Bonsai meets the third Wednesday of the month at members' homes. We study basic principles of bonsai. Bonsai means tree in a tray. The trees are cared for to recreate nature in miniature. It is a very relaxing and contemplative hobby.
We use the East Bay Bonsai Society yearly calendar as a guide. We re pot our trees in January and February. This is the time to trim, reduce and shape the root system. Different trees need specific soil compositions. At other meetings we work on shaping, pruning and wiring. There are several styles of bonsai, ie 'Chokkan' or formal upright, 'Kengai' or cascading, etc. We also discuss different techniques for watering, fertilizing, and pest control as well as good plant picks for bonsai (pines versus flowering shrubs, etc).
Once or twice a year we have a field trip to the bonsai collection at the Lakeside Garden in Oakland and/or visit a nursery that carries bonsai.
This is a very practical subject. Bonsai principles can be applied to many other gardening practices, including but not limited to pruning and shaping, care of potted plants, learning about tree species and knowing how the different seasons affect our specimens. We're all amateurs but endeavor to follow the best principles for success.