Adult Opportunities

Introduction to Bonsai Workshop: Chinese Elm

Style and wire a Chinese elm tree to take home.

Content Detail

In this beginner’s bonsai workshop, students will learn to style and wire their own Chinese elm tree to take home.

Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as Chinese elm, is a species native to eastern Asia, including China, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

It is a small to medium deciduous or semi-deciduous tree. It has small, leathery, lustrous green, single-toothed leaves. Its trunk has a flaking bark of mottled grays with tans and reds, giving rise to another common name, lacebark elm.

Owing to its versatility and ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, light, and humidity conditions, Chinese elm is a popular choice as a bonsai species. It is considered a good choice for beginners because of its high tolerance for pruning.

This bonsai workshop will focus on initial styling and wiring of the Chinese elm tree. Care instructions will be included. All skill levels are welcome.

This program meets in person at The Morton Arboretum and is presented by the Prairie State Bonsai Society in conjunction with the Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival and Bonsai Show on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3.

Instructors: Linda Camp and Badar Zulqarni

Age: 16 and older

Course number: V103

Instructors

Linda Camp

Linda Camp is a member of both the Prairie State Bonsai Society and the Midwest Bonsai Society and has been involved in bonsai for over 25 years. She is the co-owner of BC Bonsai and has been leading workshops for more than 20 years. BC Bonsai, located in Wheaton, IL, has won many ribbons at nationally judged bonsai shows at the professional level.

Badar Zulqarni

Badar Zulqarni is a member of Prairie State Bonsai Society and is currently serving as president of the society. He has been involved in bonsai for 14 years.

What to Know

Bonsai materials and supplies are included in the workshop cost.

Students are asked to bring the tools they have on hand. Extra tools will be provided by Prairie State Bonsai Society.

Material selection is by lottery drawing.

Program Schedule

Saturday, August 2, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side

Become a Member

When a trip to the Arboretum inspires you to explore more, become a member to visit again and again.

Join now