Gresham Japanese Garden

2026 The Art of Bonsai: June-Thurs
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
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.

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

Bonsai: Group Kobo
2026-07-25 15:00 - 19:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
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 3-7pm in a relaxed, collaborative environment at the Kyoudou Center. Group Kobo will end at 7pm, 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.

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

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.

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.
