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Hiking Path in Forest

APPRENTICESHIP

INTENSIVES

Learn bonsai as it's taught in Japan

“The technical information offered by Boon’s Bonsai Intensive program is not in a library somewhere, it cannot be found online, and it cannot be independently invented.”

- Michael Hagedorn

OPEN TO BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED ARTISTS ALIKE, BONSAI INTENSIVES ARE IMMERSIVE, PERSONALIZED TRAINING PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE YOUR SKILLS AND PREPARE YOU FOR SERIOUS STUDY.

SINCE 2001, BOON HAS GUIDED HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS THROUGH THIS JOURNEY—MANY OF WHOM HAVE GONE ON TO STUDY IN JAPAN AND BECOME ACCOMPLISHED PROFESSIONALS.

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THE EXPERIENCE

3 DAYS

8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION + HANDS-ON PRACTICE + EVENING STUDY/DISCUSSION

Limited to 6 students for maximum individual attention

MATERIAL

High-quality bonsai provided, with the option for local students to bring their own

TOOLS & PREPARATION

Bring a BASIC TOOLKIT

CONCAVE CUTTER

SCISSORS (LARGE + SMALL)

WIRE CUTTER

PLIERS

TWEEZER (STRAIGHT + BENT)

SPECIALIZED TOOLS AND WIRE PROVIDED

 

NOTE - If you are flying with tools, you must check them in your luggage.

LOCATION

All intensives are held in the SACRAMENTO area, Northern California. Weather varies - sometimes warm in winter, cool in summer—so pack layers.

TUITION

$800/3 DAY INTENSIVE (includes Lunch + Dinner)

$200 DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO RESERVE A SPOT

Non-refundable unless spot can be filled

FULL SERIES

Each Apprenticeship Intensive can be attended individually, however the full INTENSIVE SERIES is a sequence of TEN, THREE-DAY COURSES spread ACROSS FOUR YEARS totaling 30 days of structured training.

YEAR 1: Winter I, Summer I, Fall I

YEAR 2: Winter II, Summer II, Fall II

YEAR 3: Winter III, Summer III, Fall III

YEAR 4: Winter IV — Exhibit Preparation

Each course builds on the last. Students can start in any season, complete courses in any order, and progress through the levels at their own pace.

The final stage, Winter IV, prepares students to mount an exhibit tree for The National Exhibition or Pacific Bonsai Expo — a capstone experience that can be repeated as often as desired.

BOOK YOUR SPOT

  • Three day programs with Boon for enthusiasts who are serious about improving their Bonsai skills.


    Starts Jan 15, 2026

    800 US dollars

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  • Three day programs with Boon for enthusiasts who are serious about improving their Bonsai skills.


    Starts Jan 22, 2026

    800 US dollars

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  • Three day programs with Boon for enthusiasts who are serious about improving their Bonsai skills.


    Starts May 21, 2026

    800 US dollars

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  • Three day programs with Boon for enthusiasts who are serious about improving their Bonsai skills.


    Starts Jun 4, 2026

    800 US dollars

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  • Three day programs with Boon for enthusiasts who are serious about improving their Bonsai skills.


    Starts Nov 5, 2026

    800 US dollars

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  • Three day programs with Boon for enthusiasts who are serious about improving their Bonsai skills.


    Starts Nov 12, 2026

    800 US dollars

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Contact

PO Box 1679

North Highlands, CA 95660

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Tel: 510-919-5042

info@bonsaiboon.com

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© 2025 by Bonsai by Nature, LLC

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