A Bonsai Master Hosts Workshop at HAECC

On Wednesday, March 2nd, the Horticultural Department of the Huntingdon Adult Education and Community Centre (HAECC) hosted a guest from the Montreal Botanical Gardens, Sylvie Chicoine. A Bonsai expert, Chicoine is one of four masters residing in Quebec.

Inspired by an inquisitive student, horticultural program coordinator Denise Chavez reached out to Chicoine to see if she would be willing to give a workshop. Not only did Chicoine agree, she also brought 30 trees from her own collection of nearly 200 Bonsai for students to observe. While space was limited, Chavez, who has headed up the horticulture program for the past five years, was able to offer the workshop on behalf of HAECC.

The only female Bonsai expert in Quebec, Chicoine’s field is a male-dominated one. In Japan, Bonsai masters are traditionally men—women are not allowed to tend to the trees—they may only water the plants and sweep the floors around them. Originally from Gaspé, Chicoine has worked with the tiny trees for 23 years, naming American Bonsai Master Nick Lenz as one of her mentors.

The Japanese term Bonsai, which translates to “tree in a pot”, is an ancient art form that can take years upon years to master. The art, which involves taking any tree and reducing it to 12 inches, preserves every aspect of the tree, including the production of fruit. The only difference is the tree’s size, which must be maintained very carefully, being repotted once a year. Considered to be intergenerational in Japan, Bonsai trees are often passed down through families. “It’s incredible,’ said Chavez. ‘The trees are exactly the same, only tiny. They age just like a normal tree without growing taller. The mini cherry tree she brought was especially beautiful, as it was in bloom.” At the end of the day, Chicoine graciously offered up one of her trees in a raffle to the students.

Based in Huntingdon, HAECC’s horticulture program provides specialized training in preparation for work in garden centres, golf courses, landscaping companies or public works. The ten-month program addresses many concerns that are coming to the forefront in our society, especially those surrounding environmental issues, food production and the preservation of nature.