Bonsai Societies of Florida: Convention Workshops
Bonsai Societies of Florida: Convention Workshops
Workshops
Locations of workshops will be posted near the registration desk.
Be sure to register for The convention before you signup for workshops.
Convention Workshops
|
Day/time |
Workshop |
Artist |
Tree |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fri 9:00 am |
1 |
Kathrin Harris/Adam Lavigne Collaboration |
Brazilian Raintree |
$85 |
|
Fri 1:30 pm |
2 |
Evan Pardue |
Native Elm |
$115 |
|
Fri 1:30 pm |
3 |
Laurent Darrieux |
Texas Ebony (“cosmic”) |
$125 |
|
Fri 1:30 pm |
4 |
Young Choe |
Kusamono |
$80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 1:30 pm |
6 |
Laurent Darrieux |
Vietnamese Bluebell |
$175 |
|
Sun 9:00 am |
7 |
Young Choe |
Kusamono moss-ball |
$80 |
|
Sun 9:00 am |
8 |
Evan Pardue |
Crepe Myrtle |
$135 |
|
Sun 1:30 pm |
9 |
Laurent Darrieux |
Privet |
$150 |
|
Sun 1:30 pm |
10 |
Young Choe |
Kokedama |
$80 |
|
Fri 1:30 pm, |
11 |
Multiple |
Intro to Bonsai |
$55 |
Workshop 1 – Friday 9am – $85
Kathrin and Adam will guide you through the art of shaping and caring for the Brazilian Raintree. Native to Brazil’s coastal regions, it’s famous for its peeling bark and responsive leaves that close at night. The tree made its way to the U.S. thanks to Jim Moody, who introduced it in the 1970s. His dedication to cultivating and styling the species helped establish its popularity as a bonsai.
Zone: 10-11 Protect below: 45 deg F
Workshop 2 – Friday 1:30Pm – $115
Evan Pardue – Native Elm
Evan will lead this bonsai workshop for the Elm and give you a hands-on way to connect with this remarkable bonsai species. Celebrated for its serrated leaves and graceful vase-like shape. Elms hold a special place in history, admired for their strength and beauty. These trees were once a symbol of thriving neighborhoods before the impact of Dutch Elm disease.
Zone: 7-10 Protect below: 40 deg F
Workshop 3 – Friday 1:30Pm – $125
Laurent Darrieux – Texas Ebony
Laurent will teach the “cosmic” style using the Texas Ebony. This species is native to Texas and northern Mexico where it has been valued for centuries for its durable wood, once used in tools and furniture. Laurent’s use of the cosmic style with this variety will bring a new perspective to shaping and maintaining this hardy species, known for its dense foliage, fragrant flowers, and striking zigzag branches.
Zone: 9-11 Protect below: 40 deg F
Workshop 4 – Friday 1:30Pm – $80
Young Choe – Kusamono
Young will guide you in the art of kusamono – literally translated to “grass thing” – which is often used as companions for bonsai to reflect the season. Through hands-on activities, Young provides a presentation to learn about characteristic kusamono styles, creation methods, display techniques, and care tips. Then, she helps you create your kusamono using wet-loving plants for your own kusamono creation.
Workshop 5 – Saturday 9Am – $155 SOLD OUT
Evan Pardue – Bald Cypress
Evan will lead this bonsai workshop for the Bald Cypress tree. Native to the swampy regions of the southeastern United States, the Bald Cypress is known for its durable wood and majestic form. In the bonsai world, its unique characteristics, such as its striking root structures and adaptability, make it a favorite.
Zone: 4-10B Protect from freezing.
Workshop 6 – Saturday 1:30Pm – $175
Laurent Darrieux – Vietnamese Bluebell
Laurent will surely bring a unique approach to styling the Vietnamese Bluebell, admired for its lush foliage and delicate blue flowers. Native to Southeast Asia, this tree has been cherished for its ornamental beauty and adaptability to bonsai techniques. Participants learn methods to style, shape and wire this tropical species.
Zone: 8a-11b Protect below 40 deg F
Workshop 7 – Sunday 9Am – $80
Young Choe – Kusamono moss-ball
Kokedama is a style of Japanese living art where a plant’s root system is wrapped in moss and tied with string, transforming it into a sculptural art form. Participants will create a half-ball Kusamono planting suitable for companions for bonsai on display. This class is ideal for both bonsai practitioners and those who are not bonsai enthusiasts or want to expand their knowledge in this interesting Japanese art form.
Workshop 8 – Sunday 9Am – $135
Evan Pardue – Crepe Myrtle
Evan will lead this workshop for the Crepe Myrtle focusing on shaping, wiring and caring for this species, admired for its smooth bark, bright flowers, and striking fall foliage. Native to Asia and introduced to the Americas in the 18th century, the Crepe Myrtle has been celebrated for its ornamental appeal and adaptability.
Zone: 7-11 Protect below 40 deg F
Workshop 9 – Sunday 1:30Pm – $150
Laurent Darrieux – Privet
Laurent will be guiding the Privet workshop, where you’ll get to work with this versatile and resilient tree with dense foliage and small, fragrant flowers. Widely distributed across Asia, Europe, and North America, Privets have been used historically in hedging and ornamental landscaping due to their hardiness. Participants learn essential techniques to style, shape, and wire this species.
Zone: 7-10 Protect below 40 deg F
Workshop 10 – Sunday 1:30Pm – $80
Young Choe – Kokedama
Kokedama is a style of Japanese living art where a plant’s root system is wrapped in moss and tied with string, transforming it into a sculptural art form. This class could be ideal for participants who are not bonsai enthusiasts at the event.
Workshop 11 – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – $55
Multiple Instructors – Intro to Bonsai
Fri 1:30 pm, Sat 9:00 am, Sat 1:30 pm, Sun 9:00 am
Join our Intro to Bonsai Workshops at the 2025 BSF Convention, running Friday to Sunday. Perfect for beginners, these hands-on sessions cover bonsai design basics, tree trimming, wiring, and potting. Led by experienced instructors, you’ll create your own bonsai to take home. This event blends education and creativity, offering a new hobby with a tranquil touch of nature.
Supplies: everything is provided (tree, soil, pot, wire).
You leave with:
- Basic understanding of bonsai artform
- Bonsai composition (tree, soil, pot, wire)
- Care sheet for your new tree
Note: this workshop will be running continuously during the times listed. Tree selection is first come first served. See the registration desk to enroll and pay.
Critiques
|
Day / time |
Critique |
Artist |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fri 8:00 am |
1 |
Evan Pardue |
$30 |
|
Sat 8:00 am |
2 |
Rob Kempinski |
$30 |
|
Sun 8:00 am |
3 |
Laurent Darrieux |
$30 |