Bonsai Workshops at Destination Asia 2026

August 1–2, 2026 • Morton Arboretum • Thornhill Education Center

The Prairie State Bonsai Society is proud to present eight hands-on bonsai workshops as part of Morton Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival.

🎟️ Registration opens Tuesday, June 3 at 10:00 AM at mortonarb.org. Workshops fill quickly — register early!

Questions? Contact the Morton Arboretum Registrar: 630-719-2468 or Registrar-ed@mortonarb.org (weekdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Featured Guest Artist: Peter Chan

We are thrilled to welcome Peter Chan, internationally acclaimed bonsai master and founder of Herons Bonsai in England, as our 2026 guest artist. Peter is one of the most recognized bonsai teachers in the world, with over half a million YouTube subscribers following his work. He will be leading four workshops across both days of the festival, assisted by experienced Prairie State Bonsai Society members.

🏆 Bonsai Exhibition — Sycamore Room

In addition to the workshops, the Prairie State Bonsai Society is presenting the premier bonsai exhibition of the year in the Sycamore Room, featuring stunning displays from across the Midwest. Browse the exhibition, visit our vendors, and watch Peter Chan judge the finest trees on display.

The exhibition runs both days of the festival — admission is included with your Arboretum entry.

Exhibition Details →

🌳 Peter Chan Workshop: Dawn Redwood

Course V119 • Intermediate to Advanced • Ages 16+

Style and wire your own dawn redwood tree to take home under the guidance of Peter Chan. This workshop covers initial styling and wiring techniques with care instructions provided.

Instructors: Peter Chan & Badar Zulqarni (past president, PSBS)

🌱 Intro Workshop: Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper

Beginner • Ages 16+

Perfect for newcomers! Learn the basics of bonsai by styling and wiring your own dwarf Japanese garden juniper to take home. All skill levels welcome.

Instructors: Jim Beck & Nick DiBattista

🌳 Peter Chan Workshop: Cedar Elm

Course V122 • Intermediate to Advanced • Ages 16+

Style and wire your own cedar elm bonsai — yamadori specimens collected from an 800-acre Texas ranch, currently in 3-gallon nursery pots. Material selection by lottery drawing.

Instructors: Peter Chan & Jennifer Price

👧 Kids Workshop: Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (Section A)

Course V121-A • Beginner • Ages 8–16 (parent/guardian required)

Young bonsai enthusiasts learn the basics of the art of bonsai and style their own dwarf Japanese garden juniper tree to take home. All materials included.

Instructors: Jim Beck & Jason Davids

🌳 Peter Chan Workshop: Japanese Maple

Course V123 • Intermediate to Advanced • Ages 16+

Style and wire your own Japanese maple tree to take home. Initial styling and wiring with care instructions included. All bonsai materials and supplies provided.

Instructors: Peter Chan & Larry Magee (40 years bonsai experience)

🌱 Intro Workshop: Chinese Elm

Course V103 • Beginner • Ages 16+

Perfect for newcomers! Style and wire your own Chinese elm tree to take home. This beginner-friendly session covers the fundamentals of bonsai styling.

Instructors: Linda Camp (25+ years, co-owner BC Bonsai) & Jason Davids

🌳 Peter Chan Workshop: Bring Your Own Tree

Course V114 • Intermediate to Advanced • Ages 16+

Bring your own bonsai tree and receive personalized guidance from Peter Chan. A rare opportunity to work one-on-one with a world-renowned bonsai master on your own tree.

Instructors: Peter Chan & Badar Zulqarni (past president, PSBS)

👧 Kids Workshop: Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (Section B)

Course V121-B • Beginner • Ages 8–16 (parent/guardian required)

Same great kids’ program, different day! Young bonsai enthusiasts learn the basics and style their own dwarf Japanese garden juniper tree to take home.

Instructors: Doug Bradbury & Jason Davids

📋 Important Information

• Location: Thornhill Education Center, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL (Parking Lot P-21, West Side)
• What to bring: Your own bonsai tools if you have them — additional tools will be provided by the Prairie State Bonsai Society
• Materials: All bonsai materials and supplies are included in the workshop fee
• Member pricing: Morton Arboretum members receive discounted rates on all workshops
• Also happening: Destination Asia Festival — music, dance, food, and cultural activities across the Arboretum grounds

Workshops presented by the Prairie State Bonsai Society in partnership with The Morton Arboretum