Fundamentals of Conifers - Onsite
2025-02-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | GJG Tsuru Island, 124 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97030, United States
This class will build upon the knowledge gained in ‘Pruning Fundamentals for Conifers’ on the 6th. It will be beneficial to take the Zoom class. We will look at various small conifers in and around Tsuru Island and apply useful techniques and strategies that can be used in any garden style.
This class will meet at GJG’s Tsuru Island.

Introduction to Ikebana - February
2025-02-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in the Workshop
In this workshop, instructor Nana Bellerud covers the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care for ikebana. Participants will practice a basic style arrangement within the rules of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. Beyond simply producing a beautiful work of art with flowers and natural objects, instructor Nana Bellerud will show you how ikebana explores artistic concepts such as balance, contrast, and negative space.
Supplies and tools are onsite to borrow for the workshop. After you’ve worked on your arrangement, you are encouraged to take a photo and then you will dismantle your work. The plant material is yours to take. If you wish to take your creation home in one piece, or are interested in practicing ikebana further, please consider purchasing a kensan and container at the workshop. See below.
Class will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is located at the south end of Main City Park in Gresham, OR. It is the last building closest to the Springwater Trail. There is a parking lot adjacent to the building.

Kenzan + Container – $25
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. $25 includes both. Only cash or check. NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kensan and container.

2025 The Art of Bonsai - Feb Saturday
2025-02-15 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 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 - Feb Thursday
2025-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

Introduction to the Aesthetic Pruning Approach Webinar
2025-03-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom, 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR
Aesthetics are integral to the stewardship of trees in our gardens. In this online course learn to apply the aesthetic pruning approach to trees and shrubs, including how to assess your plant material, identify the role they play in your garden, and develop a pruning plan to achieve your goals. Aesthetic pruning works in any garden style.
This class will be recorded and available to view for two weeks after class. The link will be sent out Friday morning.

Introduction to Ikebana - March
2025-03-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in the Workshop
In this workshop, instructor Nana Bellerud covers the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care for ikebana. Participants will practice a basic style arrangement within the rules of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. Beyond simply producing a beautiful work of art with flowers and natural objects, instructor Nana Bellerud will show you how ikebana explores artistic concepts such as balance, contrast, and negative space.
Supplies and tools are onsite to borrow for the workshop. After you’ve worked on your arrangement, you are encouraged to take a photo and then you will dismantle your work. The plant material is yours to take. If you wish to take your creation home in one piece, or are interested in practicing ikebana further, please consider purchasing a kensan and container at the workshop. See below.
Class will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is located at the south end of Main City Park in Gresham, OR. It is the last building closest to the Springwater Trail. There is a parking lot adjacent to the building.

Kenzan + Container
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. $25 includes both. Only cash or check. NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kenzan and container.

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

Growing and Caring for Blueberries
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
The Growing and Caring for Blueberries seminar will describe the main parts of a blueberry plant, what soil conditions the plants favor, how and when to fertilize blueberries, the harvest times and show-and tell for various varieties, pruning recommendations, and responses to a couple common diseases that may occur. Lyla Hunt, Co-manager of Al’s Garden & Home will also be bringing her wealth of knowledge and coupons to spend on re-stocking your blueberry crop.

Introduction to Ikebana - April
2025-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in the Workshop
In this workshop, instructor Nana Bellerud covers the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care for ikebana. Participants will practice a basic style arrangement within the rules of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. Beyond simply producing a beautiful work of art with flowers and natural objects, instructor Nana Bellerud will show you how ikebana explores artistic concepts such as balance, contrast, and negative space.
Supplies and tools are onsite to borrow for the workshop. After you’ve worked on your arrangement, you are encouraged to take a photo and then you will dismantle your work. The plant material is yours to take. If you wish to take your creation home in one piece, or are interested in practicing ikebana further, please consider purchasing a kensan and container at the workshop.
Class will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030. The building is located at the south end of Main City Park in Gresham, OR. It is the last building closest to the Springwater Trail. There is a parking lot adjacent to the building.

Kenzan + Container – $25
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. $25 includes both. Only cash or check.NOTE: The cost of the workshop includes the use of the instructor’s kenzan and container.

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

Tai Chi - Balance
2025-04-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Based on current research for fall prevention, this class is designed to help increase stability for standing and walking.

Tai Chi - Health
2025-04-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Traditional exercise forms, intended those with various conditions including arthritis, osteoporsis, and diabetes. Experience helpful.

Tai Chi - Flow
2025-04-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Any easy version of the most common Tai Chi forms, designed as a relaxed intro for anyone to begin a moving mediation. Beginner friendly.

Tai Chi - Qigong
2025-04-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
An ancient practice intented to cultivate Qi, life force energy, allowing any person to find inner peace and gentle strength.

Spring Candling and Maintenance on Pines
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | GJG Tsuru Island, 124 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97030, United States
Learn all about the why’s and how’s to de-candle different cultivars of pines. Instructor Laura Dufala with Bentwood Tree Farm will explain the benefits and ramifications of de-candling several pine cultivars on Gresham Japanese Garden – Tsuru Island. This workshop is in person. Bring your gloves, Laura may turn the class into a collaborative session.

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.

Spring Pruning at Vanport International
2025-05-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Vanport International, 28590 Wally Road, Boring, OR, 97009, United States
For the intermediate pruners, a hands-on opportunity to prune a variely of plants at a Japanese garden in Boring, OR to learn alongside a professional aesthetic pruner trained in Japan and owns her own business, Niwa Method.
This is the Gresham Japanese Garden’s fourth opportunity to prune at Vanport International. There are still many plants that need to be pruned and brought back to the vision the original garden designer Hoichi Kurisu.

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

Creating Pollinator Habitat for your Garden and Home
2025-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
In collaboration with Judy Alleruzzo of Al’s Garden & Home from Gresham, GJG volunteer Deb Peters will present a seminar about creating the perfect pollinator habitat at your own home and garden. You will learn how to preserve and protect certain types of native butterflies such as the Western Monarch. Learn the best ways to provide valuable nectar to all pollinators including bees, moths and hummingbirds. Learn what, how and where to plant pollinator friendly plants and how to avoid the use of pesticides.
Coupons to Al’s will be distributed.
.

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

Introduction to Ikebana - May
2025-05-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

Introduction to Ikebana - June
2025-06-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

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.

Introduction to Ikebana - July
2025-07-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

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.
