In this beginner’s bonsai workshop, kids will learn the basics of the art of bonsai and style their own dwarf Japanese garden juniper tree to take home. Students must be between the ages of 8 and 16 and accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Juniperus procumbens is a member of Cupressaceae, the cypress family. The genus name Juniperus is Latin for juniper. Its specific epithet procumbens means low-growing or prostrate.
Juniperus procumbens has a slow growth rate and is frequently used for bonsai. It needs full sun, is tolerant of a variety of soils, thrives under adversity, and is easily transplanted.
The popular cultivar ‘Nana’—known as dwarf Japanese garden juniper—forms a dense, compact mat with branches that tend to intertwine and spread out in wide sprays. Its leaves are small bluish-green needles that are a quarter of an inch long and grow in clusters of three.
This bonsai workshop will focus on initial styling and wiring of the dwarf Japanese garden juniper tree. Care instructions will be included. All skill levels are welcome.
This program meets in person at The Morton Arboretum and is presented by Prairie State Bonsai Society in conjunction with the Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival and Bonsai Show Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2.
Instructors: Jim Beck, Doug Bradbury, Jason Davids, Nick DiBattista
Age: 8 to 16, must be accompanied by parent or guardian
Course number: V121-A/V121-B
Instructors
Jim Beck, past president, Prairie State Bonsai Society
Jim Beck is a member, officer, and past president of the Prairie State Bonsai Society. He is also a member of the Midwest Bonsai Society and has been involved with bonsai for over 40 years. Jim 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.
Doug Bradbury
After watching The Karate Kid one too many times, Doug Bradbury bought his first bonsai off a truck and promptly killed it in a few months, proving that “wax on, wax off” doesn’t actually teach you to water a tree. He’s since improved enough to earn an honorable mention at the 2024 Destination Asia Festival and Bonsai Show, though his 10- and 6-year-olds remain unimpressed and regularly inform him that he loves his trees more than them. He’s leading this workshop in hopes that if he can get your kids hooked on bonsai, maybe his own kids will finally stop rolling their eyes and start pruning with him.
Jason Davids
Jason Davids teaches middle school. He describes his bonsai journey as follows:
“My bonsai journey started during COVID. It was a way to deal with the stress of converting to teaching online and dealing with compassion fatigue, as I worked with my students who were turning to teachers to deal with the issues they were experiencing during COVID. My bonsai journey has brought me to two national shows and memberships in both the Prairie State Bonsai Society and the Rock River Bonsai Society in Rockford. I am currently in charge of programming for both clubs and a volunteer for the Mid-America Bonsai Show & Sale at Chicago Botanic Garden.”
Nick DiBattista
Nick DiBattista is a member of Prairie State Bonsai Society and is currently serving on the Board of Directors. He chaired the society’s Bonsai Show at The Morton Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival for several years. He has been involved with bonsai for 15 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. Additional tools will be provided in class by the Prairie State Bonsai Society.
This program is open to all experience levels.
Material selection is by lottery drawing.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Program Schedule
Two workshop sections are available. Pricing is per section.
Section A
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Jim Beck and Jason Davids
Section B
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Doug Bradbury and Nick DiBattista
