Our favorite way to explore the city is with Louisville Food Tours! And you can get 10% off any tour using our promo code “THINGSTOLOU10” — just click here and start your adventure!
- This event has passed.
3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend @ Waterfront Botanical Gardens
3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
- Friday, May 30 | 11AM – 5PM
- Saturday, May 31 | 10AM – 6PM
- Sunday, June 1 | 11AM – 4PM
Tickets:
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
FREE ages 16 and under
Tickets purchased are valid for the whole weekend, May 30 – June 1, and re-entry is welcome!
WORKSHOPS
Workshops include admission to Bonsai Weekend, no extra ticket needed
- BYO Tree Workshop – Friday
- Japanese Maple Forest Workshop – Saturday
- Azalea Workshop – Sunday
DEMONSTRATIONS
Demonstrations do not include admission to Bonsai Weekend please purchase a ticket above.
Demonstration by Owen Reich – Friday
Demonstration by Owen Reich – Saturday
Special guest Judge: Owen Reich
3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend special guest judge Owen Reich
Owen Reich has been on a journey to become both a bonsai master of all species and styles as well as a plantsman. This required a complete understanding of horticulture (UGA ‘06) and direct interaction with Japan’s native species.
Central Japan is very much like the southeastern United States, so after building and managing Samara Farms LLC he spent three years of apprenticeship at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Osaka, Japan.
Owen learned how to care for multi-generational bonsai of all species, instead of focusing on conifers only.
Understanding the 3-5 year rhythms of deciduous trees commonly used for bonsai in Central Japan was primary interest for studying deciduous species and kusamono, with three years of styling time on tons of conifers.
Exhibition preparation and container / stand harmony is a big part of Kouka-en’s specialty, so Owen’s approach to exhibitions is largely focused on overall display harmony and allusions to the current and upcoming seasons.
Owen’s current focus is on deciduous and broadleaf evergreen species of all kinds, especially those native to the eastern half of the United States of America, utilizing these for bonsai is likely the future of introductory bonsai training.
Current habitat restoration and design / build project is Bask Retreat Center in Centerville, Tennessee. A Japanese inspired moss garden with all native species and their cultivars will be proof of concept for expansion of this garden style.
Bonsai Weekend Vendors
In Vivo Bonsai, Green Witch Gardens, Asian Artique, Clayfoot Pottery, Twisted Nature Bonsai, Pottery Cat Designs Studio, Hagabon, Myrick Bonsai Pottery
***photography used with permission by Clayton Communications. Credit to Steve Grider.
