What Events and Workshops Does the Bergen Bonsai Society Have Scheduled?

Updated

The Bergen Bonsai Society (BBS) publishes a yearly calendar of workshops and events, most of which are held on the third Sunday of each month at the Teaneck Greenhouse. The 2026 schedule includes guest artist workshops, a picnic, an annual meeting, a holiday luncheon, and several larger regional shows and sales. Below is the full calendar as listed by the society, followed by notes on what each type of event involves.

2026 Calendar of Workshops & Events

Date Event Location
February 8 MABS Tree Selection Teaneck Greenhouse
March 15 Lacebark Elm Forest Workshop – 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 —

The society notes that holiday weekends are moved to the second Sunday.

Monthly Workshops at Teaneck Greenhouse

Most of the calendar is built around the third-Sunday workshop at the Teaneck Greenhouse. These sessions are the core of the society's hands-on programming and include:

  • Guest artist workshops — led by visiting artists Bob Hunter (March), Bob Mahler (May and September), and Bob Entrekin (July). These are typically technique-focused sessions where members work on trees under an experienced artist's guidance.
  • Theme workshops — such as the March 15 Lacebark Elm Forest Workshop, which centers on a specific species and planting style.
  • Open Workshop & Annual Meeting (November 15) — combines a working session with the society's yearly business meeting.
  • Picnic Potluck (August 16) — a social gathering rather than a structured workshop.

Regional Shows and Special Events

Beyond the monthly meetings, BBS participates in or hosts several larger events:

  • Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies (April 17–19, Grantville, PA) — a multi-day regional gathering of bonsai societies.
  • Longwood Gardens Bonsai Show (June 24–29) — a bonsai exhibition held at Longwood Gardens.
  • New Jersey Bonsai Societies Exhibition & Sale (October 3–4, Lincroft, NJ) — an exhibition and sale event, also listed as the society's upcoming event.
  • Annual Holiday Luncheon (December 6) — a year-end social event.

Who Can Attend

The Bergen Bonsai Society describes itself as open to all experience levels, from complete beginners to advanced artists, and welcomes a diverse membership across ages and backgrounds. Annual dues are listed as $50 for an individual and $65 for a family, payable by cash or check. The calendar does not specify separate pricing or attendance rules for individual events, so members and prospective members should confirm details with the society directly.