What Benefits Do American Bonsai Society Members Receive?

Updated

Membership in the American Bonsai Society (ABS) is primarily an educational and community benefit: you get the society's journal, a monthly email newsletter, access to care guides and articles on the website, and eligibility to take part in ABS programs such as learning seminars, awards, and competitions. It is aimed at people who want structured learning material and a connection to the wider U.S. bonsai community rather than at buyers looking for plant or tool discounts — the site's membership page is the place to confirm current options and cost.

Core member benefits

The society lists these benefits for members:

  • BONSAI: The Journal of the American Bonsai Society — the society's flagship publication, included with membership.
  • Monthly newsletter by email — ongoing news and updates delivered electronically.
  • Care guides and articles on the website — reference material for growing and maintaining trees.
  • Education materials — additional instructional resources provided through the society.

These four items are the concrete, recurring value of joining. If your goal is simply to read about bonsai, some of this overlaps with free website content; the journal and newsletter are the parts that come specifically with membership.

Programs and opportunities tied to membership

Beyond publications, ABS runs activities that give members reasons to stay involved:

Program What it is Who it's for
ABS Learning Seminars Multi-day learning event; the 2027 seminars are scheduled for March 11–14 in New Orleans Members wanting hands-on, in-person instruction
Joshua Roth / ABS New Talent Contest Competition open to anyone in North America involved with bonsai for fewer than 10 years Relative newcomers to the art
ABS Award of Merit Society recognition Members contributing to the bonsai community
John Naka award Society award Members active in the bonsai community
Bonsai club network Directory of clubs across the U.S. and Canada Anyone seeking local mentorship and meetings

The New Talent Contest's explicit ten-year threshold is worth noting: it is designed for people still early in their bonsai practice, so long-time growers should look at the seminars and awards instead.

Community and local connections

ABS maintains club directories for the United States and Canada, and the site frames clubs as a way to "help you on your bonsai journey." For most beginners, a local club is where hands-on help actually happens — repotting timing, wiring, and species-specific care in your climate. Membership in the national society complements that rather than replaces it. The site also points members toward finding a mentor.

How to decide whether to join

Join if you want the journal and newsletter as a steady stream of instruction, plan to attend seminars such as the 2027 New Orleans event, or qualify for the New Talent Contest. Skip it for now if you only need basic care information — the website's species and care resources and a local club may cover that. Current membership tiers and pricing are listed on the society's Membership Options page, and the site also offers a store, donations, and a login area for members.