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.
Description
Nurturing Living Art: A Comprehensive Workshop for Cultivating Chinese Elm Bonsai
Introduction to Chinese Elm Bonsai
The art of bonsai embodies a centuries-old practice of cultivating miniature trees that capture the essence and beauty of their full-sized counterparts. Among the myriad species chosen for bonsai, the Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) stands out for its resilience, elegant form, and adaptability. The Chinese elm is native to east Asia and admired for its delicate, serrated leaves, rugged bark, and graceful branching pattern. Its natural hardiness, tolerance of pruning, and ability to thrive indoors and outdoors make it an ideal candidate for bonsai cultivation. Participants in the Chinese elm bonsai workshop will discover its fast growth rate, forgiving nature, and capacity for dramatic styling, all of which contribute to its enduring popularity among bonsai artists.
Workshop Overview
Introduction and Fundamentals
The workshop opens with a brief history of bonsai, tracing its origins from ancient China and Japan to its modern practice around the world. Instructor Hank Gross will introduce the Chinese elm’s unique qualities and discuss why it is prized in bonsai culture.
- Bonsai Philosophy: Understanding bonsai as a living art form that emphasizes harmony, balance, and patience.
- Chinese Elm Traits: Recognizing its small leaves, textured bark, and suitability for diverse bonsai styles.
- Choosing Your Tree: You will select a tree grown by Hank Gross. These trees have been raised in the Cape Fear area and are approx. 8 years old.
- Maintenance Pruning: Removing unwanted shoots and leaves to maintain shape.
- Structural Pruning: Strategic cuts to enhance form and encourage vigorous new growth.
- Wiring: Applying wire to branches to guide their direction, then removing the wire before it damages bark.
Tools and Materials
Students should bring their own bonsai pruning tools. Wire will be provided.
- Bonsai scissors and shears for pruning branches and roots
- Concave cutters for precise branch removal
- Wire and wire cutters for shaping
- Wire will be provided by the club
Date & Time
Sun, Sep 21, 2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Venue Details
UNCW OLLI Truist Hall
680 College RoadWilmington, North Carolina 28403
