UNCW OLLI Truist Hall
680 College RoadSunday, August 16, 2026 | 1:00–5:00 PM
UNCW OLLI – Truist Hall
Free for CFBS Members
New to bonsai? Have a tree from one of our workshops and aren't sure what comes next? Did you pick up something interesting at an auction that needs a plan? Maybe you have a tree that's been sitting on the bench without a clear direction—or a more developed bonsai you'd like to move closer to refinement or exhibition.
Bring it to the CFBS Tree Development Studio.
The Tree Development Studio is a continuing series for bonsai enthusiasts at every skill level. Together, we'll look at where each tree is today, where its owner wants it to go, and the work that can move it forward—this season, next season, or over the next several years.
We'll consider the tree's species, health, strengths, weaknesses and stage of development, then work through the next appropriate step. That might mean pruning or wiring. It might mean planning a future repot, developing roots, allowing a branch to grow—or deciding that the best thing to do right now is nothing at all.
Trees will be discussed together as a group, so you'll learn from the other trees in the Studio as well as your own. When a tree presents a useful technique or teaching opportunity, we'll explore it together.
Experienced members will offer ideas and different perspectives, but you are the artist and the final decisions are yours.
The idea is simple:
Every time you work on a tree, make a thoughtful improvement that moves it one step closer to a refined bonsai.
Bring one primary bonsai or pre-bonsai that you want to understand and make better.
It might be a recent workshop tree, an auction find, a tree you've been developing for years, or something with potential that you just haven't figured out yet. It doesn't need to be refined or expensive, but choose a tree with enough development to give us something to evaluate—trunk, branches, structure, or an existing design direction.
We'll begin developing a path for the tree: What needs to happen? When should it happen? What techniques, materials or skills will you need along the way?
And you don't have to bring the same tree to every Studio. Some trees may return in a few months; others may need to grow undisturbed for a year. The tree's needs determine the schedule.
One primary bonsai or pre-bonsai
Your normal bonsai tools
Wire and other materials you already have
A notebook or sketch pad and pen or pencil
Your phone or camera for photographs and reference
Take notes, make sketches and photograph useful details as we work through the trees. Even when your tree isn't in the center, there's something to learn.
Not sure what you need? Don't go shopping yet. That's part of the Studio. We can help identify the appropriate soil, wire, pot or training container, tools or other materials—and where to find them—before you need them.
Working-tree spaces are limited and are a free benefit for CFBS members. Please reserve a working-tree space if you'd like to bring a tree for evaluation and development during the Studio.
Not a member yet? You're still welcome to come. Non-members may attend as observers, follow the tree discussions, ask questions and see how the Studio works.
You don't need a tree to learn from the Studio. Bring a notebook, join the conversation, follow the trees as they're evaluated and developed, and enjoy an afternoon of bonsai together.
Bring a tree. Bring a question. Let's figure out what comes next.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
UNCW OLLI Truist Hall
680 College Road
The Cape Fear Bonsai Society, established in 2001, is a group that meets monthly to study and practice the art of Bonsai.
The club has an active program of training through workshops, guest speakers, and a sharing of Bonsai expertise. Membership is open to both the novice and the more experienced practitioner of Bonsai.
Find more Cape Fear Bonsai Society, Inc Events