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
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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 dollarsLoading availability...
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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 dollarsLoading availability...
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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 dollarsLoading availability...
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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 dollarsLoading availability...
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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 dollarsLoading availability...
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