Bonsai Container Workshop: 2-Part Series
2026-09-06 14:00 - 16:00 | 30529 SE Wheeler Road Boring OR 97009
Create a sculptural, slab-based oval bonsai container by hand in this two-part ceramic workshop atBentwood Nursery in Laura Dufala’s studio. Using slab-building techniques and rich brown clay,participants will design and build a shallow, one-of-a-kind bonsai vessel that balancesfunction with artistic expression.
Inspired by traditional bonsai aesthetics as well as contemporary ceramic form, this workshopencourages organic shapes, subtle asymmetry, texture, and landscape-inspired surfaces ratherthan rigid symmetry or conventional pottery forms. Participants will be invited to think aboutthe character and feeling of a future bonsai while shaping their container—whether windswept,quiet and balanced, rugged, or terrain-like in form. A selection of authentic bonsai containerbooks and references will be available during the workshop for inspiration and design exploration.
Part One: Build
Participants will design and hand-build a custom bonsai oval container no larger than 7” x 5” usingslab-building techniques with rich deep chocolate clay.

How to roll and compress slabs evenly
Cutting and assembling walls for clean joints
Creating drainage holes (essential for bonsai health)
Adding feet and structural support
Surface texture or simple decorative elements

Skills level: Beginner–IntermediateDuration: ~2–3 hours
Part Two: Glaze: After drying, participants return to glaze and finish container.

Choose glaze
Techniques: brushing, dipping, or layering
How glaze affects texture and final color
Functional glazing considerations (interior vs exterior)

Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
Materials & Tools Included

Brown clay
Rolling slabs/tools (rollers, ribs, knives)
Slip & scoring tools
Glazes
Brushes and glazing tools

Cost: $150, includes two sessions, all materials and firing.Pickup: Sunday, October 4, 2-4pm pick up container at the Gresham Japanese Garden Kyoudou Center, or make arrangements by sending a message to Sue@greshamjapanesegarden.com.

