The Bonsai Society of Portland has been an active group in the Portland area since 1966.  It is organized to promote the art of bonsai through education, exhibits and social activities.  The Society welcomes everyone interested in this unique and beautiful art form to share in the bonsai experience and develop both basic and advanced skills.  Exhibits and related art forms are used to share bonsai with the public.  The trees, tables, pots and arrangements are the result of many years of training and dedication by members in the Society.

BSOP dues are $30 for individual membership and $40 for family (at same address) membership, payable in December of each year.  There are usually 130-plus members at any time. 

EXHIBITS:
The Society sponsors at least one exhibit annually which is open to the public.  The shows often include demonstrations by regionally or nationally recognized masters as well as our own talented members.  Bonsai techniques, horticultural principles and the "secrets" developed by the Japanese masters are taught.  The Marketplace provides a fantastic opportunity to purchase high quality plants, bonsai containers and the special tools helpful in developing fine bonsai.

MEETINGS
The Society meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. except during the summer, when other group outings are arranged instead.   Meetings are open to the public and visitors are always welcome.  The programs are informative, with lectures and demonstrations by experienced members or guests who offer valuable insights on bonsai.  The techniques of bud pinching, root pruning, branch wiring, trimming, fertilizing and other methods used to style and maintain a bonsai are discussed.  Many meetings include hands-on workshops.

NEWSLETTER
The Tree Line, BSOP's monthly newsletter, is sent to members with upcoming events, bonsai tips and other Society business.  News about special groups within BSOP is printed in the newsletter.

SPECIAL STUDY GROUPS
From time to time, special study groups are formed to deal with specialized information.  While open only to members, any interested person may contact a member and attend as an interested prospective member of the group and of BSOP. 

ACTIVITIES
Over the years, two family events have become legend.  A barbecue/salmon bake is held in a beautiful garden setting each summer, and a party is held to celebrate the holiday season each December.  Collecting trips are organized to bring back Northwest native plants from various types of locations, from nearby mountains to local nurseries.  Other activities concern sister arts such as suiseki (viewing stones) and bonkei (tray landscapes). National and regional conventions are on the vacation plans of many members and the Society occasionally hosts these events.

LENDING LIBRARY
The Society maintains a comprehensive library of published material and videos on bonsai and related topics. Continually updated with newly published books, the library provides a valuable source of information to increase the knowledge and skill of both the novice and the expert alike.

FORMAL INSTRUCTION
The Society does not sponsor any regular formal bonsai instruction, however several members do provide lessons and some sell styled bonsai as well as pre-bonsai (plant material with minimal styling).  Members have access to a full list of resources.

MAGAZINES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Bonsai, although still firmly rooted in Japan, is practiced by thousands of individuals throughout the world.  Their creations reflect the regions, nationalities, philosophies and plants of people worldwide.  Other organizations that provide more insight into the international aspects of bonsai are provided for your information.  Each provides a magazine that is attractively produced and contains a wealth of information:

International Bonsai (a quarterly magazine)
internationalbonsai.com

Bonsai Today (6 magazines per year)
stonelantern.com

Bonsai Clubs International (quarterly magazines per year, annual convention)
bonsai-bci.com

American Bonsai Society (quarterly magazine, annual convention)
absbonsai.org