Bonsai Online Course
| Full Fee | $595.00 incl GST - Best Value! |
| Payment Plan | $800.00 incl GST |
Exam Optional
Tutor Support Yes unlimited by email
Qualification Certificate
Learn the ancient art of Bonsai by distance learning. Join the many who have learnt the ancient oriental art of bonsai through this practical and comprehensive course.
Students learn about the history of bonsai, styles, suitable plants, how to create and maintain bonsia and more in this online 100 hr self paced course.
Suitable for anyone with an interest or passion for Bonsai
Course Aims:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the plant kingdom, an understanding of the taxonomic hierarchy, and an appreciation of the types of plants suitable for bonsai.
- Explain the methods of propagation used in bonsai.
- Select species of plants most suited to bonsai.
- Describe a range of bonsai styles and techniques used to achieve them.
- Demonstrate the process of creating bonsai.
- Explain the basics of successful bonsai culture.
- Discuss landscape design principles to better create bonsai landscapes.
- Carry out research into a particular aspect of bonsai.
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Detailed Course Outline
This course is made up of a number of lessons or units. Each of these has self assessment questions, a set task (practical homework) and an assignment which you can upload online. Click below to read about each of the lessons and what you will learn.
There are 8 Lessons in this course:
Introduction
- Plant Taxonomy Botanical/Horticultural Nomenclature, The Binomial System, Botanical Classification, Plant Families and Species, Hybrids, Varieties and Cultivars
- Pronunciation of Plant Names
- Groups of Plants
- Resources reference books, organisations, magazines and journals, nurseries, bonsai shops, seed suppliers and the internet.
Propagation
- Introduction
- Methods of Propagating Plants sexual propagation, asexual propagation
- Seed Propagation collecting seed, storing seed and sowing seed
- Cutting Propagation stem cuttings, hardwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, leaf cuttings, leaf bud cuttings, root cuttings, factors affecting rooting of cuttings, striking cuttings, after care.
- Propagating Mixes and potting mixes
- Other Propagation Methods layering, air layering and grafting.
Plants for Bonsai
- Introduction
- History of Bonsai
- Types of plants suited for use as Bonsai sourcing Bonsai material
- Some plant choices
Bonsai Styles and Techniques
- Classification of styles of Bonsai eg. formal upright, informal upright, slanting or leaning, semi cascade, cascade
- Other styles of classification eg. sakei
- Japanese classification
- Bonsai Techniques
- Bonsai Containers preparing the container
- Wire wiring a bonsai
- Pruning/
- Tools needed for Bonsai work pruning tools, potting tools and wiring tools
Creating Bonsai
- Principles of Design roots, trunk and branches.
- Evaluating the Bonsai and assessing additional features
- Pruning and shaping the bonsai plant prune and grow techniques
- Wiring wiring techniques and grooming
- Branch Patterns in Bonsai jins, shari and driftwood
- Root Evaluation in the Initial Stages of Bonsai potting the Bonsai, rock planting, clasped to rock design and root over rock.
Bonsai Culture and Maintenance
- Soils Soil composition, colloids, structure, texture, chemical properties, improving soils, improving texture, improving structure, improving fertility.
- Soil for potted bonsai principle components
- Particle characteristics particle size, sorting, particle shape, particle surface texture
- Growing Medium Mixture functions of a growing medium, properties of a growing medium, drainage, water retention and colour and appearance.
- The Nutrient Elements macronutrients and micronutrients
- Common Pest Problems on Bonsai eg. aphids, borers, caterpillars, scale and thrips.
- Common Fungal Diseases of Plants eg. Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew and Rust
- Watering and Fertilising Bonsai symptoms of water deficiency, symptoms of excess water and fertilising.
- Repotting and Root Pruning the Bonsai
- Maintenance Pruning for Bonsai removing dead/diseased wood, controlling the type of growth, controlling shape and size, rejuvenating, leaf cutting, basic rules of pruning, points to consider when pruning.
- Placing the Bonsai
Landscaping Principles for Bonsai
- Principles of Landscape Design Unity, Balance, Proportion, Harmony, Contrast and Rhythm
- Qualities of Landscape Components line, form, mass, space, texture, colour and tone
- Creating Landscape Effects
- Landscape Applications for Using Bonsai group plantings, ssaikei, bonseki, bonkei, miniature gardens, rock gardens, water gardens.
- Bonsai in Tubs and Landscape Features
Problem-based Learning
- Research a particular aspect of bonsai of interest.
When you have completed the lessons of your Certificate course, you will be given the option of taking the optional exam. It's okay if you don't want the exam, we still issue your Careerline Certificate. For Advanced Certificates however, the exam is compulsory (per module) and are included in the course fee.
Course Tutor(s)
Barbara Tremain BSc. (Hons) Horticulture, RHS Adv. Cert,. RHS General, City & Guilds Garden Design, Permaculture Level 3 (UK)
Barbara brings to Careerline a wide range of horticultural experience and knowledge Barbara has a keen interest in herbalism, edible wild plants and has lead into studies of many plant based complementary medicinal systems, qualification as a Bach Flower remedy practitioner and studying Ethnobotany. Barbara has practiced and studied horticulture as well as combining it with her love of travel in many countries including the UK, US and Australia and has also studied Permaculture and runs her own horticulture business. Within the past two years she have also worked for Groundwork SW with 18-24 year old unemployed people, this work and the mentoring scheme has allowed me to teach informally. It has been a delight to nurture the interests of keen learners in horticulture and garden design. Meanwhile the business has covered a variety of Garden Design projects, from wildflower gardens to seaside situations, and has included some work with Chelsea Gold multi-winner John Moreland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay in installments?
Yes! We offer great payment plans, however full payment up front is the cheapest. You can choose the best payment plan for you from the course page, or call us on 07 55368782 to talk to one of our course consultants for a custom plan.
Can I study from anywhere in the world?
We have many international students. Careerline's range of courses are suitable for any one, anywhere in the world.
Do I get a discount if I enroll in a second course?
Yes. You may claim a 5% fee discount when you enroll in a second course, and a further 10% off a three-course package.
Do I have to sit an Exam?
No. If you are enrolled in a Certificate course (100hrs), the exam is optional. You will be issued with a certificate which proves that you are competent in all units, if you choose not to sit the exam.
Do you have set start dates?
There are no set start dates, you may start at any time. Our courses are all self-paced. As our home page says, ‘Courses for Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime’. ‘Anytime’ includes the start time of your choice. However, we do encourage our students to submit assignments on a regular basis. Wherever possible, we suggest developing a study routine.