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.
Professional help in styling, refining, and caring for your bonsai. Also private lessons and critique, and for groups please contact about availability for lecture, demo and seminar.
From The Blog
Rain and Needle Size…
You may have noticed that some years we have much longer needles on our pines than other years. Why? We haven’t done anything differently… But the weather has. Those years have unseasonably high springtime rainfall. And what is water to a plant? Food. (Water + CO2 + Light = Dinner) This White Pine is showing […]
Blooming Springtime—Wisteria and Iris
Just sharing a couple of things that made me smile, blooming in the garden this week- The fact that they both have lavender blossoms was purely coincidental…I have a tense relationship with the color lavender, but I did like these— Chinese Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis—This tree has been a prolific bloomer for the past five years. […]
Twig Mimicry…
I should have done this post last fall. If you’ll allow me to wave my wand, let’s go back to a day in late fall when we were wiring a quince, only to find… …a shy inchworm waving around on a twig: Where is the critter? (This is a Where’s Waldo? moment, for those who are […]
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