Tree Makers School - classes FAQ
What are Classes?
Bonsai is a practice that is motivated by time; this is at the core of the Tree Makers education model. Understanding how to work on trees at different times of the year will empower you to make decisive steps in the creation of bonsai that work in tandem with natures rhythms. Bonsai are built over time, needing appropriate workings through the seasons. By responding to the trees actions, we can react, therefore developing bonsai through measured phases of development.
Seasonal Intensive classes follow the growing season of a tree, from early spring repotting through late autumn design and refinement. Our classes allow for in-depth insight into what it means to practice bonsai well and with intention. Each class focuses on a narrowed-down, physiologically categorised selection of species which we can then apply techniques that are appropriate to the time of year and development of the tree. This coursework approach allows students to not only choose classes that suit their tree needs, but to understand the parameters that go into bonsai creation. Each time you visit for a Seasonal Intensive Class you will be immersed in the seasonal activates of bonsai for that time of year.
What skill level do I need to be a student ?
Simple answer - Any level!
All of our classes are designed to give you a space to practice bonsai from. Our approach and methodology is all about the tree rather than dividing you into skill levels. We advise and allocate work to you that is appropriate to your skill level and the tree’s stage of development. We teach you the full scope of what it means to create bonsai over time develop world class trees.
Historically, we have had the full range of students in our classes, from absolute beginners who have never touched a tree before, to 40-year practicing veterans, all side-by-side in the same class. This creates for a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere.
We do however recommended students new to the practice of Bonsai to take our Introductory Course to start.
What will the daily schedule look like?
Each day will begin at 10am and finish at approximately 5pm. The start of a class will involve group discussions to find out our goals for the day before launching into work. Because these are group classes, the group will be encouraged to discuss and be involved in each other’s projects. Subsequently, we will discuss any major techniques and milestones on each students tree. Lunch will be hosted during the middle of the day.
Each season will focus on differing topics; these topics will be varied and numerous, but in general;
Winter - Repotting
Spring & Summer - Growth management - pruning, pinching, wiring
Autumn - Initial design and refinement, and post-season growth management
What subjects are covered in each class?
Our abundant class selections cover each month and the species and tasks that would likely happen at that time of year including horticulture, design, and technique to varying degrees. Taking the same class in a following year does not mean you will be covering the same content, as your trees change and evolve we encourage you to come back each year to continue your studies. You will notice we break up tree types into 3 different categories of tree genres, these are to help you easily distinguish which tree to work on, when, and why.
Broadleaf-evergreen
Broadleaf-deciduous
Conifers
Do you teach about Australian native species for bonsai and could I bring one to class?
Absolutely! At Tree Makers, our primary passion and focus is on endemic species to Australia. We do not break up our teaching to exclude Australian trees from the native trees of the rest of the world. Rather, our philosophy adopts these species into the same model and language used for trees from all over the world. This allows us to comprehensively and accurately create bonsai that are representative of Australia while not ‘othering’ Australian species as something we need to seperate. Our methods for approaching Australian native trees is one of the most comprehensive approaches there is for learning how to make Australian bonsai. As you will see in our Tree category page, we divide trees into physiological differences such as Broadleaf-evergreen, Broadleaf-deciduous, and Conifer. Generally, all endemic Australian species will fall into one of these categories, and will mostly will be considered Broadleaf-evergreens. Contact us if you are unsure how your tree may sit categorically.
Can I do more than one class per year?
Of course! You can attend as many classes as you like every year. We encourage you to take as many classes as you can, this way you can continue to hone your seasonal skills as your trees warrant work. If you would like assistance choosing classes, we are more than happy to help contact for help
What if I want to attend class but I do not have an appropriate tree to bring for each session?
Classes are for you to have space and a place to practice bonsai under professional guidance. There are 3 options when it comes to how you work on trees during classes:
Bring your own tree. We ask that the tree is in line with the class topic and species, consulting us prior to your class about your tree is advised. Please only bring trees in which you can achieve work on in the class time. If you would like to leave your tree with us to come back to between each class session, you can also board your tree with us. Click here for our boarding service
Work on a tree from our garden. We are a working garden and our trees are for teaching. We can provide skill-appropriate trees to help build your skills.
Purchase a tree directly from us to work on. We have a boutique range of trees at any one time available for purchase, some you can find here
Will tools be provided?
No, you will need to supply your own tools for classes; these can be purchased on-site at Tree Makers. There is an expectation of what tools you will need to have to complete classes; a tool list will be provided for each class.
Some specialty tools, such as raffia and some repotting equipment will be provided by us.
Tool caddies, chairs, turntables and workspaces will be provided.
What about Wire?
You will need to provide your own wire; it is necessary to have a full set of wire available at all times for your use. You will need both copper and aluminium wires for most cases. We offer student-only cost effective introductory kits of wire to help you access all the materials you need or purchase wire as you go as you need it in our studio. Please let us know if you would like an introductory wire kit when applying for classes.
Both copper and aluminium wire is available for purchase at Tree Makers.
How many people are in each class?
Class sizes are limited to 4 people per group.
How much does it cost?
Intensive Classes span over 4 days. However the minimum requirement is 2 day of from Saturday to Sunday. Additionally you can add an extension day to your studies, a third day (monday) and/or a fourth day (Tuesday).
Costs and day options:
2 day class (Saturday & Sunday) - $400
Additional extension days (Monday & Tuesday) - additional $150/per day
Optionally catered lunches $25 per day.
How do I pay?
Upon requesting to sign up for for Seasonal Intensive Classes, you will be invoiced a 50% deposit to reserve your spot in each class. You will have 7 days from issue of invoice to pay your initial deposit. If you do not meet this deadline, your place in class will be given to our waiting list.
The remaining 50% + optional lunch fees owed is payable during your class. This can be paid via EFT, Cheque, or Cash.
What happens in the event of delay or cancellation?
Unfortunately, due to our small class sizes, we cannot provide refunds of your deposit. However, your remaining class fees will not need to be paid if you cancel.
If cancelation is effected from our end. Your deposit can be used towards future classes.
How do I get to Tree Makers ?
We are located in the small village of Mount Victoria, NSW.
We recommend travel by car as the easiest option, taking only 1hr 45 mins from the Sydney CBD and airport.
It is possible to travel by train to Mount Victoria station which is a 5 minute walk to our premises. The journey by train is approximately 2hrs 30 mins from Sydney CBD and airport. If travelling by plane, Sydney airport is the closest.
Where can I stay?
There are numerous places to stay in our beautiful knook of the world here in the Upper Blue Mountains. See this list of nearby and/or personal favourites of ours to accomodate you during your class;
Mount Victoria
Victoria & Albert Guesthouse $
Blackheath - 5 mins away
Katoombah - 15 mins away
No. 14 Lovel st Guest House $ (personal favourite of ours)
Please note, there are many many other options of all price points in Blackheath and Katoomba. We also recommend checking Airbnb for accomodations.
Will food & drinks be provided?
Water, coffee, and tea will be provided throughout the day.
Lunch is catered for if you opt in for it. Catered lunch will be $25 per day. Please bring your own if you wish to not have catered lunches.
Other meals are not provided.