Fundamentals of Australian Bonsai
On-site classes
Program at a Glance
Fundamentals of Australian Bonsai (FAB) – Year 1
Three seasonal intensive classes across one year
Four-day classes (Thursday–Sunday)
Small groups of 4–6 students
Located in the Blue Mountains, NSW
Comprehensive curriculum covering horticulture, technique, design, and aesthetics
Strong emphasis on Australian species, materials, and landscape
Annual tuition: $2,970 inc. GST paid in 3 instalments of $990
Registration closes July 26
The ethos at Tree Makers is to build world-class Australian Bonsai.
To do this, our focus is on developing a strong theoretical and technical foundation in students that can support a lifetime of practice. That technical knowledge is then empowered by an aesthetic language guided by the tree itself and inspired by the Australian landscape.
The most profound Australian bonsai will emerge from Australian species, materials, and environments. As a result, much of our work at Tree Makers explores native species and uniquely Australian approaches to bonsai, while also drawing from broader traditions where appropriate. Diversity of knowledge and experience remains essential.
FAB represents a return to the long-format style of teaching that originally shaped Tree Makers in 2018. Bonsai is not mastered through isolated workshops. It is a discipline developed through observation, repetition, and the progressive application of knowledge over time. By returning to seasonal study, students are able to engage with trees at the moments that matter most and build an understanding that grows naturally alongside the trees themselves.
Throughout the year of this program, students will be exposed to theoretical knowledge, practical skills, horticultural understanding, and hands-on techniques that will strengthen practice and help approach bonsai at a higher level. Classes are strategically positioned throughout the seasons so students experience the appropriate techniques, challenges, and opportunities unique to each stage of development and time of year.
Scroll down to find detailed information regarding course structure, dates, fees, logistics, and frequently asked questions.
Course Description & General Information
Year 1 (100 Level)
FAB classes begin as a one-year seasonal program.
The first year consists of three seasonal intensives:
Spring - Repotting
Summer - Growth management
Autumn - Design
Each intensive runs for four days, from Thursday to Sunday, 9:00am–5:00pm.
Throughout the year, students will develop core bonsai skills across horticulture, technique, design aesthetic, and hone the discipline of practice. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, guided practical exercises, and hands-on work.
The principles taught are applicable across all stages of tree development, from early material through to refined bonsai, with particular emphasis placed on Australian species and conditions.
Students are required to bring a basic bonsai tool kit and a complete set of wire. Tree Makers will provide workstations, turntables, and specialist tools.
During Year 1, students will primarily work on carefully selected Tree Makers material chosen to develop specific skills and learning outcomes. The goal is for students to take these skills back into their own gardens and apply them with confidence and understanding.
Future Classes - Year 2 & 3 (200 and 300 Level Classes)
Upon completion of Year 1, students will have the opportunity to continue into a further 2 years of focused study in either or both the Broadleaf Stream or the Conifer Stream.
Work becomes increasingly sophisticated and focused based on the chosen stream of focus. Students will continue developing Tree Makers material selected to match—and often challenge—their growing abilities.
Students may also choose to bring personal projects into the program. Trees must return for each class to ensure continuity of development, or alternatively may be boarded at Tree Makers to facilitate ongoing work.
Further information regarding enrolling in Broadleaf or Conifer will be provided during the first year of study.
Enrolments for these classes will open for registration in March 2027
FAB 1 Class Dates
101 Spring Classes
Dates
Class A – August 13–16
Class B – August 27–30
Class C – September 17–20
Focus
The theory and application of materials, technical skills, observational understanding, and practical repotting techniques.
We will focus on the core principles of repotting and work across multiple scenarios, stages of development, and species.
Fee Due
$990, payable before arrival.
102 Summer Classes
Dates
Class A – November 26–29
Class B – December 10–13
Class C – January 14–17
Focus
Growth management and the associated techniques surrounding energy balancing, dependent on the stage of development and species-specific requirements.
We will also focus on principal horticulture and further refine design language. There will be an optional field excursion to experience inspiring landscapes and ancient trees within the Blue Mountains region.
Fee Due
$990, payable before arrival.
103 Autumn Classes
Dates
Class A – April 15–18
Class B – May 13–16
Class C – May 27–30
Focus
Design and styling, structural branching, deadwood techniques, bending techniques, and the application of design principles.
