Bonsai Clubs in Southern California

To learn more about a club, click on tab to expand.
While all information was correct at time of publication, it is recommended you call and confirm before attending any meetings.
Location (alphabetical)  |  NAME  |  Meeting Info

Anaheim | KOFU BONSAI KAI | 3rd Saturday, 7:00 PM
Website: kofukai.org

Facebook: facebook.com/Kofu-Bonsai-Kai-317694064936653

Address: Anaheim Methodist Church, 1000 South State College Boulevard, Anaheim [MAP]

Meeting Info: 3rd Saturday, 7:00 PM

Kofu Bonsai Kai offers monthly educational meetings presented by noteworthy bonsai lecturers and demonstrators. At each monthly meeting, bonsai plants and pots are included in benefit drawings which frequently feature the demonstration tree. The benefit drawings fund the many programs provided by the club. Visits to bonsai exhibitions, field trips, and tree collecting parties are scheduled throughout the year.   In addition, the club holds several bonsai exhibitions annually including the Bowers Museum and the Fullerton Arboretum to further the art of bonsai in Orange County.

Anaheim | VIET BONSAI TODAY SOCIETY | 4th Sunday
Website: vietbonsaitoday.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/VietBonsaiToday

Address: 117 E Simmons Ave, Anaheim, CA

Meeting Info: 4th Sunday

Established in January 2016, Viet Bonsai Society has been Orange County’s premier Bonsai Club. We hold monthly meetings in which we aim to spread our knowledge and skill to  Bonsai enthusiasts of all levels.

For more information, call Dinh Nguyen at (949) 302-3048 or Tom Vuong at (714) 878-8004.

Arcadia | BAIKOEN BONSAI KENKYU KAI | 4th Thursday 7:00 PM
Website: baikoenbonsai.com

Facebook: facebook.com/baikoenbonsai

Address: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007 [MAP]

Meeting Info: 4th Thursday, 7:00 PM

Baikoen Bonsai Kenkyukai or better known as just Baiko-en, promotes the art of bonsai through education. The study group meets monthly, presents guest speakers, shares bonsai knowledge, holds public exhibits, maintains a mentorship program and holds social events.The club was started by Frank Nagata one of the co-founders of California Bonsai Society and a long time bonsai nurseryman. After Frank passed his daughter Kai Komai and son-in-law Khan Komai continued the tradition. We host an annual “Winter Sihouette” show features naked trees from members and invited exhibitors from the Southern Califonia bonsai community.

Baiko-En offers Bonsai demonstrations by Masters in the art, hands on experience, lectures, workshops, beginner classes, benefit drawings, local and state Bonsai information and local events.

Meetings are held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden on 4th Thursday of each month starting at 7:00P.M, (No meetings in August and December.)

 

Arcadia | SANTA ANITA BONSAI SOCIETY | 2nd Saturday, 7:00 PM
Website: sabonsai.org

Facebook: NA

Address: L.A. County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia [MAP]

Meeting Info: 2nd Saturday, 7:00 PM

During 1960, customers of the Komai Bonsai Nursery lamented that there was no place in the San Gabriel Valley where they could go to learn more about bonsai. Later that year, a study group was formed with Jim Barrett as the volunteer instructor.

Shortly thereafter, a small group met at the home of Melba Tucker and in 1961 the Santa Anita Bonsai Society was formed. Three of the original members were still active at the 35th Anniversary Show held in May 1999. Recently the club held it’s 45th Anniversary Show. The club conducts its monthly meetings and its Annual Bonsai Exhibitions at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The ‘Society’ is one of the oldest of more than 31 bonsai clubs currently active in California and is a member of the Golden State Bonsai Federation.

The Santa Anita Bonsai Society meets every second Saturday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in classroom A at the L.A. County Arboretum.

Anaheim | ORANGE COUNTY BONSAI SOCIETY | 4th Sunday, 1:00 PM

Website: ocbonsai.org

Facebook: facebook.com/Orange-County-Bonsai-Society-107871315928514

Address: Downtown Anaheim Community Center, 250 E Center Street, Anaheim, CA  92805 [MAP]

Meeting Info: 4th Sunday, 1:00 PM

Orange County Bonsai Society is a nonprofit educational foundation located in Anaheim, California. Meetings are held monthly, except in December, on the fourth Sunday of each month, at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center, located at 250 E Center Street, Anaheim, CA 92805. Meetings start at 1:00 p.m. and usually run to 3:00 but may go a little longer if there is a demonstration or workshop. At every meeting a raffle is held, and bonsai trees, pots, tools and pre-bonsai plant stock are usually given away. Tickets are one dollar each, with discounts for purchasing large numbers of tickets. For more information, and to be placed on an e-mail list for our monthly newsletter, please contact us at ocbonsai@gmail.com.

