Beginner bonsai workshop in NYC offers take-home Dwarf Jade and gift mame

A hands-on beginner bonsai workshop will bring practical training and small-tree giveaways to Manhattan on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. JETAANY and Bonsai Bar are partnering to run a two-hour session, 6–8 PM EST, at the Japan Local Government Center, 3 Park Ave, 20th Floor, New York, NY. The class limits enrollment to 25 participants and will open a waitlist if demand exceeds capacity.

The session is aimed squarely at newcomers who want real, usable skills. Bonsai Bar will supply materials and step-by-step instruction covering repotting, basic design, pruning, wiring and aftercare. The workshop tree for this iteration is a Dwarf Jade Shohin that each participant will take home, while a smaller Dwarf Jade Mame will be provided as a gift to a friend. That pairing makes this event a practical intro to shohin and mame scale work and encourages sharing the craft with others.

Pricing varied by affiliation and included early-bird tiers that expired on January 7. For JET alumni, JLGC staff and JETAANY board members, early-bird pricing was $40 and then rises to $50. Friends of JET enjoyed a $60 early rate, moving to $70 after the deadline. With the event date still ahead, prospective attendees should expect current prices and check availability on the event page; a registration link and event details are posted through JETAANY. Questions can be directed to events@jetaany.org.

Beyond learning core techniques, this workshop offers two immediate community benefits. First, taking a shohin home puts a manageable specimen on someone’s shelf, lowering the barrier to ongoing practice and experimentation. Second, the included mame to give to a friend turns the class into a seed for expanding the local bonsai community - a living invitation that encourages mentorship, plant-sitting swaps and shared potting sessions.

Space is deliberately small to keep instruction hands-on, so act quickly if you want a spot. Bring a willingness to get your hands dirty and a notebook for technique notes. The venue is centrally located and suited to city schedules for evening learners.

The takeaway? If you want practical, classroom-style bonsai basics and a ready-to-care-for shohin to practice on, this workshop is set up to deliver. Reserve a spot, bring an eager friend to receive the mame, and use the two hours to build skills you can apply to your next repotting or styling session.