Fee Due
No fee due. Covered by your initial deposit.
Fees
The annual tuition fee for Year 1 is $2,970 inc. GST.
This amount is payable in three instalments of $990.
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of $990 is required following confirmation of enrolment. This deposit is applied to your final Autumn intensive.
The remaining payments are due prior to the commencement of the Spring and Summer intensives.
Fee Schedule
Deposit – $990
Due within 7 days of successful enrolment confirmation
Non-refundable
Applied to Autumn Intensive (Class 3)
Spring Intensive – $990
Due prior to commencement
Summer Intensive – $990
Due prior to commencement
Autumn Intensive – $0
Covered by your initial deposit
As registration this year occurs relatively close to commencement, flexible payment arrangements may be available where required. Please feel free to discuss this with us.
Commitment to the Program
FAB is designed as a complete year-long course of study rather than a series of individual workshops.
Enrolment is therefore for the full annual program, and tuition for the full year remains payable regardless of attendance after registration has been confirmed.
Logistics
How do we get there?
Students are responsible for their own transport to Tree Makers Bonsai Studio.
We are located in the upper western Blue Mountains of NSW, approximately 15 minutes from Blackheath in the rural locality of Dargan.
As the garden is currently a private space, the exact address will be provided following successful registration.
Where do we stay if travelling to study?
The nearest towns offering accommodation are Mount Victoria, Blackheath, Lithgow, Bell, Clarence, and Dargan.
A list of recommended accommodation options will be supplied following registration.
What do class days look like?
Mornings generally involve lectures, demonstrations, and tutorials throughout the garden.
The remainder of the day is spent applying techniques to trees through both group and individual learning formats.
One of the unique opportunities presented by studying at Tree Makers is our location within a World Heritage wilderness area of exceptional beauty and antiquity. During the Summer Intensive, we will undertake an optional excursion to visit inspiring local landscapes and study ancient trees in their natural environment.
Food and Drink
Tea, coffee, water, and lunch are provided each class day.
We will do our best to accommodate dietary requirements where possible.
Students are also invited to join us for a group dinner on the evening of the second day of class.
What do I need to bring?
Students are required to bring:
A basic bonsai tool kit
A complete set of wire
Appropriate outdoor clothing
Closed footwear is recommended.
Sun protection is essential for Summer and Autumn classes, while warm clothing is strongly advised for Spring and Autumn due to the often cold and unpredictable Blue Mountains climate.
Tools and wire will also be available for purchase at Tree Makers during class.
Workstations, turntables, and specialist tools are provided.
What trees will we work on?
Throughout Year 1, students will work primarily on carefully selected Tree Makers material.
These trees are chosen to provide meaningful learning opportunities, challenge expectations, and support the development of specific technical skills throughout the year.
FAQs
1. How many students will be in each session?
4 students.
2. What skill level do I need to participate?
FAB classes are designed to meet students where they are in their development.
The focus is on delivering skill-specific knowledge and experiences that advance practitioners at all levels, from complete beginners through to experienced bonsai artists. The aim is to build technical competence while exploring aesthetics inspired by both the tree and the Australian environment.
3. What if I can no longer attend one of my classes after registering?
Tree Makers relies on the full tuition of each course in order to reliably offer these programs.
As enrolment is for the complete annual course, the full annual tuition fee remains payable after registration has been confirmed, regardless of attendance.
4. Upon completing Year 1, do I need to continue immediately into a Focus Stream?
No.
You may continue your studies whenever you choose. You will continue from where you left off, though we strongly encourage ongoing study to maintain momentum and continue developing both knowledge and skills.
5. Can I take multiple Focus Streams at the same time?
Yes.
Students may enrol in both Broadleaf and Conifer streams simultaneously. We encourage as many educational touchpoints as possible throughout the year.
6. If I complete the Broadleaf stream and later want to study Conifers, do I need to repeat Year 1?
No.
Once you have completed Year 1 of FAB Intensives, you do not need to repeat it. Future streams begin from Year 2 regardless of which focus stream you choose.
7. Are there any other ways to study at Tree Makers?
Yes.
We have on-site Private Study options available.
More information can be found here