How much does it cost to join the Bergen Bonsai Society?

Joining the Bergen Bonsai Society (BBS) costs $50 per year for an individual membership or $65 per year for a family membership, payable by cash or check. There is no online payment option listed, so plan to pay in person or by mail. Membership is open to everyone, from complete beginners to advanced bonsai artists, and dues cover a year of workshops, events, and community access.

Membership cost at a glance

The family rate is $15 more than the individual rate, so it only makes sense if more than one person in your household will participate. For a single hobbyist, the individual membership is the straightforward choice.

What the dues include

BBS describes itself as an association of individuals dedicated to promoting the artistry, horticultural knowledge, and appreciation of bonsai — Japanese for "tree in a container." Your dues support that mission and give you access to:

• Monthly workshops and events, generally held on the third Sunday of each month at the Teaneck Greenhouse
• Guest artist workshops with visiting bonsai artists
• Group exhibitions and sales, such as the New Jersey Bonsai Societies Exhibition & Sale
• A community forum for exchanging information and developing artistic skills

The society explicitly welcomes a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, "from the very beginner to the advanced artist."

A sample year of programming

To judge whether the dues are worth it, look at what a typical calendar includes. The 2026 schedule lists:

• February 8 — MABS Tree Selection @ Teaneck Greenhouse
• March 15 — Lacebark Elm Forest Workshop with Bob Hunter @ Teaneck Greenhouse
• April 17–19 — Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies @ Grantville, PA
• May 17 — Guest Artist Bob Mahler Workshop @ Teaneck Greenhouse
• June 24–29 — Longwood Gardens Bonsai Show @ Longwood Gardens
• July 19 — Guest Artist Bob Entrekin Workshop @ Teaneck Greenhouse
• August 16 — Picnic Potluck @ Teaneck Greenhouse
• September 20 — Guest Artist Bob Mahler Workshop @ Teaneck Greenhouse
• October 3–4 — New Jersey Bonsai Societies Exhibition & Sale @ Lincroft, NJ
• November 15 — Open Workshop & Annual Meeting @ Teaneck Greenhouse
• December 6 — Annual Holiday Luncheon

That is roughly one gathering per month, with several led by named guest artists. If you attend even a few workshops, the $50 individual rate works out to a modest cost per session.

Who should join

• Beginners who want structured, hands-on guidance rather than learning alone from videos or books
• Intermediate and advanced artists who want access to guest artist workshops and exhibition opportunities
• Families with more than one interested member, since the $65 family rate covers the household
• Local hobbyists in the New Jersey area who can realistically attend events at the Teaneck Greenhouse and nearby venues

If you live far from these locations or cannot attend weekday or weekend gatherings, the value of membership drops, since the main benefit is participation rather than any listed discount or publication.

Practical notes before you pay

• Bring cash or a check — no card or online payment method is mentioned.
• Check the current calendar before joining, since event dates and venues can shift. The society notes that holiday weekends may move events to the second Sunday.
• Contact the society directly to confirm the current dues and meeting details, as rates and schedules can change year to year.

At $50 individual or $65 family, the Bergen Bonsai Society is an inexpensive way to get regular instruction and connect with other growers — provided you can attend the events those dues support.