Encinitas | BONSAI AND BEYOND | 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 PM
Website: NA

Facebook: facebook.com/Bonsai-Beyond-165815056785463

Address: San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA  [MAP]

Meeting Info: 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 PM

It’s really all about FUN! We want to share it with others who wish to enjoy and learn more about the delights of Bonsai and related horticultural arts.

 

Encino | SANSUI KAI | 2nd Wednesday, 7:30 PM
Website: sansui-kai.org

Facebook: facebook.com/SansuiKaiBonsai

Address: Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino [MAP]

Meeting Info: 2nd Wednesday, 7:30 PM

Founded in 1974, Sansui-Kai Bonsai Club is a Southern California non-profit organization made up of Bonsai enthusiasts and professionals dedicated to the learning, use and teaching of the horticultural techniques and artistic principles needed to grow, design and care for Bonsai.

Located in Southern California, Sansui Kai Bonsai Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Boulevard, Encino, CA 91406. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. preceded by a board meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m.

Our meetings consist of a mixture of presentations, demonstrations and critiques by leading presenters in the Bonsai community. Raffle drawings are also held at each meeting in addition to a few auctions throughout the year. In addition to our monthly meetings, we participate in various shows and presentations in the Los Angeles area. Sansui Kai is the perfect place to network with like minded enthusiasts, all willing to share, learn and grow with you.

Gardena | CALIFORNIA AISEKI KAI (Viewing Stones) | 4th Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Website: aisekikai.com

Facebook: NA

Address: Ken Nakaoka Community Center, 1670 W 162nd Street, Gardena [MAP]

Meeting Info: 4th Wednesday, 7:00 PM

In February 1983, a nucleus of viewing stone enthusiasts, under the leadership of Larry Ragle, gathered to form California Aiseki Kai (a suiseki and viewing stone club). With the encouragement of John Naka and the California Bonsai Society, a meeting place was arranged at the Museum of Science & Industry in Los Angeles.

Since its origin, the club has met each month to discuss suiseki, their structure, composition, identification and how to find and display these beautiful natural stones. Harry Hirao, Toy Sato and other suiseki authorities contribute their knowledge to the monthly meetings.

The club organizes field trips to search for suiseki. Members are encouraged to display their stones at local exhibitions and bonsai shows. We have an annual show at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, CA.  We are members of the Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) and our members attend the annual State Convention.

Gardena | CALIFORNIA BONSAI SOCIETY | 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 PM

Website: N/A

Facebook: facebook.com/californiabonsaisociety.org

Address: Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI), 1964 W 162nd St, Gardena 90247 (West of Western Blvd.) [MAP]

Meeting Info: 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 PM

California Bonsai Society meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI), 1964 W 162nd St, Gardena 90247. Visitors are welcome to attend our club meetings and events.

Gardena | DAI ICHI BONSAI KAI | 3rd Friday, 7:00 PM

Website: daiichibonsaikai.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DaiIchiBonsai

Address: Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI), 1964 W 162nd St, Gardena 90247 (West of Western Blvd.) [MAP]

Meeting Info: 3rd Friday, 7:00 PM

Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai meets on the third Friday of each month (except May and December) at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI), 1964 W 162nd St, Gardena 90247 (West of Western Blvd.), at 7:00 pm. Each meeting features a bonsai demonstration, and a benefit raffle drawing. The public is welcome, and families are encouraged to attend. Our annual bonsai show and sale is held on the first weekend in May, where members and invited artists are encouraged to show off their best trees.

You can learn more about Dai ichi Bonsai Kai, by attending our meetings, and by visiting and liking our Facebook page at facebook.com/DaiIchiBonsai.

