Saturday, March 14
(No registration required)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
FREE Demonstration + Live Q&A
Health First: diagnosing, prioritizing, and planning
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Kaikou Year 2 Private Session
(Reserved for Kaikou School of Bonsai students)
John Kirby at New England Bonsai Gardens
March 14-15, 2026
Kick off repotting season with a free Saturday demonstration focused on tree health and decision-making. Plus two limited-seat Sunday workshops for hands-on progress.
Your Instructor
1968
John Kirby
John has been growing bonsai since 1968, when he bought his first tree at Sumigawa Nursery in Cotati, California. Now based in Connecticut, he is known for developing strong training material, including Japanese Black Pines purpose-grown for workshops, and for thoughtful, technique-driven refinement.
Outside bonsai, he is a longtime academic leader and former Dean of the University of Rhode Island's College of the Environment and Life Sciences, bringing a rare blend of science and artistry to every demonstration.
Former Dean - URI College of Environment & Life Sciences
Quick Weekend Schedule
Sunday, March 15
(Registration required | 8 seats each)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kiyohime Japanese Maple Workshop
$195
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bring Your Own Tree Workshop
$95
"Health First"
Before you repot, prune, or wire, you need to know what your tree can actually handle. John Kirby's "Health First" approach helps you make better calls, avoid setbacks, and build a simple plan for the next 30-60 days.
Diagnosing
Prioritizing
Planning
Acting
Sunday Workshop Registration
$195
Kiyohime Japanese Maple Workshop
Work on premium Kiyohime Japanese Maples grown by Mark Comstock. This workshop includes the tree, pot, soil, and professional instruction. Perfect for starting the season with a high-quality development project.
8 Seats Available
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Purchase Workshop Seat
$95
Bring Your Own Tree Workshop
Bring a tree that needs a reset, corrective work, or a smart seasonal plan. No tree? You can still attend, listen, learn, and ask questions (or purchase a tree at NEBG).
8 Seats Available
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Purchase
Workshop Seat
Join Us On-Site
New England Bonsai Gardens
914 S. Main Street, Bellingham, MA 02019
Finding Us: Workshops are held in the greenhouse behind our retail store.