School of
Tree Making
Hone your skills and practice bonsai with us at Tree Makers. All classes and workshops are run by bonsai professional Hugh Grant at the Tree Makers garden and school in the Blue Mountains, NSW.
Tree Makers is a place to practice and study bonsai on an ongoing basis. Think of us as your bonsai gym, a place to hone your skills and develop exceptional bonsai. We encourage students of all skill levels and experience to attend our educational offerings. Our study experiences focus on following the seasons and advancing your trees through their various stages of development.
Tree Makers Studio
How are they run
Intensives are 2 days 9am-5pm each day
Small numbers of 4-5 students per class
Classes involve comprehensive lectures followed by tutorials and studio time working on trees.
Build your skills by working on trees in our garden or alternatively, BYO your own tree if applicable.
There is no hierarchy of skill level, everyone is mixed. Classes can be repeated as many times and for as many years as you like.
Attend as a seasonal program for a lump fee or take as individual classes.
50% depsoit to hold class(s) with the remainder due at class date
Fundamentals of Australian Bonsai Intensive Program
2026-27 Season
Programs
Broadleaf-evergreen
eg. Melaleuca/callistemon, Tea tree, Kunzea, Banksia, Hakea, Casuarina, Nothofagus, Olive
Broadleaf-deciduous
Ficus
Stone & Slab Planting
Kusamono
Expressions of interest for a Non-Pine conifer program in 2027-28.
Non-pine conifers
eg. Southern-hemisphere conifers (Huon, Callitris, podocarpus), and Cypress’s, Junipers, Spruce, Larch, Fir, and cedar.
Broadleaf-evergreen
Full program of 4 classes $3000
$850 individual class
Spring class (repotting)
September 1-2, 2026 [4 spots remain]
Summer Class (growth management)
Dec 1-2, 2026 [4 spots remain]
Late summer (growth management and design)
February 1-2, 2027 [4 spots remain]
Autumn class (growth management and design)
April 9-10, 2027 [4 spots remain]
Kusamono
$850 individual class
Spring Class (creation and maintenance)
Oct 1-2, 2026 [4 spots remain]
Broadleaf-deciduous
Full program of 4 classes $3000
$850 individual class
Spring class (repotting)
August 1-2, 2026 [4 spots remain]
Summer Class (growth management)
Dec 1-2, 2026 [4 spots remain]
Autumn Class (growth management and design)
May 1-2, 2027 [4 spots remain]
Stone & slab planting
$850 individual class
Late Winter Class
August 1-2, 2026 [4 spots remain]
Ficus
Seasonal program of 2 classes $1600
$850 individual class
Early Summer Class (repotting, defoliation, pruning, and design)
November 1-2, 2026 [4 spots remain]
Late Summer Class (Growth management and design)
February 1-2, 2027 [4 spots remain]
Join an Intensive
One-one-one
Intensive
Engage with Hugh at Tree Makers Studio immersively for a One-on-one Intensive at a reserved time of your choice. This study option allows for a completely tailor-made learning experience, setting the ground for you to delve deeper into critical bonsai practice. Sessions can involve: seasonal maintenance, practical techniques, styling & design, or repotting.