Beginners Bonsai Course
Certificate in Bonsai Foundations: The Mă-Kè Approach
Discover the art and science of bonsai with our Beginners Bonsai Course, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to nurture and shape your own living masterpiece. Whether you're a complete beginner or an enthusiast looking to refine your understanding, this course offers a structured, hands-on approach to bonsai care and styling.
Course Overview
Celebrating over 15 years as our most popular programme, this course consists of four modules, delivered on alternate Saturdays over two to three months. This format allows you to progressively build both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
No prior experience or bonsai ownership is required—just a passion for learning!
Course Modules
101: Bonsai Culture and Care
Explores the history and origins of Bonsai. Introduces you to the concepts of Bonsai Styles, Bonsai Sizes, Regional Bonsai, Indoor vs Outdoor Bonsai, Native, Naturalised and Exotic Bonsai. During the hands-on session will be learn how to identify and understand the basic need of your bonsai and how to care for it. You'll learn about what traits to look for in a good bonsai, how to replicate them in your Bonsai and how to choose nursery stock.
102: Botany for Bonsai Artists
Saturday, 15th March 2025
Caring for Bonsai is caring for a tree. We cover the basics of plant development. Understanding the role of light, heat, water, and nutrition and how each of these elements is best used and balanced to enhance the growth of your Bonsai. You will learn to identify and plan your Bonsai's seasonal hormonal cycles. You will create a bonsai from garden nursery stock. We will help you identify what traits to look for and amplify in nursery stock and how to ensure the start of a great bonsai.
103: Bonsai Styling: Pruning with Intent
Saturday, 29th March 2025
Bonsai are dynamic, living art forms that thrive with precise and timely pruning. This session explores how bonsai hormone cycles affect growth, helping you determine the ideal pruning periods for best results. You’ll learn key techniques and their impact on tree development. With hands-on practice, you’ll refine your skills while shaping your bonsai. The focus is on summer pruning for common deciduous species, promoting healthy growth and achieving refined, elegant styling.
104: Stress -free Bonsai repotting
Saturday, 19th April 2025
Repotting is a crucial aspect of bonsai care, and if done incorrectly, it can be detrimental to your tree’s health. In this session, you’ll learn to identify when your bonsai needs repotting and master a stress-free approach to the process. Our step-by-step guidance ensures you repot with confidence, promoting healthy root development, sustained growth, and long-term vitality. Enhance your skills and give your bonsai the best care possible with our expert techniques.
Course Details
📅 Schedule & Duration
Each module runs from 10 AM to 3 PM over four scheduled Saturdays. Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration. Sessions include a mix of theory and hands-on practice, conducted both indoors and outdoors (dress accordingly).
💰 Course Fees
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€150 (When booking all four modules together)
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€50 per module (individually booked).
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To receive the Certificate in Bonsai Foundations: The Mă-Kè Approach, all four modules must be completed.
💰 Cancellation Policy
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14+ days before start date – Full refund.
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7–13 days before start date – 50% refund.
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Less than 7 days before start date – Non-refundable.
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If Mă-Kè Bonsai cancels the course, all fees will be fully refunded.
📍 Venue
Vila Pinheiro, Rua Projetada a Dona Maria II, No. 9, Bairradas, Landal, 2500-532, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
🗣 Language
The course is conducted in English.
Why Join This Course?
At Mă-Kè Bonsai, we believe in teaching the ‘why’ behind every technique—not just the ‘how’ and ‘when’. By blending structured learning with hands-on experience, you'll gain a solid foundation in bonsai care and artistry, ensuring your trees thrive for years to come.
Join us for this immersive experience and start your bonsai journey today!