Gresham Japanese Garden

Introduction to Ikebana - July
2026-07-14 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.
.
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.

Traditional Japanese Carpentry Fundamentals
2026-09-19 - 2026-09-20 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Traditional Japanese Carpentry Fundamentals: $600
2-Day Workshop | Saturday–Sunday, September 19–20
With a Friday night, September 18 6-9pm overview
You will learn

Traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery
Precision layout and geometry
Hand planing techniques
Scribing and fitting joinery
Japanese hand-tool methods and sharpening concepts

This workshop is ideal for those wanting to strengthen their traditional woodworking skills or prepare for more advanced Japanese timber framing projects. The only way you will learn these skills is by repetition.
Details

Workshop will take place onsite in the City of Gresham’s building in Main City Park. 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030
Friday night 6-9pm will take place in the Kyoudou Center (same address) for classroom discussion, project overview, safety.
Workshop will start daily at 9am and could last to 6pm.
Lunch are included in the cost of the workshop. They will be prepared by the volunteers of the Gresham Japanese Garden. Please send any dietary restrictions to sue@greshamjapanesegarden.com.
Participants must bring their own woodworking tools. A sharpening station will be onsite

Questions

Contact Jay’s apprentice and the Garden’s local contact, Manny Romanzalez at (503) 705-4066, FamiliaRomanzalez@gmail.com‬

Build a Traditional Japanese Roofed Garden Gate
2026-09-19 - 2026-09-23 | Kyoudou Center, 219 S. Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97080
Build a Traditional Japanese Roofed Garden Gate: $1,200
5-Day Workshop | Saturday–Wednesday, September 19–23
With a Friday night, September 18, 6-9pm overview
Workshop includes

Two days of intensive skills training
Three days constructing and installing the gate
Traditional roof framing techniques
Advanced layout and joinery
Individual instruction from Jay Van Arsdale
A rare opportunity to participate in the construction of an authentic Japanese garden structure

Details

Workshop will take place onsite in the City of Gresham’s building in Main City Park. 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030
Friday night 6-9pm will take place in the Kyoudou Center (same address) for classroom discussion, project overview, safety.
Workshop will start daily at 9am and could last to 6pm.
Lunch are included in the cost of the workshop. They will be prepared by the volunteers of the Gresham Japanese Garden. Please send any dietary restrictions to sue@greshamjapanesegarden.com.
Participants must bring their own woodworking tools. A sharpening station will be onsite

Questions

Contact Jay’s apprentice, founder of Kezour-kai PDX, and our local contact, Manny Romanzalez at (503) 705-4066, FamiliaRomanzalez@gmail.com‬

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
2026-09-20 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 (September 20, 2026)
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 (October 4, 2026)

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 11, 2-4pm pick up container at the Gresham Japanese Garden Kyoudou Center, or make arrangements by sending a message to Sue@greshamjapanesegarden.com.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Oct-Thursday
2026-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Western Hemlock Bonsai Workshop: Aluminum Wiring Techniques
Learn one of the most essential skills in bonsai—wiring. This hands-on workshop focuses on shaping and styling bonsai using aluminum wire, an indispensable tool for bonsai artists. Participants will work with a Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), a graceful Pacific Northwest native known for its soft foliage and elegant branching.
You’ll learn how to apply wire correctly, bend branches safely, and create movement and structure that will guide your tree’s future development. Proper wiring techniques, timing, and aftercare will all be covered, giving you the confidence to continue shaping your bonsai at home.
This workshop also serves as the foundation for our December Copper Wiring Workshop. We’ll discuss the differences between aluminum and copper wire, when each should be used, and why experienced bonsai artists often choose copper for refined conifer styling. If you’re interested in advancing your skills, this workshop is the perfect preparation for taking the next step in December.
What You’ll Learn

How to wire a bonsai using aluminum wire
Proper branch positioning and shaping techniques
When and how to remove wire safely
The differences between aluminum and copper wire
How wiring influences long-term bonsai development

Who Should Attend
Ideal for beginners and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts who want to build a strong foundation in wiring techniques and prepare for more advanced styling with copper wire in our December workshop.
Leave with a beautifully wired Western Hemlock, practical wiring skills, and a deeper understanding of how thoughtful styling transforms a tree into a bonsai.
Class will take place in the greenhouse.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Oct-Saturday
2026-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States

