All-Inclusive Bonsai Basics Workshop at Franklin Park Zoo

All-Inclusive Bonsai Basics Workshop at Franklin Park Zoo

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston, MA 02121

Please note: Zoo admission is required to attend this workshop and must be purchased separately through Franklin Park Zoo. Workshop registration does not include entry into Franklin Park Zoo.

Join Bonsai Outlet for a special off-site Bonsai Basics Workshop hosted at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

This beginner-friendly, hands-on class is designed for anyone who has ever wanted to own a bonsai tree but wasn’t sure where to begin. Whether you’re brand new to bonsai or have purchased a tree in the past and struggled to keep it happy, this workshop will give you the confidence, knowledge, and hands-on experience to get started the right way.

During this 2.5-hour workshop, a Bonsai Outlet bonsai professional will walk you through the fundamentals of bonsai care, styling, and maintenance. You’ll work directly on your own Jade bonsai tree, learning how to prune, pot, shape, and care for it properly.

By the end of class, you’ll leave with your own finished bonsai tree, a better understanding of how bonsai works, and the confidence to continue caring for your tree at home.

Why This Workshop Is Perfect for Beginners

Bonsai can feel intimidating at first, but it does not have to be. This workshop is designed to make bonsai approachable, enjoyable, and hands-on. You will not just watch someone talk about bonsai — you will build your own tree step by step with guidance from an experienced Bonsai Outlet instructor.

Jade is an excellent beginner-friendly species because it is forgiving, attractive, and well suited for learning basic bonsai techniques. It is a great tree for new bonsai owners and a fun project for anyone interested in plants, gardening, design, or Japanese-inspired art.

What You’ll Learn

• A brief introduction to the history and origins of bonsai
• How to understand which trees are suitable for bonsai
• Basic bonsai design and styling principles
• How to plant, prune, wire, and repot a bonsai tree
• Proper watering, fertilizing, and general bonsai maintenance
• Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

What’s Included with Workshop Registration

• A Jade bonsai tree
• A ceramic bonsai pot
• Bonsai soil and workshop materials
• Use of tools during class
• Step-by-step instruction from a Bonsai Outlet bonsai professional
• A completed bonsai tree to take home

Optional Bonsai Starter Kit Add-On

Want to give your new bonsai the best start once you get it home? Students may pre-purchase an optional Bonsai Starter Kit to pick up at the workshop.

The starter kit includes bonsai shears, bonsai fertilizer, and a humidity tray.

These are the basic supplies we recommend for continuing your bonsai care after class. The workshop will teach you what to do, and the starter kit helps make sure you have what you need to do it.

Workshop Details

• Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Student Cost: $85 per student
• Silent Observer Cost: $20 per observer
• Optional Starter Kit: Available as a pre-purchase add-on
• Class Size: Limited to 30 students
• Location: Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston, MA 02121

Important Admission Note

Zoo admission is required to attend this class and must be purchased separately through Franklin Park Zoo. Workshop registration through Bonsai Outlet does not include zoo admission.

Who Should Attend?

• First-time bonsai owners
• Plant lovers looking for a hands-on experience
• Anyone who has struggled to keep a bonsai healthy in the past
• Families, friends, or couples looking for a creative activity
• Visitors interested in learning the basics of bonsai in a relaxed setting

Refund Policy

All sales are final. No refunds will be given for workshops provided by Bonsai Outlet.