How to prepare for a workshop

[Laurie J]

Hi everyone,

I have my first workshop next weekend (Sunday 7th September) and would love to know what I need to do to prepare. I am brand new to Bonsai, and I will be taking a completely untrained Juniper that I purchased a few months ago ready for the workshop.

I have the tools needed, and the wire is provided. I am wondering about how I need to prepare the tree. I have no idea on direction for this tree, so I am worried that I might "tidy up" the wrong area. Do you change your watering/fertilising routine before or after a workshop?

Thanks so much

Laurie

[Luke308]

Hey Laurie,

Being a Juniper you shouldn't have to do anything extra to prepare for the workshop like you would a pine (removing old needles etc)

Make sure the pot is free from weeds, this is very important as you don't want to be wasting your time, or the visiting tutors time.

Maybe scrape some of the loose soil away so you can see the surface roots if possible.

In regards to the wire, this is not supplied but is generally available to purchase at the workshops.

I always bring a "back up tree" in case it is not suitable to work on.

Good luck, I hope you enjoy the workshop.

[Jason]

I remember how nervous I was for my first workshop! It was a great time, but I was still very nervous in the lead up, as I had no idea what I was supposed to do and was worried I'd just sit there the whole time thinking 'I have no idea where to take this tree'

Don't worry too much about styling, when you bring your tree, usually you will discus the options first, before getting stuck into it. So you will kind of know the direction from that. Also, don't be afraid to ask your neighbour for their thoughts if you are at a loss, I had some great people around me in my workshop, and each encouraged and helped when I started to fumble

This is a great thread for what to bring, and expect from a workshop too, well worth a look: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=483&p=3975&hilit=+workshop#p3975

I didn't do a thing other then keep my material healthy for the workshop

Also, make doubly sure the wire is free. As my club also supplied wire, however it was at a cost ... which I didn't realise at the time

[bonsaibruce]

Please kill any ants in the pot.
Never cut off anything to tidy-up.
Always have more than one tree.
Do NOT sit looking at the tree while the tutor is helping someone else. If you have not been given work to do on your tree, go and watch what is happening to the other trees.
Bring food and drink, arrive early, leave late.
Have fun,
happy bonsai,
Bruce.

[Laurie J]

Thanks guys,

I'll be taking money with me, as I am planning on buying some wire anyway. I'll also remember to bring another tree just in case the one I have planned doesn't work out.

I am extremely nervous, I've never wired a tree before. I have been taking monthly classes at the Bonsai club and have learnt a lot. I'm hoping this will be the push I need in both confidence and being able to put everything I have learnt into practice under supervision.

I am taking the morning workshop then will be staying back to watch the PM class. The more I can take away from the day the better

[dansai]

If you've never wired before it would be a good idea to practice. Even on a stick. Do some research on wiring. There is probably something on the wiki or do a google search. Wiring is something that takes some practice and good wiring takes a while to master. Having some idea before the workshop would be very helpful. You don't want to spend all your time being guided in how to wire!

[dansai]

Here is a good one viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6644&start=0&hilit=wiring

[Laurie J]

Thanks Dansai,

I've wired some sticks that they've had at the club during the wiring lesson. I have a pretty good idea of how to do it correctly. I've just never put it on one of my plants before, so super excited!

[Jason]

Thanks Dansai,

I've wired some sticks that they've had at the club during the wiring lesson. I have a pretty good idea of how to do it correctly. I've just never put it on one of my plants before, so super excited!

Just be prepared that you may not complete the tree is all That happened on my first two workshops, as I just was not able to wire fast enough, and spent way too long cleaning the tree out.

Just be honest with the tutor, tell them its your first workshop, and that you haven't wired much before My second workshop I barely wired half the tree, but we styled what we could and I finished the rest off at home. I then sent a picture to the tutour for his approval once I was done

Just enjoy yourself mate, you'll have a blast

[AndyLo]

Hey mate, possibly some latex gloves will be handy to avoid getting prickled all the time.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong for this species... Withhold water for a few days before and the branches will bend easier, the tree will be lighter and less mess!

Don't forget a rubbish bag like I did!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pup]

As has been said clean out around the base of the trunk, get rid of all DEAD twigs and needles.
Clear some foliage from around the trunk line( be careful not to take too much) so the tutor can see the line of the trunk and branches. You don't want to spend half your workshop time cleaning out so the tutor can see it.

Then enjoy yourself .

Cheers Pup

[Laurie J]

Thanks everyone!

I have very lightly trimmed it back so we can see a bit more of the tree. Here's a few pics:







I would love to know what type of Juniper it is too, it looks very different to my Chinesis. It has more of a bluish sheen to it, here'd a good picture of what I mean (excuse the cat)



Laurie

[kcpoole]

Enjoy the Workshop.
Juniper Procumbens Is what it is I think

Ken