Great Swamp Bonsai Society
New Jersey's Premier Bonsai Club Since 1976
Free monthly meetings in Roseland, NJ. Beginners welcome. Expert instruction, internationally acclaimed guest artists, and a 50-year community of bonsai enthusiasts.
Next Meeting
Jonas Dupuich Lecture & Demo
About the Club
The Great Swamp Bonsai Society was founded in 1976 and is named after the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Morris County, New Jersey. For its first several decades, the club met at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown - one of the region's most beloved horticultural landmarks. The club later relocated to its current home at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland, NJ, where it continues to grow.
Today, GSBS draws members from eight New Jersey counties and Eastern Pennsylvania, and stands as one of the longest-running bonsai clubs in the region. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, you'll find a welcoming community here.
Learn more about GSBS
Life at GSBS
Upcoming Events
Jonas Dupuich Workshop & Meeting
Afternoon hands-on workshop with master bonsai artist Jonas Dupuich ($50, BYOT). Evening lecture and live demo at 6:00 PM - free and open to all.
Annual Bonsai Show
Garibaldi Hall, 11 AM–3 PM. Dozens of stunning exhibits, live demonstrations, and expert advice. Free admission - open to the public.
Monthly Meeting - Air Layering
Learn air layering and propagation techniques to expand your bonsai collection. 6:00–9:00 PM at the Environmental Center.
What We Offer
GSBS is one of the few community bonsai clubs in the country with a formal Artist in Residence program, annual guest artist workshops, and a 50-year legacy of education and community.
Monthly Expert Instruction
Each meeting covers a different topic - from deadwood carving and air-layering to repotting workshops and group design critiques. Over 170 newsletters document hundreds of programs.
Artist in Residence
Renowned bonsai artist and two-time Emmy winner Sergio Cuan leads three meetings per year, working one-on-one with members.
Guest Artist Workshops
Over 35 internationally acclaimed guest artists from the US, UK, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Belgium, and beyond - hosted directly at GSBS for exclusive workshops and demonstrations.
Annual Bonsai Show
Every spring at Garibaldi Hall - dozens of stunning exhibits, live demos, and expert advice. Free and open to the public.
What Our Members Say
“I joined GSBS as a complete beginner with one juniper from a garden center. Five years later, I have a collection of 30 trees and have exhibited at MABS. The members here are incredibly generous with their knowledge and their time.”
GSBS Member
Member since 2019
Find Us
We meet at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland, NJ - easily accessible from I-280 and Route 80.
Address: 621-B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ 07068
From I-280: Exit 4A → Eisenhower Parkway South → first right at traffic light onto Eagle Rock Rd → half mile, ECEC on left.
Phone (venue): (973) 228-8776
Guests Welcome at Every Meeting
No bonsai experience required, and you don't need to own a tree to attend. Simply show up on any second Tuesday at 6:00 PM and introduce yourself.