minnesota bonsai SOCIETY

Founded in 1971

The Minnesota Bonsai Society (MBS) is an all-volunteer organization, and member participation is what has made us one of the biggest and best clubs in the country. MBS was founded in 1971 to inspire participation and appreciation in the art of bonsai.

Membership

A one-year membership is $50 for up to two members of the same household.
Membership includes access to all MBS functions and activities.

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Educational Opportunities

Our mission is the promotion and delivery of bonsai education, outreach, and programming for all skill levels, from novice to expert.

Workshops
Mentorship
Tree Care
Community

Beginner Workshops

Novice Workshops are how most of us got started. These 1-day workshops are taught by club members and are open to the public. The cost is $95.00 and includes a tree, pot, supplies, and classroom instruction.
Open to the public.

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Bonsai Concepts

Free entry level classes for members are held monthly, February through November. Classes cover the basic seasonal concepts of bonsai, from wiring to wintering. These meetings are conducted by experienced club members who are happy to share their expertise.

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Mentorship program

Under this program, members can choose to be assigned to a MBS Mentor based near their location in the Twin Cities. They will have the opportunity to work with a Mentor along with other folks interested in learning more about how to best manage their bonsai.

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Member Workshops

MBS hosts master bonsai artists each year to conduct programs and workshops for members. This is a great opportunity to get professional advice on designing, caring for, and developing their trees. Participants bring their own trees, tools and wire. Observer spots are also available.

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Nursery Tour

A lot of bonsai start as garden center material.

In the spring of every year, MBS has a nursery tour in which you can meet up at the local garden centers and learn how to pick and buy material for use as bonsai.

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Fundamentals

This is a 2 year learning program designed to teach you foundational bonsai skills. Past professional instructors program are Matt Reel, Peter Tea and Julian Tsai.

Next session starts 2026 with (TBD).

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General Meetings

Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month except January. Our meetings are open to members, their guests, and visitors. Programs during the year include presentations by visiting bonsai professionals, member roundtable discussions, social events, and more. Learn more >> 

  • Open to the public
  • Great for all levels
  • SIgnup for events
  • Get club updates
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
Open to the Public

Bonsai Shows & Exhibits

Every year we exhibit our trees at the Mothers day show and at the State Fair

mother’s day exhibit
May 9 & 10, 2026

Mother’s Day Show

Our Mother’s Day show is held at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park on Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend. Any member may bring trees, and all skill levels are welcome. This show is not judged.

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Minnesota State Fair 

Our biggest show is held at the State Fair, where we exhibit on the Friday and Saturday of Labor Day weekend in the Agricultural Horticulture Building.

The show is judged and critiqued by a visiting bonsai professional hired by the club and awards are given. Written critiques are provided for all trees and let you benefit from the expertise of a professional bonsai artist.

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state fair exhibit
September 4 & 5, 2026
spring & fall
Auctions

MBS sponsors a spring and fall auction every year as part of our outreach efforts. A wide variety of hard-to-find material is offered, including styled trees, raw plant material, tools, pots, books, and supplies. Auctions are open to the public, but only members are allowed to offer items for sale.   

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Our events

Find out more
about our events

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Questions or Comments

If you have questions about MBS or would like more information, Contact administrator@minnesotabonsaisociety.org