MADISON – An ancient art form of design will be the topic for the “All About Bonsai” workshop, a presentation of Master Gardeners of North Alabama.

“Bonsai is an artistic hobby of growing small trees in containers. It has been around for over 1,000 years and said to help alleviate stress,” Master Gardener spokesperson Nareatha Studdard said.

Reducing stress can improve both your physical and psychological health. Relieve your stress. Tune into your inner peace. Come work with nature and explore the art of the bonsai, Studdard said.

The workshop will be held on March 21 at Alabama A&M University’s Agribition Center, 4925 Moores Mill Road in Huntsville. The event will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

Workshop participants can learn the best methods for growing bonsai, different styles of bonsai and the best varieties of specific plants that are suitable to use with bonsai. Master Gardeners at the workshop will give a demonstration on the ‘grooming’ and care for bonsai plants.

“A live demonstration will show you how to take a nursery plant and style it as a bonsai,” Studdard said.

Allyson Shabel will be special guest speaker. She earned a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture at Mississippi State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in plant and soil sciences at Alabama A&M University.

Shabel worked at Huntsville Botanical Garden for 10 years as a horticulture specialist. Since 2014, she has been with Alabama Cooperative Extension System as a regional agent for home grounds and natural resource management in Morgan and Lawrence counties.

While the workshop is free, seating is limited. To register, visit mginfo.org/workshop.

The gardeners are presenting the workshop in support of Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Master Gardeners of North Alabama, Incorporated is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit corporation. For more information about the group, visit mginfo.org