Have pics to share? All photos are used with permission of the captured person or tree owner.

PICTURE ALBUM

The best way to describe the attitude and spirit of our club doesn't always involve words. As a visual art, the satisfaction and joy of bonsai come from seeing a new bud on a grafted branch, or removing wire to find that a limb had set more perfectly than you had hoped, or following the gorgeous changing of color on the leaves of a deciduous tree in fall.

Most importantly, however, bonsai is an art of maintaining healthy, beautiful plants year after year, and celebrating this beauty by presenting it in a pot that emphasizes its strengths. The marriage of the two is a sight to behold, and one that we are hoping to share.

The Process

We seek to recreate in bonsai the beauty of the full-scale plant in a miniature that can be enjoyed as a house plant. In order to do so, we seek inspiration from the outdoors. BSGH offers events to promote these inspirations, whether it be a trip to view mid-scale Japanese gardens, or creating and maintaining our own outdoor display at Elizabeth Park. The pictures from these club OUTINGS are shared here.

Once an idea takes hold, the next step is to understand the species you have selected to work with. The key to bonsai of any longevity is working with the tree, and not against it. We can only impose our will so far, but at the other extreme, we need to remember that this potted miniature may not live long without our intervention and care. To help understand the unique nature of bonsai, BSGH hosts workshops and demonstrations by renowned bonsai artists. DEMONSTRATIONS are captured here.

Finally, through this site we get to share our trees, whether they be refined, or 'bonsai in training.' A sampling of our members' talents with TREES are displayed here.