Mendip Bonsai Studio was established in 1996 to further the development of education in the art and culture of bonsai in the UK.
The nursery was set up by John Trott in 1996 and is now well established in the UK, as being one of the leading educational services available to learn the art of bonsai. Instruction is given in all areas of bonsai culture through the workshops available. With a bonsai background going back to 1969, John’s teaching puts a large emphasis on the student learning important horticultural practices relevant to growing, styling, and maintaining bonsai in top class condition. His workshops attract people from all walks of life, and from both the UK and overseas. The workshops are held in the foothills of the Mendips, at his workshop in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Those travelling long distances might like to consider staying overnight with the chance to combine two courses, or enjoy a mini holiday for a few days, and take in the many other attractions in the locality. There are good establishments in the area offering very reasonably priced accommodation. Information can be supplied upon request or check out the accommodation page on this website.
John can also attend your club or society for talks and demonstrations, see the one to one and club visits page
Personal callers are welcome, but to avoid disappointment you must phone well in advance for an appointment.
Although bonsai workshops may have a subject species, other species can be worked upon on that date to suit people’s needs, and with this in mind, we offer open workshop dates for those preferring to see a range of species being worked upon.

Workshop fee includes tuition and bonsai material where stated. Duration is normally from 11.00am - 5.00pm.
Please contact me for stock availability/price from the huge selection available, or to discuss your workshop needs. With the introduction by DeFRA of importation restrictions on many species from the far east, there could be a shift to using more stock from the UK and Europe. With this in mind we offer many species (including indigenous species) which have been field grown over the past 25 years. Many of these resemble collected Yamadori trees due to constant pruning over the years.
Species are available as either: - young trees, garden trees, bonsai or workshop material, imported and nursery stock etc. some species are very limited in numbers, stock is changing all the time. I also stock a large range of pots, tools and compost etc.

BONSAI WORKSHOPS CLASSIFIED FOR BEGINNERS
Workshops in this category may have a subject species, other species can be worked upon on that date to accommodate people’s needs. In any of the beginners workshops we can also do a critique of your existing projects, or conduct diagnosis of sick trees.
BONSAI WORKSHOPS CLASSIFIED FOR ADVANCED
Workshops in this category may have a subject species, other species can be worked upon on that date to accommodate people’s needs. With this in mind, we offer open workshop dates for those preferring to see a range of species being worked upon.

Studio Location: Mendip Bonsai Studio, Byways, Backlane, Downside, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 4JR
We now take Credit and Debit Card payments for telephone bookings.
Call us now 01749-344274 to buy a Gift Voucher or make a workshop booking.

PLEASE NOTE: The Mendip Bonsai Nursery is not open to the general public, you need to call well in advance to make an appointment to visit..
Mendip Bonsai Studio has installed additional security systems, and there will also be a manned 24-hour surveillance presence at the nursery at all times.