Beginner Bonsai Workshops at Little Modern Market in Calgary: A Recap from YYC Plants & Delivery

YYC Plants & Delivery hosted three beginner bonsai workshops at Little Modern Market in Calgary on October 3, 2026.

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, YYC Plants & Delivery hosted three beginner bonsai workshops at Little Modern Market at the Red & White Club in Calgary, Alberta.

Dozens of curious plant lovers sat down at long shared tables, rolled up their sleeves and left with a miniature bonsai tree they had repotted, wired, trimmed and shaped themselves.

We are proud to have been part of the day, and we are grateful to the Little Modern Market team for inviting us to partner with them.

Here is a look back at what happened, what our guests learned and how you can join us at an upcoming workshop in Calgary and the surrounding area.

What Is Little Modern Market in Calgary?

Little Modern Market is a one day pop up market that brings together more than 110 local and shops under one roof. This October edition ran from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Red & White Club at McMahon Stadium, 1833 Crowchild Trail NW.

Entry was free with a donation, with the charity to be announced. The event also offered free parking, free face painting, a coffee bar, flash tattoos, giveaways and full stroller and wheelchair accessibility.

It is exactly the kind of event that makes Calgary's small business community special. Shoppers meet the makers behind the products, families spend the day together, and every visit supports local entrepreneurs and the community at the same time.

As a Calgary workshop and events company, we love being surrounded by that energy.

Beginner Bonsai Workshops at Little Modern Market in Calgary

Our bonsai sessions ran throughout the day, and our 2:30 PM session was one of the three. Each class was one hour long and designed for complete beginners. No experience, no special tools and no green thumb were required. Everything was set up and waiting on each seat. Beginner Bonsai Workshops at Little Modern Market in Calgary.

Each guest's station included a tray, a clear tub for working with soil and roots, a small shovel, wire, snips and a round bonsai pot. Shared tables held buckets of soil, bowls of grit and pebbles, and squeeze bottles for watering. When guests sat down, the room already looked like a tiny bonsai studio.

The workshop included:

• Instructor led guidance and take home care instructions

• One 3.5 inch plant, either Boxwood or Jade

• One round bonsai pot

• All soil, wire, tools and materials

  
  

What Our Guests Learned: Repotting, Wiring, Trimming and Shaping

A bonsai is a living piece of art, and the basics are easier to learn than most people expect. Here is how each session unfolded.

Step one: Gently removing the plant from its nursery pot. 

Guests carefully slid their Boxwood or Jade out of its container and looked at the root system for the first time. Many people are surprised by how much is going on below the soil line.

Step two: Teasing and trimming the roots. 

Using their fingers and a small tool, guests loosened the root ball and snipped away excess roots. This step helps the plant fit into a shallow bonsai pot and encourages healthy new growth.

Step three: Potting in a bonsai mix. 

Guests set the tree in its round pot, added soil and worked it around the roots with a chopstick so there were no air pockets. The shared bowls of grit and pebbles gave everyone a chance to talk through why drainage matters so much for bonsai.

Step four: Wiring and shaping. 

This is where the plant starts to feel like a bonsai. Guests learned how soft wire can guide a branch into a new position without damaging it, and how small changes create a more graceful silhouette.

Step five: Trimming for balance. 

With a pair of snips, guests removed stray growth and shaped the canopy. A few thoughtful cuts transformed a nursery plant into a miniature tree with real character.

By the end, tables that had been covered in soil and clippings were full of finished trees, and the group photo at the end of the session says it all. Big smiles, lots of pride and a bonsai in every pair of hands.

Why We Chose Boxwood and Jade

We offered two plant options because both are forgiving and beginner friendly.

Boxwood has small, glossy leaves and a dense habit, which makes it a classic choice for bonsai. It responds well to trimming and holds its shape nicely.

Jade is a succulent with thick, rounded leaves and a sturdy, tree like trunk over time. It stores water in its leaves, so it is a great fit for busy people who sometimes forget to water.

Both varieties suit smaller spaces like apartments, condos, desks and windowsills, which is why they work so well for a take home workshop.

Simple Bonsai Care Tips for Calgary Homes

Calgary's dry air and big seasonal swings can be tough on houseplants, so we sent every guest home with care instructions. Here are the essentials:

• Light: Place your bonsai near a bright window. Jade in particular loves strong light.

• Watering: Check the soil before you water. Water when the top layer feels dry rather than on a strict schedule, and make sure excess water can drain away. Jade needs less water than Boxwood.

• Trimming: Pinch or snip new growth regularly to keep your tree's shape.

• Wire check: If you wired a branch, check it every few weeks so it never cuts into the bark, and remove it once the branch holds its new position.

• Patience: Bonsai is a long game. Part of the joy is watching your tree change slowly over the seasons.

Why Markets Are a Perfect Home for Plant Workshops

Workshops at markets reach people in a different way. Shoppers who came for local food, gifts and art discovered that they could also spend an hour making something with their own hands. Friends and families booked together, and some guests were trying a plant workshop for the very first time.

That is the heart of what we do at YYC Plants & Delivery. Plants are a wonderful way to bring people together, and a workshop is one of the easiest ways to start.

Partnering with community events like Little Modern Market lets us meet Calgarians where they already are, and we deeply appreciate the team for making space for us and trusting us with their guests.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, to the organizers and volunteers who kept the day running smoothly, and to the fellow vendors who made the market feel like a true celebration of local business.

Join the Next YYC Plants & Delivery Workshop

We host public workshops throughout Calgary and the surrounding area, including bonsai, planting bars, floral bars and seasonal and kids workshops. Visit yycplantdelivery.com and check our Public Workshops page to see what is coming up next. Spots are limited, so book early.

Book a Private Plant Workshop or Event

Loved what you saw? We also host private events. Our team brings the plants, tools, materials and instruction to your location, whether you are planning a team building afternoon, a client appreciation event, a staff celebration, a birthday, a bridal shower or a get together with friends.

We can tailor the workshop to your group size, theme and budget. To start planning, visit yycplantdelivery.com and use our Contact Us page, or email info@yycplantdelivery.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Who hosted the bonsai workshops at Little Modern Market? 

YYC Plants & Delivery, a Calgary based workshop and events company, hosted three beginner bonsai workshops at Little Modern Market on October 3, 2026.

Where did the workshops take place? 

At the Red & White Club at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta, during the Little Modern Market event.

Do I need experience to join a bonsai workshop? 

No. Our bonsai workshops are made for beginners. An instructor guides you through every step, and all tools and materials are provided.

What do I take home? 

A miniature bonsai in a round bonsai pot, either Boxwood or Jade depending on availability, along with care instructions.

How long does a bonsai workshop take? 

The sessions at Little Modern Market were one hour long.

Can I get a refund if I cannot attend? 

Workshops are non refundable, but you can transfer your seat to another person for the same workshop. Contact us at info@yycplantdelivery.com before transferring.

Can I book a private bonsai or plant workshop for my team or event? 

Yes. We host private workshops and events for corporate groups, celebrations and community organizations across Calgary and the surrounding area.

Where can I find upcoming workshops? 

Visit yycplantdelivery.com and browse the Public Workshops page, or follow YYC Plants & Delivery on Instagram and Facebook for new dates.

Have a question that is not covered here? Send us a message and our team will be happy to help