The Bonsai Learning Center

 

The Bonsai Learning Center is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and is a full service bonsai nursery and teaching center. It is an excellent place to learn more about bonsai and to share with others the joys and experiences which come with the practice of this ancient and exciting art form.

4416 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216

Phone: (704) 392-9244

HOURS: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other times by appointment  only

 

 

 

 

 

Open House Is Almost Here

Schedule Of Events Posted Below

 

 

Bonsai Learning Center

Summertime Picnic & Open House 2009

June 26 - 27 - 28

The big day is almost upon us and we hope you’re planning to attend. Dana Quattlebaum, chief horticulturist for Brussels Bonsai Nursery in Memphis, is this year’s special guest artist. We have still 3 openings available in Dana’s all day workshop on Friday. This workshop includes a handpicked shimpaku which Dana is bringing with him and a "gourmet" lunch.... Plus there are also 5 spots left in his Sunday morning open workshop. It’s BYOB and no lunch. So if you want a piece of the workshop action either day, call us soon. (704-392-9244) Saturday afternoon’s Demonstration by Dana is FREE and open to the public. He will be styling a huge black pine in an 25 gallon growing container. It promises to be spectacular. Randy’s also going to do a demonstraton on Saturday morning.... but who cares? It’ Free too! Don’t forget that in addition to all the demonstrations, workshops and a three day exhibition of our student’s trees... this is our BIGGEST SALE of the year. All merchandise including pots and bonsai are 20% OFF. Considering the crummy state of the economy this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Stock up on items you’ve been meaning to get and save some cash in the process.

Schedule Of Events

Note: All Demonstrations Are Free & Open To The Public

Friday, June 26th

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Doors Open To The Public

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All Day Workshop with Guest Artist Dana Quattlebaum

(Note: This workshop is closed to all but registered participants)

Noon to 5 p.m.

Bonsai Invitational Exhibition Opens

This is a special exhibition of bonsai featuring the works of BLC students.

 

Saturday, June 27th

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Doors Open To The Public

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bonsai Invitiational Exhibition

A good way for beginners to see what can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Demonstration by Resident Bonsai Artist, Randy Clark

This demonstration will illustrate some of the fundamental techniques used in creating bonsai.

1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Demonstration by Guest Artist, Dana Quattlebaum.

Dana will style a very large Japanese Mikawa Black Pine.

All Day Long

Hot Dogs, Chips, Snacks, Cookies, Chocolate Cake,Lemonade and all the Peach Tea you can suck down.

 

Sunday, June 28th

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Doors Open To the Public

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bonsai Invitational Exhibition - Open To The Public

Another chance for you to see what our students can do.

10a.m. to 1 p.m.

Open Workshop with Guest Artist, Dana Quattlebaum.

Bring your own trees (or get them at 20%off from us) and learn from the Pro.

All Day Long

A great gushing of Hot Dogs, sauerkraut, spicy mustard, chili sauce and all the fixin’s at your finger tips under the Bonsai Learning Center’s "Big Top."

 

2009 Classes & Workshops

  The Bonsai Learning Center's selection of workshops and seminars for this year is going to be one of the best ever.  Not only will the season's educational offerings include an appearance at our annual open house by guest artist Dana Quattlebaum (pictured at left), but it will also include a  class in Japanese Black pine using the best material we have ever found for this very popular class.  Also very interesting will be our root -over-rock workshop  using red jade stone collected from the deserts of China and two separate classes featuring completely separate varieties of Japanese Five-needle White pines.  It dosen't matter whether you a beginner, intermediate or advanced student of bonsai.  The Bonsai Learning Center is sure to have something which will interest you.  Join us for a class or two.  Just click on the photo at left or the headline above to see a full description and fee schedule for our 2009 educational offerings.   

The Bonsai Learning Center offers a regular schedule of beginner, intermediate and advanced educational programs.  The Center is owned and operated by Randy Clark, an internationally recognized bonsai artist and teacher with more than a quarter century of experience.

 

 

 

  Picnic & Open House

June 26, 27, 28, 2009

Each year the Bonsai Learning Center holds an open house.  This year's event is scheduled for June 26, 27 and 28 and will feature our special guest artist, Mr. Dana Quattlebaum from the world famous Brussel's Bonsai Nursery near Memphis, TN.  Free demonstrations, terrific discounts on all our plants and merchandise, special guest artist workshops, and a special exhibition of our student's trees are an integral part of this three day event, as well as all the hot dogs and peach tea you can consume.  We hope you will plan on joining us the the big get together this year.  If you would like to see a brief slide presentation on last year's open house  just click on the photo at left or on this link.  We hope you enjoy our little presentation.  

