Hands-on Bonsai 101 workshop lets Wichita makers create live trees

Johnson's Garden Center West is running a Bonsai 101 Workshop at 11:00 AM today where participants will create their own bonsai from start to finish. The hands-on session supplies every basic material and the tools needed to pot, shape, and wire a starter tree, making it an accessible entry point for people new to the craft as well as a quick refresher for those who want to branch out.

Organizers provided a clear rundown of what attendees receive: "Create your very own bonsai during this hands-on workshop! We'll provide everything you need, including the plant, pot, rock, soil, copper, grid, and pruners. It's the perfect way to bring a little more relaxation into your day!" Admission is $60 plus tax, and the West store sits at 2707 W. 13th St N. Johnson's also lists an East store at 6225 E. Shadybrook for reference.

Because the session bundles materials and instruction, the cost covers both the plant and a starter toolkit that would otherwise require separate purchases. That makes the workshop practical for people looking to add a bonsai to their home without committing to a larger upfront investment in tools and supplies. The inclusion of copper and grid means attendees will get hands-on experience with wiring and anchoring a tree in its pot, while pruners and soil provide the immediate ability to prune and set a basic design.

The format encourages active learning: participants pot their own plant, arrange substrate and rock, and practice shaping techniques under guidance. That approach speeds confidence building, so new growers leave with a completed, living project they can care for and refine over time. For those who prize low-cost creative outlets or stress relief, the session promises a calming, tactile experience that fits well into a Saturday morning.

Practical things to know for anyone heading to the workshop today: arrive a few minutes early to get settled and claim a workstation, wear clothes that can get dirty from soil, and allow time after the session for instructors to answer care questions about watering and placement. The price and provided materials make this a sensible way to start a collection or give bonsai as a hands-on gift.

For the Wichita community, workshops like this lower the barrier to a traditionally equipment-heavy hobby and help grow local interest in tree culture and seasonal care. Expect more opportunities as new growers take their first trees home and look for follow-up clinics to refine styling, wiring, and seasonal maintenance.