Bonsai Courses in 2010-2011 Season. Beginner and Intermediate Workshops

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

at the Japanese Embassy - See Here for details.

What is the Bonsai Association:

The Ottawa Bonsai Society (OBS) established in 1984, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting interest and understanding in the art form of bonsai. The focal point of OBS is our monthly meeting held at Building 72 - Central Experimental Farm (Arboretum), the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. This monthly meeting provides OBS members with an excellent forum to exchange ideas, techniques, and experiences relating to bonsai.

OBS actively recruits and welcomes new members since in the eyes of our organization, newcomers are equally as important as our long standing members. They invariably provide fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and most importantly new friendships.


MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS *

Your membership in the Ottawa Bonsai Society entities you to the following benefits and services:

• an Opportunity to meet other bonsai enthusiasts and to discuss common interests and ideas
• subscription to OBS's monthly newsletter
• participation in the Society's ongoing educational programme of lectures and demonstrations, including those presented by distinguished national and international bonsai and horticultural experts
• participation in hands-on training workshops, given at both the beginner and advanced levels
• annual field trips to collect indigenous specimens
• scheduled visits of local collections
• bonsai library services which provide access to interesting and informative books, videotapes, magazines, and newsletters
• voluntary participation in OBS's annual bonsai exhibition
• raffles of various bonsai related items
• discounted prices on bonsai material including but not limited to trees, soil, wiring pots, tools and courses
• consultative and support services provided by senior OBS members.

Membership Benefits are subject to change without notice.


WHAT is BONSAI:

Literally translated, the two syllables of the Japanese word bonsai means "tray or pot" (bon) and "plant or tree" (sai). But this ancient art form, whose origins and early development are traced back to both China and Japan, is much more than that. Bonsai (pronounced "bone-sigh ") is the name that is given to a beautiful tree established in a aesthetically appealing container, which has been subjected to specialized horticultural and artistic techniques to create the impression of a full grown tree in miniature. Unlike other art forms, the uniqueness and challenge of bonsai results from the fact that the basic medium used to create these "three dimensional sculptures" is both alive and growing. This means that the work of the bonsai artist is constantly evolving and is in continuous need of it's creator or keeper's skills and care in order to maintain its health and aesthetic quality. Anyone with interest, time and a little space, can become a bonsai enthusiast and collector. It is true that bonsai generally requires a bit more care and attention than house plants, but please do not let this deter you! Learning and applying the fundamentals of this fascinating hobby can be extremely rewarding and will provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment. This enjoyment will be further enhanced by becoming a member of the Ottawa Bonsai Society!