Garden Grove | ORANGE EMPIRE BONSAI SOCIETY | 4th Saturday, 9:00 AM

Website: orangeempirebonsai.wix.com/bonsai

Facebook: facebook.com/orangeempirebonsai

Address: 1st Presbyterian Church, 11832 Euclid Street, Garden Grove [MAP]

Meeting Info: 4th Saturday, 9:00 AM

Orange Empire Bonsai Society is a close-knit group of bonsai enthusiasts who meet monthly to work on trees, share information and teach and learn about bonsai. Membership dues are $25 per person annually ($30 per couple or family) for active members, $15 per year for corresponding (newsletter only) memberships. Meetings are held monthly, usually at our meeting place in Garden Grove.

Garden Grove | SATSUKI BONSAI SOCIETY | 1st Sunday, 9:00 AM
Website: NA

Facebook: NA

Address: Bao Quang Temple, 713 N Newhope Street, Garden Grove  [MAP]

Meeting Info: 1st Sunday, 9:00 AM

 

La Canada | DESCANSO BONSAI SOCIETY | 3rd Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Website: descanso-bonsai.com

Facebook: facebook.com/descansobonsai

Address: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge 91011 [MAP]

Meeting Info: 3rd Tuesday, 7:30 PM

Since its origin in 1970 consisting of 22 members, Descanso Bonsai Society has grown to be one of the leading bonsai clubs in the United States. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM, in Van de Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada, California. Monthly programs consist of lectures and demonstrations by well-known bonsai masters, hands-on workshops, plus benefit drawings that feature bonsai pots, plants, books and literature.

The Annual DBS Bonsai Exhibit is staged in early June. It includes a formal display of masterpiece trees, plus a judged exhibit for novices. It also includes a large benefit drawing and plant sale, demonstrations by bonsai masters and a massive sale of bonsai stock, supplies and related items.

Palos Verdes | SOUTH COAST BONSAI ASSOCIATION | 4th Sunday, 10:00 AM
Website: southcoastbonsai.org

Facebook: NA

Address: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula [MAP]

Meeting Info: 4th Sunday, 10:00 AM

The South Coast Bonsai Association meets at 10 AM on the fourth Sunday of the month at South Coast Botanic Garden, with the exception of December.

For additional information contact Ken Ueda at (310) 987-6345.

San Diego | SAN DIEGO BONSAI CLUB | 2nd Sunday, 8:30 AM
Website: sandiegobonsaiclub.com

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/119048901440758

Address: Room 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego [MAP]

Meeting Info: 2nd Sunday, 8:30 AM

The San Diego Bonsai Club is one of the oldest clubs in the state of California. It was founded in 1965 as a non-profit California 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to provide our members with a forum to exchange information, learn, teach and promote the art of bonsai through lectures, classes, workshops, demonstrations, field trips.

Bonsai Collections
As part of our goal of creating bonsai awareness and sharing the beauty of the art, the San Diego Bonsai Club developed and is maintaining a beautiful Bonsai Pavilion at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and is also maintaining the bonsai collection at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. An SDBC member is the volunteer curator for each collection.

Club Meetings
Meetings are held at the Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park on the second Sunday of each month at 10:30AM except May and October. In May, the club members meet at the San Diego Safari Park for a program and picnic. In October, members meet for another picnic and fundraiser auction. All meetings are kept brief so the club members can participate in the many varied programs on each month’s calendar. Demonstrations by visiting bonsai master, lectures, critiques, and workshops cover subjects of styling of trees, potting, transplanting, wiring, fertilizing, soils, insect control, and water management. SDBC also maintains a monthly sales table at the meetings for convenience of the members with books, tools, and related bonsai accessories.

Classes
Classes at the beginning and intermediate levels are usually offered prior to meetings at 8:30AM although they are sometimes scheduled following the meeting.

The Bonsai Library of bonsai materials including videos, books, periodicals, magazines, pamphlets, and articles is owned by SDBC.

Field Trips are included in each year’s calendar for members to view other bonsai collections, participate in bonsai programs, visit forest habitats, and shop for bonsai stock and materials.

Spring & Fall Bonsai Shows are sponsored by the club each year where members present their bonsai for viewing by the public. Special featured programs are held on both the Saturday and Sunday during the show where members have the opportunity to sell bonsai, bonsai stock, bonsai pots, and other accessories during show hours.

Grants and Scholarships are offered to members through SDBC’s Mas Takanashi Education Scholarship Program annually. Candidates receive one-on-one training with club bonsai teachers to further advance their bonsai knowledge with the goal of expanding the club’s cadre of teachers. Under the auspices of the Golden State Bonsai Federation, members are also afforded additional scholarship opportunities.

