2026 CAPS Wabi Kusa Workshop
Hosted by the Chicago Aquatic Plant Society
📅 Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
📍 Location: Friendship Park Conservatory
Join the Chicago Aquatic Plant Society (CAPS) for a hands-on Wabi Kusa Workshop, where you’ll learn how to craft your very own Wabi Kusa—a stunning, self-sustaining aquatic plant arrangement inspired by Japanese nature design.
What is Wabi Kusa?
Wabi Kusa is a unique aquascaping technique that involves growing aquatic plants in a specialized substrate ball, allowing them to thrive both above and below the waterline. It creates a beautiful, low-maintenance living artwork that can be displayed in a shallow dish or aquarium, bringing a touch of natural elegance to any space.
What to Expect at the Workshop:
🌱 Hands-on instruction from CAPS experts. CAPS has been teaching this class for almost 10 years so learn from us on how to do it right!
🌱 Step-by-step guidance on shaping a substrate ball, selecting the right plants, and arranging them for optimal growth.
🌱 Tips on long-term care and maintenance for a thriving Wabi Kusa at home.
🌱 All materials provided, including substrate and live aquatic plants. You can bring your own dish for display if you have one.
🎟 Admission:
✅ Free for paid CAPS members.
✅ Each paid member may bring one guest at no charge.
✅ Space is limited—reserve your tickets today! Invitations have been sent out to all paid members via email!
🔔 RSVP Required:
Every attendee, including spouses and children, must have a ticket. If bringing a guest, please request two tickets.
Don't miss this opportunity to craft your own Wabi Kusa masterpiece and bring a piece of nature into your home. We can't wait to see you there! 🌿✨
🎉 New This Year: Wabi Kusa Raffle!
We’ll be holding a raffle for a UNS paludarium setup created using Wabi Kusa!
This unique gallery-style display was designed by Bilal Mohammed, long-time CAPS member and competitive aquascaper. The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the workshop.
Huge thanks to Florida Aquatic Nurseries, and Ultum Nature Systems for sponsoring this raffle!
Stay tuned