Welcome to the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS) website. Founded in 1981, by a small group of people interested in starting a bonsai club for the Santa Rosa, California area. We are dedicated to learning and promoting the living art of bonsai. Explore the website pages to discover more about the club, its membership benefits, monthly meetings and demonstrations, members’ workshops, and its annual bonsai show. The annual bonsai show was first held at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, on Sunday, August 21, 1984. That first bonsai show may have displayed 45 trees, but has since grown to more than 200, making it the largest club bonsai exhibition in the U.S.
Due to COVID pandemic restrictions, REBS suspended its annual shows for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
REBS returned to its annual show which was held on August 26 and 27, 2023, at the Rohnert Park Community Center, Rohnert Park, California.
Monthly Meetings/Demonstrations:
REBS meets every month, except in July and December, on the fourth Thursday, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, California. During each meeting, there is a bonsai demonstration performed by a guest professional artist/instructor or senior club member. Public is welcome.
Monthly Newsletter:
A monthly newsletter is published and emailed to all members in good standing. Information includes Bonsai news, helpful hints and events in our club, plus bay area bonsai show locations.
Workshops:
Beginners’ Workshops:
Beginners’ Workshops will give you basic bonsai information and training. A minimal fee is a onetime charge. The cost is to cover good bonsai stock and materials. You will learn bonsai related material and wiring on a juniper. The Beginners’ Workshop is offered on an as-needed basis. The wire and tools for this workshop are provided by REBS.
Members’ Workshops:
Members’ workshops are held on the 1st Thursday of each month except December. These workshops are led by senior club members. There is a $15 cost per workshop and the student needs to provide bonsai trees and all materials.
Advanced Workshops:
Professional bonsai artists and instructors conduct advanced workshops each year. There is a cost per workshop and the student needs to provide their own bonsai trees and all the materials.
REBS Annual Bonsai Show:
The REBS annual two-day bonsai show was one of the largest in the U.S. This event features formal displays of bonsai trees of various sizes and styles. It offers professional bonsai vendors and large member sales of bonsai, pre-bonsai, pots, tools, and related supplies. A demonstration is held both days. Silent auctions of quality bonsai and related gifts are offered as well. A bonsai cafe provides complimentary snacks and beverages and opportunity to chat with friends. Public is welcome.