Are you into plants but have a deep desire to see them freed from the confines of a pot? Are you more of a natural beauty enjoyer than a curated-attempt-to-mimic-nature kind of person? Does the idea of hanging moss balls around your house put you in a good mood? If you answered yes to these, or even just one of them, our Kokedama Workshop is where you want to be.

Literally translating from Japanese to "moss ball" (not a very inventive name, but these are cool enough to forgive that), these green orbs are a method of growing plants in a ball of soil wrapped in moss instead of a traditional pot. Rather than hiding half the plant inside a container, kokedama wraps the roots and soil in a moss ball that eventually becomes part of the living display, blurring the line between container and plant.

Kokedama first took root (get it?) in Japan during the Edo period as an offshoot of bonsai. Instead of a traditional ceramic pot, the plant’s roots are tucked into a hand-shaped ball of specialized soil and wrapped in living moss, turning the plant itself into the centerpiece.

In Japanese culture, there is an aesthetic and philosophy called wabi-sabi that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. This is definitely a philosophy we can get behind. Maybe a little too much, but that’s beside the point. Kokedama fits nicely into wabi-sabi, and so does the life of the writer of this little blurb.

If you’re into imperfection, silver-lining Japanese philosophy, and hanging leafy spheres around your house, you’re gonna love this one.

About the class:

During this hands-on, two-hour workshop, we'll dive into the history of kokedama and the ideas that helped shape it, including wabi-sabi and ma, the art of making space just as important as the objects around it.

You'll get to choose from a variety of plants based on where your future moss ball is going to live. We've got options for low, medium, and bright indirect light, including favorites like ferns, pothos, and pilea. You'll walk away with something you not only dig, but that will also work well in your space.

We'll walk through the entire process together, from cleaning up the roots and building the soil ball to wrapping it in living moss and tying everything together with twine. By the end of class, you'll head home with your very own kokedama, ready to sit on a windowsill or hang from the ceiling directly above your bed. We’re not judging.

What you'll learn:

• The history of kokedama and how it grew out of Japan's bonsai tradition.
• The basics of wabi-sabi and why kokedama fits right in.
• How to choose the right plant for your space and lighting.
• How to build, wrap, and tie a kokedama from start to finish.
• Watering, maintenance, and care so your leafy sphere keeps thriving.

Important Details:

Classes will be held at 766 Valencia St., San Francisco.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the class to receive store credit, redeemable for merchandise or future classes.
Pre-registration is required, as materials must be prepared for each student and space is very limited. Please arrive promptly at the start time. Students are encouraged to bring lunch or snacks.