Associations
The San Diego Bonsai Club is a member of the Golden State Bonsai Federation, the Japanese Friendship Garden, American Bonsai Society, Bonsai Clubs International, and the San Diego Botanical Association. The club has liaison relationships with the San Diego Zoological Association/Safari Park and the Del Mar Fair. Through the Golden State Bonsai Federation, the San Diego Bonsai Club has insurance protection for the organization and its members. The Board officers are covered by liability insurance.

San Diego | SAN DIEGO SHOHIN STUDY GROUP | 3rd Sunday, 9:30 AM
Website: sandiegobonsaiclub.com

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/119048901440758

Address: Various members homes

Meeting Info: 3rd Sunday, 9:30 AM

An offshoot of the San Diego Bonsai Club, the purpose of a Study Group is to create quality bonsai with the goal that they can be displayed in the club’s shows, at the Del Mar Fair and beyond.  The push is on to create higher quality bonsai in the U.S.  The SDBC has worked very hard at the Safari Park, Bonsai Pavilion, to greatly improve the trees.  We have now started to make very good changes in the bonsai display at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.  Study Groups are another tool for us to utilize to improve our bonsai and deepen the pool of talent within the club.

 

San Marino | SOUTHERN BREEZE TREE AND STONE SOCIETY | 2nd Sunday, Morning
Website: NA

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/818819341489500

Address: Huntington Library and Gardens,1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino  [MAP]

Meeting Info: 2nd Sunday, Morning

Southern Breeze Tree and Stone Society meets every 2nd Sunday morning of the month at the Huntington Library and Gardens, San Marino, California. Our membership is opened to everyone interested in bonsai, penjing, and viewing stones with various styles.

Southern California | NANPU KAI | By Invitation Only
Website: NA

Facebook: NA

Address: NA

Originally named Seinan Bonsai Club, Nanpu Kai was founded by John Naka in 1959. The club was started with the goal of creating a fellowship of bonsai instructors who could learn from each other in order to pass the knowledge on to future generations. Renamed Nanpu Kai in 1964, John handpicked each member of the club based on their skills, knowledge, understanding, and enthusiasm.

Membership in Nanpu Kai is by invitation only.

Venice | MARINA BONSAI | 2nd Friday and 4th Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Website: vjcc.com/vjcc.old/inside_03-03.htm

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/180666218665010

Address: Venice Japanese Community Center, 12448 Braddock Drive Los Angeles [MAP]

Meeting Info: 2nd Friday/4th Tuesday, 7:30 PM

The Marina Bonsai Club has about twenty-five members: three teachers, and twenty students. The club is a strictly workshop format where members bring their own material to work under the guidance of the teachers and other students. The teachers are Mr. Frank Goya, Mr. Ben Oki, and Mr. Shig Miya. The Marina Bonsai Club meets at the Venice Japanese Community Center on the second Friday and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM. Club membership is seventy dollars per year. If you are interested, come by the Community Center and check it out or contact the VJCC office.

Vista | SAN PU KAI | 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Website: sanpukai.org

Facebook: facebook.com/SanPuKai

Address: Brengle Terrace Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace, Vista [MAP]

Meeting Info: 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 PM

San Pu Kai is a club for bonsai enthusiasts of all skill levels. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Brengle Terrace Senior Center in Vista, CA (northern San Diego County.)

Westlake Village | CONEJO VALLEY BONSAI SOCIETY | 3rd Thursday, 7:30 PM
Website: cvbs-bonsai.org

Facebook: facebook.com/conejovalleybonsaisociety

Address:Westlake Village City Hall, 31200 Oakcrest Drive, Westlake Village [MAP]

Meeting Info: 3rd Thursday, 7:30 PM

Have you ever wanted to learn how to train and care for a bonsai plant? Come to our monthly meetings and find out how from our resident experts and invited professionals. We can help you decide where to get plants, pots, supplies, and we have plenty of advice to help get you started. Novices and all ages are welcome to attend and light refreshments are served. We schedule field trips to local nurseries and suppliers and provide information on bonsai shows and demonstrations. Our group puts on an annual display and demonstration show at the Gardens of the World on Thousand Oaks Blvd. in October.