Guest Artist: Mark Arpag.

Morning Session: Larch as Bonsai & Two or Three Tree Design

10 am – 12:30 pm

In the morning session Mark (and David) will discuss larch as bonsai – with a presentation and demonstration. This species is popular among members because it is hearty to our region, can be wild collected and are generally really fun trees to work with. Mark will also talk about the two and three tree design. The two-tree design often called a mother daughter (or parent/child) is a style where two trunks—one distinctly larger/taller and one smaller—grow from a single root base, either splitting immediately at the soil or a few inches above. It is designed to represent a parent and child, or a pair in nature, growing together in harmony.  

The three tree or multiple-trunk bonsai design represent a single tree with several distinct trunks arising from a common root base, designed to mimic the natural appearance of a small clump of trees or a single tree that has developed multiple stems due to damage, age, or suckering. These styles, clump style or twin trunk, are aimed at creating a harmonious, balanced, and mature appearance.

Afternoon Session: Larch Group Planting Workshop

1 pm – 4 pm

In the afternoon we will be conducting a workshop using wild collected larch as material. This material was collected by board member Tom Hartswick in the northeast Kingdom and was collected in the spring of 2025 and field planted through that season. They will be freshly dug for the workshop. These would be designed in either a two or three group planting depending on availability and your interests. The workshop fee will include training pot, soil and expert instruction by Mark, with David assisting. We ask that you bring aluminum wire if you have it and your tools, again if you have them.

Costs for the workshop will be $50, payable at the event. This workshop is for dues paid members only so if you haven’t paid your dues here’s a good motivation to do so. Because the number of trees is limited and we want Mark to be able to pay attention to each of the participants and the number of students will be capped.

To sign up for this workshop please contact gmbs.vermont@gmail.com as soon as possible. We’re certain this will sell out. If we have more than the cap, we will start a waiting list for any late cancellations.

Note: Please enter through the retail store. At the rear of the store is a door that leads to a staircase to the second floor meeting space. There is an elevator at the rear of the building. There is plenty of parking. Gardener’s only asks that we do not park directly in front of the store. Generally there will be a member at the front entrance to guide people. Gardener’s Supply is a 100% smoke free property so please make sure you leave Gardener’s property (that includes the parking lot) for a smoke break.