Lectures
Sunday Lecture Series
Our annual lecture/demonstration series features information and discussion on bonsai design, horticulture, and artistic display. These free lectures and demonstrations—presented by Curator David De Groot or a guest expert—will ensure that anyone, whether simply curious or a devoted fan of bonsai, will discover something new.
Bonsai programs are conducted on alternate Sundays, May – September, from 1pm until 3pm. Programs are held under the tent in the Bonsai Collection courtyard and are free; no reservation is necessary. Twice during the season, participates are invited to bring their own bonsai in for styling suggestions.
2008 Lectures
| Date |
Topic |
Description |
| May 25 |
Formal Upright Style Bonsai demonstration |
Simple and serene in appearance, the formal upright style is nevertheless challenging to create. Please join our curator David De Groot, as he demonstrates the process for creating a beautiful formal upright style bonsai. |
| June 8 |
Open Workshop |
See “behind the scenes” activities as staff and volunteer work on Collection trees and answer your questions. |
| *June 22 |
Informal Upright Style Bonsai |
The classic style of bonsai, a curving trunk, reflects the growth habit of Japanese pines in nature. Please join our curator David De Groot, as he demonstrates the process for creating a classic informal upright style bonsai. The guided tour begins at noon; inquire in the Rhododendron Gift Shop. |
| July 6 |
Open Workshop |
See “behind the scenes” activities as staff and volunteer work on Collection trees and answer your questions. The Sunday guided tour begins at noon; inquire in the Rhododendron Gift Shop. |
| July 20 |
Slanting Style Bonsai |
The diagonal trunk line of a slanting bonsai gives it a feeling of motion and drama. Please join our curator David De Groot, as he demonstrates the process for creating a classic slanting style bonsai. Sunday guided tour begins at noon; inquire in the Rhododendron Gift Shop. |
| August 3 |
Open Workshop |
See “behind the scenes” activities as staff and volunteer work on Collection trees and answer your questions. The Sunday guided tour begins at noon; inquire in the Rhododendron Gift Shop. |
| August 17 |
Creation and Use of Bonsai Companion Plantings |
Used to acknowledge the season, herbaceous plantings accent the character of bonsai with imagination and grace. fabulous companion plantings. The guided tour begins at noon; inquire in the Rhododendron Gift Shop. |
| August 31 |
Open Workshop |
See “behind the scenes” activities as staff and volunteer work on Collection trees and answer your questions. The Sunday guided tour of the Collection will begin at noon; please inquire in the Rhododendron Gift Shop. |
| *September 14 |
Cascade Style Bonsai |
The full cascade style of bonsai represents trees that in nature grow downward rather than upward. These are trees that cling tenaciously to steep bluffs, or hang down from the edge of a rocky precipice. Please join Curator David De Groot for the last lecture demonstration on bonsai for the season as he demonstrates the process of creating cascade style bonsai. |
*Audience members are invited to bring bonsai for styling suggestions
