I met Boon Manakitivipart at Brussels Bonsai Rendezvous many years ago.  We talked about his Bonsai Intensive series and where one should start.  He indicated that winter/repotting was the place he suggested everyone start.

Due to timing, and the fact that repotting didn't sound very exciting, I started the Bonsai Intensive series in June of 2005.  There were 5 of us in my first class, 2 graduating women and 3 completely new attendees, myself included.  We worked on japanese Black Pine, Satsuki Azaleas, and an assortment of junipers.  It was an incredibly powerful experience, and I made it back to the hotel each night exhausted.

My second Bonsai Intensive session was in Fall.  There were again 5 attendees and the work was equally exciting.  We worked on wiring and Fall cleanup mostly.  I didn't feel I learned quite as much as the June/Summer workshop, but it was well worth the experience.  I remembered not being quite so exhausted at the end of each day.

The 3rd Bonsai Intensive that I made it to was in January, Winter in the Bay Area.  This session primarily focused on repotting.  Let me say, Boon was right in his assessment that this is where one should start the Bonsai Intensive series.  I learned so much about plant health and proper repotting techniques.  It is with healthy trees that one can do the most work.  And, I have never been as exhausted than after 3 days of continuous repotting.

My father passed away somewhere after that, and I took some time off from bonsai.  I had planned to complete the 3 year Bonsai Intensive program straight through, but just couldn't manage it at that time.  I went back to Boon's a year and a half later to resume my training.  Boon assured me that it wasn't necessary to go straight through, and that he had people make their own path.

At the end of this month I will be attending my 8th Bonsai Intensive program with Boon.

My reason for starting the Bonsai Study Group was to share the knowledge and experience with others in the area.  Boon has shared so much knowledge with me that I want to share with others.  It is my firm belief that we can grow bonsai with a community of knowledge, instead of let it sit stagnant while people work in solitary.