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 Prairie State Bonsai Society in conjunction with the Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival and Bonsai Show on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2.
Instructors: Linda Camp and Jason Davids
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.
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.”
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 skill levels.
Material selection is by lottery drawing.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Program Schedule
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
