Providence, RI

Learn Bonsai. Make a Friend. Have fun!

Hands-on workshops, locally made pottery, and beginner-friendly care that meets you where you are. Slow down, shape a tree, and bring a little stillness home.

Why bonsai?

Bonsai is craft + care. You learn techniques that last a lifetime and a practice that rewards patience.

Who’s it for?

Beginners welcome. We design sessions so you leave confident enough to keep growing at home.

What you get

Live tree, pot, soil, tools to use in class, and a neat bookmark care-guide. Plus community + vibes.

Hands-On Bonsai Workshop

A guided, beginner-friendly session led by Freddy Weaver. Every participant creates and takes home their own bonsai.

Overview
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Location: TBD
  • Class Size: Up to 10 participants
  • Group Fee: $700 (includes all materials, labor & travel within Ct, Ri, and Ma)

What’s Included

  • Starter Dwarf Jade bonsai (Portulacaria afra)
  • Glazed ceramic bonsai pot + drainage mesh (plastic pot option available)
  • Bonsai substrate & training wire
  • Pruning shears (loaned unless purchased)
  • Care instruction handout
  • Table coverings for protection
Workshop Flow
  1. Introduction & Welcome (10 min)
  2. History & Philosophy of Bonsai (10 min)
  3. Instructor Demonstration — Pruning, Wiring, Potting (20 min)
  4. Hands-On Creation — Work on your own bonsai (60 min)
  5. Care & Maintenance Tips (10 min)
  6. Q&A and Closing (10 min)

Compensation & Funding

The $700 fee covers all materials, labor, and travel. We’re flexible and happy to discuss terms to meet partner needs.

Pottery

Functional forms, subtle glazes, drainage that keeps roots happy. Small-batch pieces made for living trees.

Small Ovals

Shallow footprint for mame & shohin. Neutral glazes play well with foliage.

Cascade Forms

Weighted bases and strong drainage for dramatic, trailing compositions.

Custom Orders

Need a specific size or foot profile? We can prototype to your specs.

Jade Tree — Bonsai Care

Quick, care instructions you can trust.

Light

Full sun; a west or south-facing window is ideal. East is okay, but avoid north-facing windows.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure even growth.

Soil

Use bonsai soil — a porous pumice mix is ideal.

Water

Check the top ½″ of soil.

If dry, water thoroughly for ~30 seconds. If moist, wait 24 hours.

Empty excess tray water; roots should never sit in water. Reduce watering in winter.

Pruning

Trim in Spring/Summer to shape.

Fertilizer

Perfect Plants liquid fertilizer (9-3-6). Follow package directions.

Bonsai pellets may be used for the Winter.

Repotting

Every 2–3 years in spring; refresh the mix.

Tips

Avoid overwatering • Protect from frost (especially below ~50°F at night)

Presented by: @Whois_freddygreenthumbs  •  @The1NathanDrake

Stay in the loop

Request workshop dates, pottery, or private events. We’ll reply by email.

Prefer Instagram? DM @Whois_freddygreenthumbs or @The1NathanDrake

Details

  • Based in Providence, Rhode Island
  • Pop-ups at Roger Williams Park
  • Custom pottery commissions available

Follow along for drops and dates:

@Whois_freddygreenthumbs
@The1NathanDrake