Dwarf Japanese garden juniper ‘Nana’ is a member of the Cupressaceae or cypress family. The genus name, Juniperus, is Latin for juniper. The specific epithet, procumbens, means low growing or prostrate.
This plant needs full sun. It is tolerant of a variety of soils, thrives under adversity, and is easily transplanted. It has a slow growth rate, and it is frequently used for bonsai. The dwarf Japanese garden juniper ‘Nana’ is a cultivar that is an evergreen, conifer, low-growing shrub. The cultivar, ‘Nana,’ forms a dense compact mat with branches that tend to intertwine and spread out in sprays. The leaves are prickly needles that are bluish-green, 1/4 inch long, and appear in whorls of three.
This program is specifically intended for participants with limited or no bonsai experience.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum and is presented by Prairie State Bonsai Society in conjunction with The Morton Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival and Bonsai Show on the Arboretum’s East Side on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.
Instructors: Jennifer Price and Dan Kosta
Age: 16 and older
Course number: V101
Instructors
Jennifer Price
Jennifer Price is the Prairie State Bonsai Society’s guest artist for the 2024 Morton Arboretum Destination Asia Festival.
She discovered bonsai after retiring from the stage as a professional ballerina. She appreciates the line and form within bonsai and the ability to use a tree’s natural flow of movement.
In her early bonsai training Price studied with longtime friend and Pennsylvania bonsai artist Jim Doyle. Through his influence she went on to work with such other U.S. and European bonsai artists as Mauro Stemberger, Chase Rosade, Will Baddeley, and Ryan Neil She apprenticed with Walter Pall and has taught throughout the United States as well as worldwide, representing America twice in Shanghai, China.
Price has attended numerous symposiums and workshops and will be one of the guest artists representing the United States at a Canberra, Australia bonsai convention. She is a member and past officer of the Prairie State Bonsai Society.
Dan Kosta
Dan Kosta has been a member of Prairie State Bonsai Society for more than 35 years and has served the club twice as president. He has a degree in horticulture and more than 45 years of experience in the field. He has been practicing bonsai for over 40 years.
What to Know
Price includes materials.
Students are asked to bring in the tools they have on hand, if any. Extra tools will be provided by Prairie State Bonsai Society.
Material selection is by lottery drawing.
Program Schedule
Sunday, August 4, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Thornhill Education Center, West Side
