Founded in 1971

The Minnesota Bonsai Society was founded
to create and inspire participation and appreciation in the art of bonsai

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai (盆栽, “plant tray”)  is a Japanese art form using trees grown in containers. Similar practices exist in other cultures, including the Chinese tradition of penzai or penjing from which the art originated, and the miniature living landscapes of Vietnamese hòn non bộ. The Japanese tradition dates back over a thousand years.

All sorts of trees and shrubs are used as bonsai. In essence, any plant that can be grown in a small container can be cultivated as a bonsai. The most popular varieties are pines; maples, whose leaves change their color in autumn; flowering trees, like the cherry and plum; and fruit-bearing trees, like the quince and persimmon. Few of the traditional bonsai species can survive inside a typical house, due to the usually dry indoor climate. In countries other than Japan, varieties that are best suited to the local climate are used. The trees can grow as tall as a meter (three feet), or be small enough to be fit in one’s palm. Read More >>

BECOME A MEMBER!
Memberships includes full access to our website, DVD’s, library, meetings and eligibility to attend all master workshops and events. A one year membership is just $40.00.
Become a member today!

NEW TO BONSAI?

$95 BEGINNER WORKSHOPS
If you’re new to bonsai, the beginners workshops are a great way to get started. Each participant will receive a pre-bonsai tree, a suitable pot with soil, and an intensive workshop designed to give you the basic skills needed to create and care for your own bonsai.  Register here >>

NEED SUPPLIES?

LIST OF ONLINE AND LOCAL RESOURCES
Looking for pots? Wire-cutters? Need to winter your tree? Finding supplies in a store can be a challenge in Minnesota. Some supplies can be purchased at the auctions, general meetings and bonsai basics. We have compiled a list of online vendors you can purchase from. View List >>

GIFT CERTIFICATES

WORKSHOP OR MEMBERSHIP GIFT CARDS
The $85 workshop gift card provides the participant with a pre-bonsai tree, a suitable pot with soil, and an intensive one-day workshop. Looking for $40 Membership gift card only? We have those too!
Purchase one here >>

FACEBOOK GROUP

HAVE BONSAI QUESTIONS?
Please join our member only Facebook group. This group is intended to foster information exchange and community for members of the Minnesota Bonsai Society. All are invited to post pictures of their bonsai and bonsai-related items, questions and answers to questions. Click to Join group here >>