Wreathmaking Workshop + Wine: Dec 2nd
2024-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Monday, Dec 2, 2024, 6-8pm
Get ready for the holidays by making a beautiful wreath to hang on your front door. The wreath can span as large as 22″. The Gresham Japanese Garden offers a wide range of unique plant cuttings to choose from to make your wreath, complete with a handmade bow to add as a final accent.
Cost includes the ring, wire, all greenery, berries, handmade bow to make a beautiful 22″ diameter wreath. And, enjoy a glass a wine and little bite to eat while you’re making your wreath.
COST: $50
Class will be held in inside GJG’s Kyoudou Center at Main City Park.

Introduction to Ikebana
2024-12-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
The Art of Ikebana
Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art form that has three main components: natural material (flowers, tree branches, leaves, conifer needles, etc.), the vase, the kenzan, (a holder for strengthening the stem and keeping the arrangement in the desired position). The basic aesthetic principle of ikebana is a refined simplicity achieved by bringing out the natural beauty of the material. These principles determine the arrangement’s composition, colors, and textures.
What to Expect
In this workshop, instructor Nana Bellerud covers the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care for ikebana. All supplies and tools are included with the workshop.
Participants will make 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.
After you’ve worked on your piece of art, you are encouraged to take a photo and then you will dismantle your work to take home your plant material and practice making working on your arrangement.
The workshop is limited to 9 students for an interactive experience. 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 there too.
NOTE: This workshop is on the FIRST Tuesday of the month.
Nana G. Bellerud, Ikebana Instructor

Nana G. Bellerud has been studying the Sogetsu School of Ikebana since 2005 and continues to be inspired and discover new insights from its teachings. Nana demonstrates, exhibits, and teaches ikebana at a wide range of venues, including the Portland Art Museum, Portland Japanese Garden, and Leach Botanical Garden. Through her demonstrations and workshops, she seeks to introduce others to the art of ikebana and to intrigue and inspire them. Nana is currently serving as Branch Director of Sogetsu Portland and is a past President of Ikebana International Portland Chapter #47.

Wreathmaking Workshop + Wine: Dec 8th
2024-12-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Sunday, Dec 8, 2024, 2-4pm
Get ready for the Holidays by making a beautiful wreath to hang on your front door for the holidays. The wreath can span as large as 22″, The Gresham Japanese Garden offers a wide range of unique plant cuttings to choose from in making your wreath, complete with a handmade bow to add as a final accent.
Cost includes the ring, wire, all greenery, berries, handmade bow to make a beautiful 22″ diameter wreath. And, enjoy a glass a wine and little bite to eat while you’re enjoy the workshop
COST: $50
Class will be held inside GJG Kyoudou Center at Main City Park.

Winter Pruning Japanese Garden at Vanport Int'l
2025-01-11 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 variety of plants at a Japanese garden in Boring, OR, learning alongside Francheska Snyder, a professional aesthetic pruner trained in Japan who owns her own business, Niwa Method. This will be the Gresham Japanese Garden’s 6th opportunity to prune at Vanport International. There are still many plants that need restored to their size and brought back to the vision of the original garden designer, Hoichi Kurisu.

Introduction to Ikebana - Jan25
2025-01-14 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.

Kensan + Container – $25
In ikebana, the two accessories used is a kensan, 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 - Jan Thursday
2025-01-16 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.
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 - Jan Saturday
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

Pruning Fruit Trees
2025-01-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Late winter pruning is a good time to prune fruit trees because of dormancy and invigorates growth; removes dead, weak, or crossing branches, focusing energy on fewer, stronger branches for a better harvest. Instructor Jonathan Faith will bring an apple tree, pear tree, nectarine tree, and a plum tree to demonstrate how to prune each for fruit production.
In addition to demonstrating how to prune each variety of fruit tree, Jonathan will discuss cross pollination, fertilizers, fungicide and insecticide sprays.
This seminar will take place in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center at 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030
Instructor: Jonathan Faith
Jonathan come from a deep history of being around a copious array of plants. For sixteen years, Faith helped manage his family’s small orchard in Hubbard, Oregon. They had many different varieties of fruit trees.
Jonathan is currently the store manager at Al’s Garden & Home in Gresham.

Fundamentals of Conifers Webinar
2025-02-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom, 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR
In this online course, instructor Maryann Lewis will cover a variety of conifer basics, from identifying their cultivar, growth pattern, and pruning approach. Learn fundamental pruning techniques for your favorite conifers including pines, spruce, hinoki and others, and how to interpret each cultivar. This class will help you feel comfortable making pruning decisions so you can enjoy conifers even more. We highly recommend taking Maryann class on Sunday the 9th, Pruning Conifers in the Garden.
This course will be recorded and available for two weeks. The link will be sent out Friday morning.

Fundamentals of Conifers - Onsite
2025-02-09 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
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