 

 

 

 

Would You Like Information On The Art Of Bonsai?

We have a special area designed to give you information on various aspects of the art of bonsai. When you visit it you will find documents and illustration on a number of topics. If you wish, you may print out or download the documents of your choice. If you have a specific question or problem you can also write us and we'll try to help solve your problem

 

 

Are You Looking For Bonsai Books And Supplies?

OUR ONLINE STORE MAY HAVE WHAT YOU NEED. We invite you to browse through our large selection of tools and other equipment as well as hard and soft cover books. If you see something you like you can order it online or call for more information. We carry a full line of bonsai supplies from tools to soil and wire.

 

 

 

Are You NEW To The Art Of Bonsai?

Our BEGINNER BONSAI STARTER KIT is one of the many excellent selections we have available online. This kit has been especially designed with the novice in mind. We looked at a lot of kits for sale on-line and in trendy mall stores such as Nature Company and Museum Shop. We came to the conclusion that none of them were worth much. That's when we decided to put this one together. Its got everything you'll need to get a good solid start on your bonsai adventure and we know that it's the best kit you will find anywhere at any price. Everything you'll need to start your own bonsai is in the kit... and that includes the tree. To find out more about it click here!

 

 

 

 

Is Your Club or Group Looking For a Speaker?

WE CAN PROVIDE PROGRAMS FOR YOUR CLUB OR GROUP. In addition to teaching classes here at the Center, Mr. Clark has traveled and lectured extensively throughout the US and in Europe. He can provide instructional programs and workshops on bonsai at your convenience and in your area.

A copy of Mr. Clark's Resume is available at this site along with a schedule of fees and booking requirements for those clubs and organizations who may wish to engage his services. 

Click Here For Fees, Booking Rates And Suggested Program Formats

 

 

 

 

Would You Like To See Some Of Our Bonsai?

We have prepared a special page which contains formal studio photographs of some of the bonsai in the personal collection of our instructor and teacher, Randy Clark. This Japanese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens) show here is a good example. It is one of the trees which appears in Mr. Clark's book Outstanding American Bonsai and was obtained as a foundation planting about 20 years ago and has been in training as a bonsai for about the same length of time. The tree measurers about 17 inches in height and is planted in a brown tokoname ware pot with a dragon motif which complements the sinuous movement of the junipers trunk. Click here to see more of the trees in our collection.

 

 

 

 

 

Would You Like To Take A Tour Of The Center?

2005 will mark  the tenth year for the Center. We're very proud of our facility... We think its getting better every day. We would like to show you around. Please select from:

A Virtual Tour Of The Garden

OR

A Photo Album Of The Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Now For Something Completely Different!

Inquiring minds want to know...  Are you any good at solving puzzles.  We have prepared 3 levels of picture puzzles.  Each level has 3 pictures and gets progressively more complex.  So... How lucky do you feel punk!  Just click on our bug friend at the left and let the fun begin.

 

 

 

 

Map And Directions On How To Find Us

List Of Motels In The Charlotte Area

Send Us An E-Mail Message

WEB LINKS

Here Are Some Links To Other Websites You May Find Interesting

The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is one of the nation's outstanding  facilities for the study and development of arborculture .  It's also a great place to visit.  Located in Asheville, NC, the Arboretum is also home to one of the Southeast's finest collection of bonsai including a newly opened Bonsai Exhibition Garden.   Would you like to see a special slide show we have prepared of the Bonsai Exhibition Garden?  Just click this link.

 

The Carolina Bonsai Expo

Each year the North Carolina Arboretum hosts a two day event in mid October known as the Carolina Bonsai Expo.  This event is packed with activities, demonstrations and workshops of interest to all bonsai enthusiasts and in addition to the Arboretum's own collection, features displays of bonsai by clubs and societies across a six state region. Would you like to view a 14 minute slide presentation on the Carolina Bonsai Expo?  JUST CLICK THIS LINK 

Bonsai Society Of The Carolinas

The Bonsai Society Of The Carolinas is the local bonsai group here in the Charlotte, North Carolina, metropolitan area.  The club meets on a monthly basis at The Bonsai Learning Center.  Programs, activities, membership information and meeting times can be found on this site.  One of the best ways to grow in the art of bonsai is to become active with a bonsai club or group in your area.  

South Carolina Upstate Bonsai Group

A new bonsai study group is forming in the upstate area of South Carolina.  The group is in its early stages of development, but shows great promise.  If you are interested in learning more about what is happening in the world of bonsai in South Carolina's upstate region, this link may be of interest to you.   

 

This Bonsai Ring site is owned by Randy Clark.
Click for the [ Next Page | Skip It | Next5]
Want to join the ring? Click here for info.