To me bonsai has everything wonderful wrapped up together: nature, gardening, history, art, mystery, even spirituality. One speciman reflects years of purpose, of direction that shaped and committment by someone to care for this tree or shrub, to make little adjustments and keep it happy. I truly appreciate the art and love to look at bonsai. If you also like bonsai, then it is well worth it to see the bonsai collection at the Monastery Greenhouse located at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit off Highway 212 in Conyers, Georgia (www.bonsaimonk.com.) But if you want to try to train a bonsai yourself, there are a few classes scheduled that can help you get started:

Bonsai 101 begins at 10:00 am on February 25th at Smith Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw. The affordable $15 fee includes admission into the gardens. Call 770-919-0248 or visit www.smithgilbertgardens.com for more information. 

Beginning Bonsai also starts at 10:00 am, but a few weeks later, on March 17th, at Hills & Dales Estate in LaGrange. Each participant will plant and prune a small outdoor bonsai to take home, learn training techniques and get book suggestions. They ask you to bring small pruners if you have them. $35 per person includes garden admission. Pre-registration is required. To register e-mail info@hillsanddales.org or call 706-882-3242.