Pruning Conifers for Health and Aesthetics Course
2026-10-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden
Pruning Conifers for Health and Aesthetics course will start at Ebetsu Plaza, the garden nestled in front of the Kyoudou Center inside Gresham’s Main City Park, home to a diverse collection of conifers.
Limited to 15 students, so register early to reserve your spot!
Workshop Overview
This in-person class is designed to deepen your understanding of conifer pruning through an aesthetic lens. Maryann will guide participants in:

Understanding conifer growth biology and seasonal rhythms
Applying pruning techniques to maintain plant health and desired size
Enhancing landscape aesthetics through thoughtful pruning
Recognizing and preserving the natural form of various conifer species

Whether you’re a home gardener or a landscape professional, this workshop offers valuable insights into the art and science of conifer pruning.
Licensed landscapers can earn 2 CEUs.

Structural Pruning Pines
2026-11-15 14:00 - 16:00 | GJG Tsuru Island, 124 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR, 97030, United States
Watch instructor, Laura Dufala unlock the hidden character of pine trees through structural pine pruning. She’s captivating to watch her approach to cloud pruning, and through her artistic eyes make decisions regarding which branches to keep and which ones to remove. She has a tendency to turn the class into a hands-on practicum, so bring gloves and sanitized pruners.
The class will take place at the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Tsuru Island. Licensed landscapers will earn 3 CEU credits.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Nov-Thursday
2026-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Aluminum Wiring Techniques with Pacific Willow
Learn one of the most essential skills in bonsai—wiring. This hands-on workshop focuses on shaping and styling bonsai using aluminum wire on a deciduous tree, an indispensable tool for bonsai artists. Participants will work with a Pacific Willow (Salix lasiandra), a Pacific Northwest favorite with graceful, flexible branches and long, glossy leaves offers a soft, flowing appearance that is well suited to informal upright, slanting, clump, and windswept bonsai styles.
You’ll learn how to apply wire correctly, bend branches safely, and create movement and structure that will guide your tree’s future development. Proper wiring techniques, timing, and aftercare will all be covered, giving you the confidence to continue shaping your bonsai at home.
This workshop is a compliment to October’s workshop where wiring with aluminum was taught on an evergreen, and serves as the foundation for our December Copper Wiring Workshop. We’ll discuss the differences between aluminum and copper wire, when each should be used, and why experienced bonsai artists often choose copper for refined conifer styling. If you’re interested in advancing your skills, this workshop is the perfect preparation for taking the next step in December.
What You’ll Learn

How to wire a bonsai using aluminum wire
Proper branch positioning and shaping techniques
When and how to remove wire safely
The differences between aluminum and copper wire
How wiring influences long-term bonsai development

Who Should Attend
Ideal for beginners and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts who want to build a strong foundation in wiring techniques and prepare for more advanced styling with copper wire in our December workshop.
Leave with a beautifully wired Western Hemlock, practical wiring skills, and a deeper understanding of how thoughtful styling transforms a tree into a bonsai.
Class will take place in the greenhouse.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Nov-Saturday
2026-11-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Dec-Thursday
2026-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
Copper Wiring Techniques with a Western White Pine
Western white pine (Pinus monticola) is an excellent species for learning the art of wiring with copper because of its flexible branches and classic conifer form. Copper wire provides the strength needed to position and hold branches while they gradually set into their new shape, allowing students to create elegant movement and layered branch structure. Unlike aluminum wire, copper work requires greater precision and proper application, making it an important skill for intermediate bonsai enthusiasts.
In this workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of selecting the correct wire gauge, applying copper wire at the proper angle, and safely bending branches without causing damage. Emphasis will be placed on creating natural branch placement, balanced design, and the refined silhouette characteristic of mature pine bonsai. Students will also learn when to wire, how long the wire should remain on the tree, and how to monitor for wire bite as the branches begin to set. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a beautifully styled Western white pine and the confidence to continue developing it for years to come.
Class will take place in the greenhouse.

2026 The Art of Bonsai: Dec-Saturday
2026-12-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Gresham Japanese Garden Greenhouse, 219 N Main, Gresham, Multnomah, 97080, United States
