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Bonsai Instructor

Manny Ortiz

Around 5 years in bonsai

Manny works mostly with shohin and medium-sized bonsai, and his favorite part of teaching is showing people that the art of bonsai is possible and achievable.

Book a Workshop
Shohin Medium-sized bonsai
Manny Ortiz wiring the branches of a two-trunk deciduous bonsai on a turntable
Kaikou School of Bonsai
Manny Ortiz shaping a young bonsai outdoors
Teaching Style

Fun, informative, and energetic

A class with Manny is hands-on and full of conversation. He loves sharing his passion for bonsai, and he wants every student to leave knowing this is something they can do too.

“I enjoy sharing my passion and joy of bonsai with people. Showing people that the art of bonsai is something possible and achievable!”

Manny Ortiz
Areas of Interest

What Manny works on

Shohin bonsai
Small trees you can hold in your hands, with all the character of a large one.
Medium-sized bonsai
Trees with room to style and develop, at a size that fits a home collection.
Pairing trees and pots
Matching each tree to a pot of the right shape, color, and size.
Favorite Species

Pines, maples, and trees that flower and fruit

Part of the fun for Manny is pairing each tree with a pot, trying different shapes, colors, and sizes until the two belong together.

Pinus thunbergii
Japanese Black Pine
A classic for shohin and medium-sized bonsai, and one of Manny’s favorite trees to work on.
Acer palmatum
Japanese Maple
Fine branching and seasonal color that suit a wide range of pot shapes and glazes.
Flowering & fruiting
Fruiting and Flowering Trees
Blossoms and fruit give a small tree a season of its own, and open up even more pot pairings.
What Students Can Expect

A fun, interactive class

Expect an informative, energetic session with plenty of back-and-forth. Manny has been practicing bonsai for around five years, and his bonsai background is with the Kaikou School of Bonsai.

See Upcoming Workshops
No experience required. Trees and tools provided.
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