Monthly Bonsai Meetings
Free, open to the public, and always welcoming to newcomers.
When We Meet
2nd Tuesday of Every Month
January through November. No December meeting.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Doors open at 6:00. Informal discussion from 6:00 to 6:30. Formal program begins at 6:30.
Essex County Environmental Center
621-B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ 07068
Main Center Classroom
Free & Open to All
Adults and children ages 12+. No cost, no commitment. Guests always welcome.
At a Glance
What to Expect
Every meeting follows a relaxed, two-part format designed for both socializing and learning.
Informal Discussion
6:00 – 6:30 PM
Arrive early and mingle with fellow members. Bring a tree you're working on, ask questions, share progress, and get casual advice. This is a great time for newcomers to introduce themselves and get comfortable.
Formal Program
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Each meeting features a different topic with expert instruction. Programs range from hands-on workshops (air-layering, repotting, deadwood carving) to guest artist demonstrations to group critiques and “bring your own tree” sessions. Three meetings per year feature our Artist in Residence, Sergio Cuan. Demo trees are often raffled to attendees at the meeting's conclusion.
Topics We Cover
Recent Meeting Highlights
A sampling from our archives showing the range and depth of GSBS programming over the years.
Deadwood Creation (Jin & Shari)
Hands-on workshop learning to create and maintain deadwood features on bonsai
Night of the Six Junipers
Members formed teams to style six junipers - a collaborative design learning experience
Wild-Collected Bonsai: Finding the Design
Lecture and demo on styling yamadori (field-collected) material into refined bonsai
Approach Grafts & Phoenix Grafts
Advanced grafting techniques demonstrated by experienced club members
Kusamoto (Accent Plants)
Martin Schmalenberg on selecting, caring for, and displaying small accent plants with bonsai - raw examples created and raffled
Fertilizer Cake Making Workshop
Members mixed their own organic fertilizer cakes - a practical take-home skill
Initial Design from Raw Material
Fred Aufschlager led a workshop on transforming nursery stock into bonsai
Bonsai Pottery Discussion
Fred Aufschlager exploring how the right container elevates a tree into art
MABS Tree Selection (Penny Vote)
Annual tradition of selecting club trees for the Mid-Atlantic Spring Festival
European vs. Japanese Bonsai Design
Walter Pall (Germany) critiqued member trees and discussed European innovation against classical Japanese tradition - a thought-provoking comparison
Overwintering Your Trees
Andy Walsh presented a PowerPoint covering how trees prepare for winter based on day length and hormonal changes - a must-attend for newer members
Tropical Bonsai Styling
George LeBolt of Bergen Bonsai demonstrated on a Ficus, covering technique differences between tropical and temperate species
Shohin from Juniper
Guest artist Ted Matson - trained under Ben Suzuki, Roy Nagatoshi, and John Naka - demonstrated creating a miniature Shohin-size tree from a Juniper
Bonsai Display - Stands, Tokonoma & Accents
Sean Smith covered bonsai display fundamentals: stands, Tokonoma setup, daiza (wood bases for suiseki), accent plants, and shoji screens
Guy Wires - Alternatives to Branch Wiring
Discussion of how guy wires and other non-traditional methods can be used to position branches without conventional wire
Horst Krekeler European Styling
Krekeler (Germany) emphasized the tree's natural characteristics over classical Japanese form - afternoon workshop followed by evening demo with raffled tree
Heavy Branch Bending with Iron Rebar
Hirojoshi Yamaji (Japan) transformed a Shimpaku Juniper 'beyond all recognition' and demonstrated bending large-diameter branches on Pitch Pine using rebar
Wild Collecting from New England
David Knittle (Vermont) presented collected Red Spruce, Larch, and Balsam Fir from power line cuts and state lands - with tips on permits and transport
Jim Gavigan - Grafting Clinic
Member-led grafting demonstration covering technique, timing, and species selection - showing GSBS's deep bench of internal teaching talent
Roy Nagatoshi - San Jose Juniper Demo
California master Roy Nagatoshi (President of CA Bonsai Society, known for work on the Karate Kid films) styled a San Jose Juniper - afternoon workshop preceded the meeting
Annual Club Traditions
Beyond the monthly program, GSBS has built a set of beloved annual traditions over its 50-year history.
Winter Auction
Each January, members donate bonsai, pots, tools, books, and magazines for a lively auction. Members set minimum bids; the club takes a small percentage of proceeds to fund programs. A beloved tradition for scoring deals and passing along treasures.
MABS Tree Selection Vote
Each spring, members vote (by penny vote) to select three trees to represent GSBS at the Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies Spring Festival. Trees are judged alongside exhibits from 11 clubs across the region.
Summer Picnic
In July or August, GSBS gathers at a member's home for an informal summer picnic. These outdoor gatherings are a chance to tour members' garden collections, share a meal, and enjoy bonsai in a relaxed setting.
Members' Sales Table
Members can bring bonsai-related items to sell at any meeting - trees, pots, tools, books, or magazines. It's a non-commercial way for enthusiasts to pass along items to fellow members at fair prices.
Wire Recycling Drive
Members save used copper bonsai wire clippings throughout the year, cut to 3-6 inch lengths. Periodically, the club collects and sells the scrap copper - proceeds go toward dues support and club operations.
Collecting Trips
The club has organized yamadori collecting expeditions to Nova Scotia, Maine, and local NJ sites - including a partnership with the Morris County Park Commission to harvest invasive honeysuckle from Kay Environmental Center, Chester, NJ.
First Time?
Come as you are. No bonsai experience is 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. You're welcome to attend as our guest as many times as you like before deciding to become a member. Meetings are free and open to adults and children ages 12 and up.
Have a Question? Contact UsLocation & Directions
Address
Essex County Environmental Center
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. Approximately 15 minutes from Morristown.
Venue Phone
What to Bring
There's no required equipment - just bring yourself. But if you have any of the following, feel free to bring them along:
Your Trees
Bring trees for display, discussion, and collaborative problem-solving.
Your Tools
Bonsai shears, wire cutters, or any tools you use - there's often hands-on work.
Pots & Containers
Bring pots if you're considering repotting or want advice on tree-to-pot matching.
See You on Tuesday
Our next meeting is always just around the corner. Check the full schedule or reach out with any questions.