In this beginner’s bonsai workshop, students will learn to style and wire their own dwarf Japanese garden juniper tree to take home.
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 on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2.
Instructors: Jim Beck and Nick DiBattista
Age: 16 and older
Course number: V101
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.
Nick DiBattista
Nick DiBattista is a member of the 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 in 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
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
