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 >>

2025 Membership Price Increase

Dear MBS Members,

The Board of Directors for the Minnesota Bonsai Society has voted to raise annual membership dues to $50 per year starting January 1st, 2025. This increase is the first in over a decade.

For the past ten years, the Board has been able to absorb rising costs with careful budgeting coupled with strong public support for our offerings. Your Society is currently in a good financial position but is facing price increases in 2025 of 20-40% in some instances.

$10 represents an increase that is 8% less than the cumulative price increase from 2014-2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index¹. The Board feels this level of membership still delivers a great value based on the benefits and opportunities your Society provides throughout the year.

If you haven’t already renewed your membership for 2024, you still have until the end of December to do so at the current $40 rate. New and returning members may log into your account to pay your dues today. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions.

Steve Holzgraefe,
Treasurer on behalf of the Minnesota Bonsai Society Board of Directors

¹https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/2014?amount=40

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 $95 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 here >>

FACEBOOK GROUP

HAVE BONSAI QUESTIONS?
Please join our private Facebook group. This group fosters information exchange and community for members of the Minnesota Bonsai Society (current membership required). All are invited to post pictures of their bonsai and bonsai-related items, questions and answers to questions. Join Here >>