Bonsai Basics I

This beginner workshop is an introduction into the Art of Bonsai and will cover everything that you need to know to become an informed caretaker of a juniper bonsai. Choose your own juniper and let the journey begin! We will cover design, training through pruning and wiring, watering, feeding, sun requirements and seasonal care. Note: Juniper is an outdoor tree which needs winter dormancy to thrive, making this an ideal outdoor bonsai.

This is the first of three bonsai workshops planned for this summer and fall. Bonsai Basics II will be held August 16 and a Bring-Your-Own-Bonsai clinic will be held September 23.

Where: Graylag Nature Preserve, 320 Clough Road, Pittsfield, NH

Date: Sunday, June 7

Time: 1 pm – 4 pm

Cost: $100 ($80 for Friends of Graylag). This fee includes workshop and all materials including plant, pot, and soil.

Registration: Space is limited. Please call Graylag at (603) 435-5555 or email » for more information. Use the link below to register.

About Steven Bachmann: Steven’s bonsai journey began in early 2020. Having chosen a life path in pursuit of spiritual and creative exploration and expression, it quickly became clear that the Art of Bonsai would become a big part of his life. Steven had already collected a couple dozen trees to become bonsai by the time Covid hit which soon multiplied into 150 trees by the end of the season. In 2021, he started a two-year program at Kaikou School of Bonsai at New England Bonsai Gardens in Bellingham, MA with John Romano. In 2022, he started a four year program at the Bonsai West School of Bonsai in Littleton, MA with Zuma Fleishman and Michael Levin. During his schooling at Bonsai West, he volunteered and later become an employee where he deepened his knowledge and experience in both nursery and bonsai specific tasks. He continues to teach classes and workshops at Bonsai West while building a nursery in his local community.

Steven’s home-based nursery was given the name Heartwood Bonsai which continues to grow at his home in Strafford, NH. Steven teaches beginner to more advanced classes as well as private lessons at Heartwood and other locations. In addition to Bonsai, Steven has been crafting didjeridus from local trees since 2005 through his business White Mountain Essence Didjeridu. He offers handcrafted didjeridus for sale, didjeridu lessons, and Sound Medicine Journeys with his partner, Gabby.