The Yard
Offerings
In-depth syllabus. Low class numbers. High hilarity. Study bonsai as an apprentice would in Portland, Oregon.
Far away? Take a look at our digital education and book selection.
Sharpen up your bonsai. Ask about styling, refining, and critique, and for curious mobs, presentations.
From The Blog
A Room With a View: Shore Pine Revisit
To continue looking back at past work and how they look today…here’s a pine project from 2 years ago that started with a design puzzle: This was the quirky Shore Pine when it got to the yard in 2016. To see the full post on the restyling of it and the design puzzle we offered: shore-pine-design-puzzle […]
Revisit: Twin Trunk Hemlock on a Nylon Board—
The last post about a Hemlock suggested that I might as well start a series on revisits from past work to see if they’ve gotten worse with time, stayed the same, or improved. Today we revisit one of the weirder things we’ve done here, putting a tree on a plastic cutting board… At the finish […]
History of a Mountain Hemlock-
Years ago a student brought this Mountain Hemlock into a Seasonal session. We styled it in the fall of 2012, and it later made an appearance at the Artisans Cup and is now spending the year at the Portland Japanese Garden display. Please check it out if you drop through Portland, Oregon this year- Here’s […]
Testimonials
“Having the eye of an artist and the soul of a poet, Michael has a deep respect for, and ability to see, the essential spirit of a tree both in the present and in the future. I’ve come away from each Seasonal with new understanding of and enthusiasm for the art of bonsai.”
Howard“I learned more in 3 days than I had in the last 12 years. He was a fantastic teacher, artist, and host while there. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone to attend his small group sessions. Thank you Michael!!!”
Ray“It is like entering a cathedral when you first walk into your yard, and I am honored that you allow me such a learning environment…you make learning a joy.”
Konnor