2026 Workshops
May 2026
Deciduous Trees with Andrew Robson
Andrew Robson of Rakuyo Bonsai will be joining us for two exclusive, hands-on workshops May 19 (Colorado Springs) and May 20 (South Denver). This is a rare opportunity to study with a highly respected bonsai professional known for his refined technique, deep horticultural knowledge, and thoughtful approach to tree development. Participation is limited to just 8 people, ensuring personal guidance and meaningful time working directly with Andrew. The cost is $125 per person. Attendees are encouraged to bring one to three trees suitable for refinement; please note that very young material without established branching is not appropriate for this workshop. To help participants come prepared, Club members will have a small number of quality trees available for purchase. Space is extremely limited, and demand is expected to be high—early signup is strongly recommended. Location: The Jagged Spruce Bonsai and Nursery in Colorado Springs (May 19) and at Graham's house in Denver near University of Denver (May 20). You must bring all your tools, wire, and snacks. Tables, chairs, and turntables will be provided.
Andrew Robson is an award winning deciduous artist in the American bonsai community. He completed a 3-year apprenticeship with Michael Hagedorn, after graduating from Yale University. Andrew also studied shohin bonsai display with Daisaku Nomoto, an award-winning Japanese shohin master and judge at Gafu-ten, Japan's premier Shōhin Bonsai exhibition. Andrew is the President of the Bonsai Society of Portland, the largest bonsai club in the United States. He regularly exhibits work at the Portland Japanese Garden and lectures at the garden's Japanese Arts Learning Center. Andrew is a host of the Bonsai Wire Podcast and regularly creates new episodes with the other hosts and prominent figures in the bonsai community. Andrew resides at his deciduous garden RAKUYO-en with his golden retriever Bailey, where he teaches and shares the art of deciduous bonsai.
June 2026
Kusamono with Young Choe
Join us for a special Kusamono workshop with Young Choe, an internationally recognized kusamono artist who studied traditional art in her native Korea before earning a BS in Horticulture from the University of Maryland. While volunteering at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, Young combined her artistic background with horticultural expertise, later traveling to Japan to study kusamono under master artist Keiko Yamane, a former student of Saburo Kato.
The workshop will begin with a morning of collecting native plants, followed by hands-on instruction in creating kusamono displays that beautifully complement bonsai. Young will cover plant selection, care, and composition, demonstrating how to arrange kusamono for seasonal interest and year-round beauty, an essential skill for bonsai display and upcoming shows. Cost is $100 per person and participation is limited to 12 people. The class will be held at PPBS member Della Clark’s home in Black Forest (address provided upon signup). Please bring your small pots, wire, hand tools, shovels, and soil screens.
July 2026
Tropical Bonsai with David McPeaters
Join us for a hands-on Tropical Bonsai Workshop with David McPeaters, a long-time bonsai artist who began his journey in 2001 after studying with Hal Sasaki at the Denver Botanic Gardens. David spent his early years working primarily with tropical species, especially Ficus, before expanding his focus to Colorado native conifers following the 2012 National Bonsai Exhibition in Denver. In recent years, he has also been cultivating deciduous trees, with a growing emphasis on smaller, one-person bonsai. This workshop will be held on July 11 from 1:00–4:00 PM at The Jagged Spruce Bonsai, and is designed for participants to bring their own tropical tree or trees to work on. David will guide attendees through the process of refining and advancing their tropical bonsai to the next level. Cost is $75 per person, with participation limited to 8 people on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, please contact Dave Kuntz at 719-352-1593 through the Pikes Peak Bonsai Club.
September 2026
Shohin Olive with Cesar Ordonez
Join us for an exciting Shohin Olive Workshop with Cesar Ordonez, a passionate and fast-rising bonsai artist who began his bonsai journey in April 2019 after being inspired by a shohin juniper. Cesar studied during his first year with David Nguyand and is currently studying under Peter Tea, developing a thoughtful, regionally informed approach to bonsai. After observing what thrives in his local climate, Cesar turned his focus to collecting and developing olive trees, making them ideal material for shohin bonsai. This workshop is limited to 12 participants and costs $250 per person, which includes a 3–6 inch olive tree selected by members at the workshop. Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society members will meet at Adam Johnson's house in Boulder on Thursday, September 3rd at 11:00 AM, and PPBC members will meet at The Jagged Spruce Bonsai Nursery in Colorado Springs on Friday, September 4th at 9:00 AM. Both clubs are welcome to attend; however, participants must be a current member of either club. Payment will be made directly to Cesar (cash, card, or check). Additional olive trees will be available for purchase on site. This workshop is expected to fill quickly—early signup is strongly encouraged. To register, please contact David Kuntz at 719-352-1593. Bring all your wire, tools, a chair and snacks. The workshop will last about 3 hours.