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EnglishWhat Is the Bergen Bonsai Society?
Updated
The Bergen Bonsai Society (BBS) is a membership association dedicated to promoting the artistry, horticultural knowledge, and appreciation of bonsai — Japanese for "tree in a container." It serves both its members and the wider community by encouraging communication and education, and by providing a forum where people can develop the artistic skills and knowledge behind the practice. Membership spans a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, from complete beginners to advanced artists, and the organization states that everyone is welcome.
What the Society Does
BBS describes its mission around three connected goals:
- Promoting bonsai artistry — developing the artistic skills needed to shape and style trees.
- Building horticultural knowledge — understanding how to keep trees healthy in containers.
- Encouraging appreciation and education — creating opportunities for members and the public to learn and exchange information.
The society frames these goals as a shared forum: a place where the diverse membership can exchange valuable information and help one another progress in the art.
Who Joins
According to the society, its members come from a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. That range — from the very beginner to the advanced artist — is presented as a core part of what makes the group useful, since it creates opportunities for information exchange across skill levels.
Cost to Join
Annual dues are listed as:
| Membership type | Annual dues | Payment methods |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $50 | Cash or check |
| Family | $65 | Cash or check |
Events and Workshops
BBS runs a calendar of workshops and events, generally on the third Sunday of each month, with some exceptions. The published 2026 schedule includes:
| 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 site notes that holiday weekends are moved to the second Sunday.
Where to Find More
The Bergen Bonsai Society website (bergenbonsai.com) is the source for the current event listing and dues information. Because schedules and details can change, check the site directly before planning to attend a specific workshop or event.