Introduction to Ikebana - February
2026-02-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
Teacher Nana Bellerud’s February workshop will concentrate on Valentine’s Day Japanese style. Still keeping the principles and core concepts of ikebana, she will share some material and design ideas.
In addition, Bellerud will cover the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care for ikebana. Beyond simply producing a beautiful work of art with flowers and natural objects.
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 – $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.

The Science and Biology of Pruning
2026-02-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Zoom, 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR
Join us for this Zoom webinar, Tree Talk by Chris Roddick. Chris is an ISA Certified Arborist and a Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA). He is the author of the Tree Care Primer, a guide to care for young, mature, and veteran trees. For thousands of years, people have used the ancient practice of pruning to manipulate and enhance trees and shrubs. Yet the science and biology behind pruning is still among the most misunderstood practices in the field.
This Tree Talk will take a deep dive into the science of pruning while looking closely at the biological responses of trees. We’ll discuss topics such as cladoptosis and natural pruning, compartmentalization, and the roll of fungi and plant hormones. And last, how best to make pruning decisions understanding what the plant needs. Join us!
The webinar will be taped and available for two weeks. The link will be sent out later that evening.
NOTE: This webinar is on Pacific Standard Time.

Pruning Fruit Trees
2026-02-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Late winter is an ideal time to prune fruit trees. Pruning during dormancy helps invigorate growth, removes dead, weak, or crossing branches, and focuses the tree’s energy on fewer, stronger limbs for a healthier structure and better harvest.
Instructor Jonathan Faith will bring an apple tree, pear tree, nectarine tree, and plum tree to discuss their different growth habits and forms, and to demonstrate proper pruning techniques for fruit production. In addition to pruning, Jonathan will cover cross-pollination, fertilizers, and common fungicide and insecticide sprays.
This seminar will take place at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center, located at 219A S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030.
Instructor: Jonathan FaithJonathan comes from a deep background in horticulture. For sixteen years, he helped manage his family’s small orchard in Hubbard, Oregon, working with a wide variety of fruit trees. Jonathan is currently the store manager at Al’s Garden & Home in Gresham.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Feb-Thurs
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Repotting Deciduous Trees
In this hands-on workshop, Bonsai Master Bobby Curttright will teach you the essential techniques for repotting deciduous bonsai. He will cover how to safely remove a tree from its pot, properly prune the roots, explain soil mixes, and position the tree to encourage healthy growth and strong structure. You will repot a maple as your take-home project.
You’ll also learn how repotting differs for various deciduous species, how to identify when a tree is ready to be repotted, and tips for aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery. This class is ideal for beginners and intermediate enthusiasts looking to build confidence in one of the most important bonsai maintenance skills.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Feb-Sat
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Repotting Deciduous Trees
In this hands-on workshop, Bonsai Master Bobby Curttright will teach you the essential techniques for repotting deciduous bonsai. He will cover how to safely remove a tree from its pot, properly prune the roots, explain soil mixes, and position the tree to encourage healthy growth and strong structure. You will repot a maple as your take-home project.
You’ll also learn how repotting differs for various deciduous species, how to identify when a tree is ready to be repotted, and tips for aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery. This class is ideal for beginners and intermediate enthusiasts looking to build confidence in one of the most important bonsai maintenance skills.
All tools, soil, and materials are provided.
Gift certificates available here.

Group Kobo: Repotting
2026-03-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
We’re excited to unveil Group Kobo, the newest offering in our Art of Bonsai series. This drop‑in workshop invites you to bring your bonsai to work on, alongside a friendly community of fellow enthusiasts.
Repotting should happen between February and March, just as buds swell, yet before leaves fully emerge.
Bring your bonsai, and a couple options for containers (if possible) to Group Kobo. You will have full access to Bobby’s bonsai tools and wiring supplies. Soil will be available for purchase.
Drop in are welcomed.
For this workshop, Group Kobo will be held in the greenhouse that is behind the Kyoudou Center.

Introduction to Honey Beekeeping
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Taught by beekeepers Bruce Janes and Jim Buck.
There is a lot to learn about starting your own beekeeping. Start by learning the basics of residential honey beekeeping. Why do people become beekeepers. What you need to consider and the differences between beekeeping in a rural vs urban setting. What equipment and tools do you need. Hive terminology and where is the ideal spot to place a hive. The different types of bees, workers, drones and queen and what their responsibilities are in the hive. Also, hear a bit about the financial responsibility to get started.
Bruce Janes volunteers in a commercial apiary, and is a member of three bee clubs. Bruce is excited to teach this class because his philosophy is that the first step to becoming a successful beekeeper is to learn as much as you can about the bees themselves. Competent honey beekeepers require hands-on training and mentorship. Before purchasing honey bees or equipment, new beekeepers should seek as much training as they can.
Co-instructor Jim Buck will talk about Flow Hives. The Flow Hive was developed in Australia by father-son entrepreneurs, Stuart and Cedar Anderson, who have sold thousands of them all over the world. They have designed a honey super with plastic comb and levers which allows the honey to flow out of comb with the turn of the levers. This ingenious design circumvents the need to remove frames and extract honey through centrifuges. Jim has used the flow hive successfully for three years and enjoying sharing my experience and tips with others.
LOCATION:Gresham Japanese Garden Kyoudou Center219A S Main AvenueGresham, OR 97030
Inside Main City Park. Drive to farthest parking lot at the south end of the park. The Kyoudou Center is the building adjacent to the parking lot closest to Springwater Trailhead.
Please register below.

Introduction to Ikebana - March
2026-03-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
instructor Nana Bellerud’s will concentrate March’s ikebana workshop on some early spring flowers, along with their symbols and meanings. Still keeping the principles and core concepts of ikebana, she will share some material and design ideas.
In addition, Bellerud will cover the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care for ikebana. Beyond simply producing a beautiful work of art with flowers and natural objects.
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 Trailhead. There is a parking lot 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: March-Thurs
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Repotting Conifer Trees
In this hands-on workshop, Bonsai Master Bobby Curttright will teach you the essential techniques for repotting conifers. He will cover how to safely remove a tree from its pot, properly prune the roots, explain soil mixes, and position the tree to encourage healthy growth and strong structure. The specific conifer has not been selected yet. This will be your take-home project.
You’ll also learn how repotting differs for various conifer species, how to identify when a tree is ready to be repotted, and tips for aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery. This class is ideal for beginners and intermediate enthusiasts looking to build confidence in one of the most important bonsai maintenance skills.
Due to the nature of this workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s greenhouse, located behind the Kyoudou Center.
All tools, soil, and materials will be provided.
Note, Fee Increase: $40 plus $15 tree, container and other supplies. To continue offering a high-quality bonsai program and covering material costs, the Garden has made the difficult decision to increase the fee for this project-based workshop.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: March-Sat
2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Repotting Conifer Trees
In this hands-on workshop, Bonsai Master Bobby Curttright will demonstate the essential techniques for repotting conifers. He will cover how to safely remove a tree from its pot, properly prune the roots, explain soil mixes, and position the tree to encourage healthy growth and strong structure. The specific conifer has not been selected yet. This will be your take-home project.
You’ll also learn how repotting differs for various conifer species, how to identify when a tree is ready to be repotted, and tips for aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery. This class is ideal for beginners and intermediate enthusiasts looking to build confidence in one of the most important bonsai maintenance skills.
Due to the nature of this workshop it will be held in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s greenhouse, located behind the Kyoudou Center.
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 the Aesthetic Pruning Approach
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | 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).

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.

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. 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.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: June-Saturday
2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

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
