This event is run by our friends at the Potomac Bonsai Association.

See bonsai artist and nursery owner Mark Fields style a regular juniper tree into a bonsai. This demonstration is free to the public.

At the Visitor Center Auditorium - no registration needed.

This event is part of the Potomac Bonsai Associaton’s Spring Festival.

Whether for pruning, wiring or repotting, bonsai artists have a specialized tool kit. Take a closer look at some of the different tools commonly used in bonsai. Andy Bello, NBF’s First Curator’s Assistant will talk about how to use, clean, sharpen, and store these essential tools. Read more about Andy Bello’s bonsai work and teachings on our blog.

This hands-on free program is intended for anyone interested in the art of bonsai.

Meet in the Yoshimura Center at 1:00 p.m. No registration required and the event is free.

This event is a U.S. National Arboretum sponsored and managed program.

Learn how to create 4 origami animals and enjoy our Nation's treasured collection of bonsai trees on a private tour with Museum Curator.

Learn how to create four origami animals from experienced origami teacher and artist, Jeff Raab. At the start of class, be inspired by the peace and calm of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum's treasured trees on your private group tour lead by Museum Curator, Micahel James. Then get cozy for a folding session inside with Jeff. This is the perfect hobby to learn in time for the brisk winter months so you can stay inside and keep those creative juices flowing. Beginners and accompanied children (ages 6 and up) welcome!

All supplies provided.

An accompanying adult must be present for no more than 2 children.

Read an interview with Jeff Raab on our blog.

This event has past but we have them seasonally. Please fill out the form below to be the first to know about the next scheduled Children’s Workshop. Thanks!

Children’s Workshop: Will It Be a Bonsai or a Big Tree?

An adult-child activity

Every tree seedling has its fate, and in this children's workshop, you can learn how that fate is determined. One adult and one child will have a special day together as they work as lab partners, using their “scientist eyes” to observe details and make comparisons. We’ll learn about plant physiology, ecosystems and bonsai history, too. At the close of class, each research team will receive a seedling whose fate they will decide. Will your tree go through the rigorous training to become a bonsai or will you plant it outdoors in spring to grow up wild, big and free?

Where:  U.S. National Arboretum – Meet at Yoshimura Lecture and Demonstration Center

Age Recommendation: This activity is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Fee: $25 per child-adult pair. Registration required. Limited to 12 pairs.

Join National Bonsai & Penjing Museum for an introductory level class on Bonsai basics with Tropical Trees. If you're looking to get started in this ancient art form or learn new skills from a master, this class is perfect for you. All classes will run from 10am until 3pm and will include a lecture and tour before lunch with hands-on repotting and wiring demonstrations after lunch. Tools, trees and equipment will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunches to enjoy amongst the world's first an finest collection of bonsai. Led by Museum staff and volunteers.

Join National Bonsai & Penjing Museum for an introductory level class on Bonsai basics with Tropical Trees. If you're looking to get started in this ancient art form or learn new skills from a master, this class is perfect for you. All classes will run from 10am until 3pm and will include a lecture and tour before lunch with hands-on repotting and wiring demonstrations after lunch. Tools, trees and equipment will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunches to enjoy amongst the world's first an finest collection of bonsai. Led by Museum staff and volunteers.

The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum would like to welcome everyone to a free bonsai demonstration with Japanese Master Takahiro Mori. Mori will be using a Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens), which was collected in 2014 from the National Herb Garden, to train into a Bonsai. The demonstration will take place at the National Arboretum’s Visitor Center Auditorium.

Takahiro Mori operates a bonsai nursery Northeast of Saitama City, Japan. He apprenticed under Koji Tsukahara at Kousyou-En nursery and worked to train the bonsai collection at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama from 2009- 2013. Learn more about Takahiro Mori and view some of his bonsai art visit his website here.

Join National Bonsai & Penjing Museum for an introductory level class on Bonsai basics with Tropical Trees. If you're looking to get started in this ancient art form or learn new skills from a master, this class is perfect for you. All classes will run from 10am until 3pm and will include a lecture and tour before lunch with hands-on repotting and wiring demonstrations after lunch. Tools, trees and equipment will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunches to enjoy amongst the world's first an finest collection of bonsai. Led by Museum staff and volunteers.

Tickets will go on sale soon. If you’d like to be told when tickets will be available, please fill out the short form below. Class space is limited and priority will be given to those who fill out this form below. Thanks!

Join National Bonsai & Penjing Museum for an introductory level class on Bonsai basics with Tropical Trees. If you're looking to get started in this ancient art form or learn new skills from a master, this class is perfect for you. All classes will run from 10am until 3pm and will include a lecture and tour before lunch with hands-on repotting and wiring demonstrations after lunch. Tools, trees and equipment will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunches to enjoy amongst the world's first an finest collection of bonsai. Led by Museum staff and volunteers.