Bonsai Clubs

I have had a number of people ask me if we have a local bonsai club in the area. I know some cities have these clubs, where bonsai lovers meet and discuss techniques and anything else of interest to them. The questions prompted me to investigate my local scene to see if we have a club here. Sure enough, we do.

It turns out there is an organization called ‘Bonsai Club International’ that keeps a record of bonsai clubs around the world.  After visiting their site, I can’t determine if it is a comprehensive list, a list of only Bonsai Club International members, or if is even up to date.  That would require a little research, so I’ll just assume that any worthwhile bonsai club is on the list.  My local site is there, plus another one in the state that I didn’t know about either.

How interesting that there is such a community out there of people sharing in their passion of bonsai.  I started out thinking I would pretty much be on my own, maybe with the help of a few books.  I suppose I was wrong – if I need help, there are more than enough sources for me to look to.  On that note, I have made it a point to attend a local club meeting and join if I see fit.

If there is anyone out there who has had experience with these clubs, positive or negative, let me know.  I’d like to get some idea of what they have to offer the casual bonsai lover like me and so many others out there.

Tags: Bonsai Clubs International, bonsai clubs, bonsai

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An Introduction to My Ficus Bonsai Site

My bonsai journey began just under two years ago.  It was Valentine’s Day and I wanted to buy my wife something special.  I was looking for something that would stick around longer than flowers – something that would be around for many years to come.  I decided to try a local cactus and exotic plants shop that had just opened, and lo and behold, I stumbled upon my first bonsai tree.

There were some amazing specimens in this shop, most of which were way beyond my skill level to maintain.  The salesman recommended that I buy a ficus retusa bonsai tree because they are forgiving trees and easy for beginners.  I picked one with some character, watched the salesman re-pot it for me, and I was off.

I had no idea at the time how addicting bonsai would become.  As I began to care for it, I grew more and more attached to it.  It’s got to the point where when I think of moving out of our current place, I can’t help but single out the houses that have southwest facing windows because I want plenty of sun for the little guy.  My wife rolls her eyes at this, but I just can’t help it.  I never thought I would become so concerned for dropping leaves, discoloration, and whatever else affects the ficus.  But I have to admit that it’s fun.

Time permitting of course, I would like to grow my hobby with many different kinds of trees in the years to come.  I really like natal plum bonsai trees, junipers, and others, but what I would really like to get for my next one is a Japanese maple.  Those are some of my favorites of all tree varieties.

So I think I’ll have fun with this blog.  I created it not because I am an expert, but because I would like to share what I learn.  I know what it’s like having to look for information online about bonsai, so I’m confident that many of you will find my informational posts useful.  I might make more of an effort to write about ficus bonsai, but I’ll write plenty about all the other type of bonsai trees that interest me too.  I hope you come back often and find something of use to you.

To success with your bonsai trees!

Tags:bonsai,ficus bonsai,bonsai tree,Japanese bonsai,juniper bonsai

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