Workshops and Classes specifically for Satsuki

[kite-eating bonsai tree]

hello all,

been doing bonsai now for about six years, and i’ve become increasingly captivated with satsuki & kurume azaleas.

about three years ago, i went about slowly adding (1-gal and 5-gal sized) azalea nursery stock to my collection as pre-bonsai material. i’m comfortable enough now with the nuances of general azalea care that i’d like to start focusing on satsuki bonsai training techniques. my long-term goal is picking up one or two of those sweet imported show-pieces (despite the challenges that the SoCal weather *will* present). (>_<)'

neither of my sensei really do much with satsuki (understandably, since this is southern california). i’m aware of the el dorado nursery up in placerville, ca once having offered workshops, but i understand they’ve been closed now a number of years. in the meantime, i’ve been devouring anything i can find off the net (web articles and youtube videos … i’m somewhat fluent in japanese too).

i wouldn’t mind travelling for a workshop in another area of the country (preferably the west coast, hehe). any recommendations on nurseries or instructors that give satsuki workshops are very much appreciated. thanks to all in advance.


cheers!
rick

 

[jk_lewis]

Peter Warren is doing a Satsuki workshop and a later demonstration June 6 and 8 respectively at Bill Valavanis' celebration of his 50 years in bonsai. The session is in Rochester, NY, which is a bit of a distance, but Peter knows his stuff. More info in the current issue of International Bonsai Magazine or the Internationalbonsai.com website.

 

[Dan W.]

Kathy Shaner always does a Satsuki workshop at Brussels in June. You could call and sign up for the Rendezvous. It's almost to the west coast...lol. I'm sure there are also plenty of people with Satsuki experience in other parts of CA.

 

[kite-eating bonsai tree]

thank you both for your replies. kathy shaner does do workshops in the southern california area from time to time. i've attended several bonsai show here to see her do demos. ... and any workshop with bill valavanis sounds like a genuine treat! thank you for the info, jkl.

i have contacted three local CA organizations that i found thru the golden state bonsai federation's web site: two chapters of the satsuki aikokai (one in oakland and the other in sacramento), plus another club in santa ana (the satsuki bonsai society with david nguy).

i eagerly await their replies as well!

 

[Poink88]

thank you both for your replies. kathy shaner does do workshops in the southern california area from time to time.

If my info is right, I'd expect her to... she supposedly lives there now (or close at least).

 

[kite-eating bonsai tree]

d'oh! my bad! (o_0)'

... i thought she was based in the bay area. thank you for clarifying!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

... i thought she was based in the bay area

She is...and also has a home in Florence, AL, though she's not here as much, she's doing workshops at her home this weekend.