Introduction to Ikebana - January
2026-01-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
What to Expect in this Workshop
Nana Bellerud starts out 2026 with Japanese New Year’s customs and decorations for your arrangement. 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.

Introduction to Ikebana - February
2026-01-13 13:00 - 15:00 | 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.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Jan-Sat
2026-01-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Deadwood Creation, Carving, Cleaning, and Preservation Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to create and refine deadwood features that enhance age, character, and natural storytelling in bonsai. Deadwood work—when done thoughtfully—can highlight the tree’s movement, history, and resilience.
What You Will Learn:
1. Understanding Deadwood in Bonsai
We’ll begin with an overview of the three classic deadwood styles:

Jin – a branch stripped of bark to mimic natural breakage or age.
Shari – a barkless strip along the trunk representing sun exposure, damage, or weathering.
Uro – a hollowed scar or wound that suggests old injury or decay.

You’ll learn how each technique occurs in nature and how to replicate these effects artistically while maintaining the health of your tree.
2. Deadwood Creation and Carving Techniques
Using carving tools, pliers, and controlled stripping methods, you will practice shaping deadwood so it feels organic rather than man-made. The focus will be on creating natural flow, taper, and texture without compromising structural integrity.
3. Cleaning and Refining Aged Deadwood
You’ll learn how to clean old deadwood to brighten fibers, enhance grain direction, and prepare the surface for preservation. We’ll cover techniques such as brushing, sanding, and subtle re-carving to create realistic detail.
4. Preserving and Whitening Deadwood
Finally, we will demonstrate how to protect deadwood using lime sulfur and other preservation methods. You’ll learn when, where, and how to apply these treatments for long-lasting protection from rot, insects, and moisture.
Take-Home Project
Each participant will work on a practice piece and receive guidance on how to safely apply these techniques to their own bonsai at home. All tools and materials will be provided for the workshop.
Skill Level
This workshop is suitable for beginners ready to learn foundational carving methods, as well as intermediate practitioners looking to refine their technique.
Gift certificates available here.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Jan-Thurs
2026-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080

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.

Spring Candling Pines
2026-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | GJG Tsuru Island, 124 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97030, United States
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 trees.
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 the Gresham Japanese Garden during this in-person workshop. Get ready — 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.
Licensed landscapers will earn 3 CEH credits.
