Living Sculptures – The Art & Science of Bonsai Demonstrations

As part of the exhibition hosted by the Sonoma Botanical Garden and Redwood Empire Bonsai Society, there will be three separate bonsai demonstrations conducted by REBS members.

Repotting a Bonsai January 27, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Styling a Bonsai February 24, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Collecting for Bonsai March 9, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Living Sculptures – Sonoma Botanical Garden (sonomabg.org)

Living Sculptures – The Art & Science of Bonsai

01/05/2024 9:00AM – 03/22/2024 4:00PMSonoma Botanical Garden, Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA, USA

Experience a world of serene beauty and intricate craftsmanship as Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG), in partnership with the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS), presents Living Sculptures: The Art and Science of Bonsai.

More than 15 miniature masterpieces will be on view, meticulously nurtured and shaped by the skilled hands of local expert bonsai artisans. The perfect marriage of artistic vision and horticulture expertise, these living sculptures are a celebration of the beauty of Asian and California native species and a testament to the patience, dedication, and creativity of the practitioners of this contemplative art form. Exhibition signage throughout the Garden’s indoor gallery illuminates the intricate roots of this timeless practice and digs into the science that is critical to the survival of these tiny trees.

Visitors can then stroll the Garden’s paths to see some of the full-sized species showcased in the exhibition. With a diverse collection of Asian and California native trees, the Garden celebrates the beauty and importance of these two biodiversity hotspots. Among the collection is an array of magnolias – the majority of which originated in Asia – and winter is the perfect time to see the magic of the Garden’s Magnolias in bloom, including unique species like Star Magnolias (Magnolia stellata), showcasing their dainty, white and pink petals.

Living Sculptures – Sonoma Botanical Garden (sonomabg.org)

Post-37th REBS Bonsai Show

Over 1,100 visitors were counted as attending the 37th REBS Bonsai Show over the weekend of August 26 and 27, 2023, at the Rohnert Park Community Center, Rohnert Park, California. Ryan Neil performed two morning workshops, daily demonstrations and a post-show critique of the exhibit trees. Ryan’s performance was superb! His demonstrations on yamadori Mendocino pygmy cypress and shore pine were both informative and entertaining to full crowds.

REBS will be pressed to outdo the bonsai show in 2024!

The exhibit trees were photographed by David Campbell and George Haas early Saturday morning using what light was available in the exhibit hall. All exhibit tree photos have been posted to the REBS website under the menu title GALLERY 2023 REBS Bonsai Show for your viewing.

San Jose Juniper exhibited by Bob Shimon