Introduction to Ikebana - September
2026-09-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
Instructor Nana Bellerud will lead September’s ikebana workshop with a focus on the end to summer and beginning of fall with the flower of chrysanthemums, including its symbolism and seasonal meanings, while maintaining the core principles of ikebana.
Nana will also cover fundamental Sogetsu School ikebana concepts, techniques, tools, and equipment, as well as share material selection and design ideas rooted in the Sogetsu approach.
The workshop emphasizes more than simply creating a beautiful floral arrangement, it offers insight into ikebana as an expressive and mindful art form.
Supplies and tools will be available on-site for use during the workshop. After completing your arrangement, participants are encouraged to photograph their work before dismantling it. Plant materials may be taken home. If you would like to take your arrangement home intact, or plan to continue practicing ikebana, kenzan and containers will be available for purchase at the workshop (see details below).
The class will be held at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, located at 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is at the south end of Main City Park, closest to the Springwater Trailhead. A parking lot is located adjacent to the building.
Kenzan + Container – $30
In ikebana, the two accessories used is a kenzan, or some people say pin frog, and a container. For basic arrangements a shallow container is appropriate. Because ikebana is a practiced art, owning these accessories is a must to further your practice.
Also, if you’d like to preserve the arrangement you created at the workshop, these accessories are available for purchase at the workshop. $30 includes both. Cash, Venmo or check will be accepted.
NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kensan and container.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Sept-Thursday
2026-09-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Azaleas
Azaleas are a unique and rewarding species in the world of bonsai, with horticultural requirements and design considerations that differ significantly from most trees. In this workshop, we will explore what makes azaleas their own beast, from their growth habits and root systems to their watering, soil, fertilization, and pruning needs. Participants will learn how to work with azaleas to promote health, flowering, and long-term development.
We will also discuss the aesthetic qualities that make azaleas such a prized bonsai subject, including their fine branching, seasonal blooms, and distinctive bark and trunk characteristics. Through demonstrations and hands-on instruction, students will gain a better understanding of styling techniques, structural pruning, and how to balance floral display with strong bonsai design. Whether you are new to azaleas or looking to refine your skills with this exceptional species, this workshop will provide practical guidance and insight into creating beautiful and healthy azalea bonsai.
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This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided. The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for tree, container and additional supplies.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Sept-Saturday
2026-09-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Azaleas
Azaleas are a unique and rewarding species in the world of bonsai, with horticultural requirements and design considerations that differ significantly from most trees. In this workshop, we will explore what makes azaleas their own beast, from their growth habits and root systems to their watering, soil, fertilization, and pruning needs. Participants will learn how to work with azaleas to promote health, flowering, and long-term development.
We will also discuss the aesthetic qualities that make azaleas such a prized bonsai subject, including their fine branching, seasonal blooms, and distinctive bark and trunk characteristics. Through demonstrations and hands-on instruction, students will gain a better understanding of styling techniques, structural pruning, and how to balance floral display with strong bonsai design. Whether you are new to azaleas or looking to refine your skills with this exceptional species, this workshop will provide practical guidance and insight into creating beautiful and healthy azalea bonsai.
This workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s beautiful Kyoudou Center at 219A S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. Or, if the weather is not too hot, you will be in the greenhouse behind the Kyoudou Center.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided. The workshop fee is $40, plus $15 for tree, container and additional supplies.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Oct-Thursday
2026-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Western Hemlock Bonsai Workshop: Aluminum Wiring Techniques
Learn one of the most essential skills in bonsai—wiring. This hands-on workshop focuses on shaping and styling bonsai using aluminum wire, an indispensable tool for bonsai artists. Participants will work with a Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), a graceful Pacific Northwest native known for its soft foliage and elegant branching.
You’ll learn how to apply wire correctly, bend branches safely, and create movement and structure that will guide your tree’s future development. Proper wiring techniques, timing, and aftercare will all be covered, giving you the confidence to continue shaping your bonsai at home.
This workshop also serves as the foundation for our December Copper Wiring Workshop. We’ll discuss the differences between aluminum and copper wire, when each should be used, and why experienced bonsai artists often choose copper for refined conifer styling. If you’re interested in advancing your skills, this workshop is the perfect preparation for taking the next step in December.
What You’ll Learn

How to wire a bonsai using aluminum wire
Proper branch positioning and shaping techniques
When and how to remove wire safely
The differences between aluminum and copper wire
How wiring influences long-term bonsai development

Who Should Attend
Ideal for beginners and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts who want to build a strong foundation in wiring techniques and prepare for more advanced styling with copper wire in our December workshop.
Leave with a beautifully wired Western Hemlock, practical wiring skills, and a deeper understanding of how thoughtful styling transforms a tree into a bonsai.
Class will take place in the greenhouse.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Oct-Saturday
2026-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States

Pruning Conifers for Health and Aesthetics Course
2026-10-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden
Pruning Conifers for Health and Aesthetics course will start at Ebetsu Plaza, the garden nestled in front of the Kyoudou Center inside Gresham’s Main City Park, home to a diverse collection of conifers.
Limited to 15 students, so register early to reserve your spot!
Workshop Overview
This in-person class is designed to deepen your understanding of conifer pruning through an aesthetic lens. Maryann will guide participants in:

Understanding conifer growth biology and seasonal rhythms
Applying pruning techniques to maintain plant health and desired size
Enhancing landscape aesthetics through thoughtful pruning
Recognizing and preserving the natural form of various conifer species

Whether you’re a home gardener or a landscape professional, this workshop offers valuable insights into the art and science of conifer pruning.
Licensed landscapers can earn 2 CEUs.

Structural Pruning Pines
2026-11-15 14:00 - 16:00 | GJG Tsuru Island, 124 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97030, United States
Watch instructor, Laura Dufala unlock the hidden character of pine trees through structural pine pruning. She’s captivating to watch her approach to cloud pruning, and through her artistic eyes make decisions regarding which branches to keep and which ones to remove. She has a tendency to turn the class into a hands-on practicum, so bring gloves and sanitized pruners.
The class will take place at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Tsuru Island. Licensed landscapers will earn 3 CEU credits.
