The San Diego area had many early pioneers within the Japanese community who promoted the art and study of bonsai. Our club is one of the oldest in the State of California, and was founded by twelve members in October, 1965 as a non-profit educational corporation.

By 1980, there were eighty SDBC members, and in the year 2000 we had over 300 members!

The Club's specific purposes include:

• Providing members with a forum to exchange information, learn, teach and promote the art of bonsai through lectures, classes, workshops, demonstrations, clinics, scholarships and field trips.
• Providing members with access to bonsai materials and a library of bonsai references.
• Promoting knowledge and appreciation of the art of bonsai within the community of San Diego.
• Maintaining active membership in the Golden State Bonsai Federation, which includes bonsai clubs throughout the State of California.
• Cooperating with state, national and international agencies and organizations in their activities affecting the art of bonsai.

Bonsai Collections
You can visit one of our collections at the Bonsai Pavilion in the Wild Animal Park in Escondido and at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, which are maintained by the SDBC. A SDBC member is the volunteer curator for each collection.

Classes
Both Beginning and Intermediate level classes are usually offered prior to each meeting from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. for interested members.

The Bonsai Library
Our library contains numerous videos, books, periodicals, magazines, pamphlets and articles and is owned by the SDBC. A volunteer member serves as the librarian. The collection is available each month, during class time from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., in Room 104 of the Del Prado Building.

Field Trips
Shows and event schedules hosted by other groups are included in each year's calendar for our members. This is an opportunity to view other bonsai collections, participate in bonsai programs, visit forest habitats and shop for bonsai stock and materials.

Spring and Fall San Diego Bonsai Club Shows
These 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 Saturday and Sunday during the show. Members have the opportunity to sell bonsai, bonsai stock, bonsai pots and other accessories during the show hours.

Grants and Scholarships
Educational programs are offered to members through the 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.

Our Website and Phone Answering Service
These are maintained by the Club to provide bonsai awareness and education to individuals and other civic and cultural groups on an ongoing basis.

Membership Information
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the art of bonsai and wishes to improve their knowledge and understanding of growing bonsai. Junior members are under 18 and persons under 12 can be admitted to membership under the sponsorship of an adult Club member. Members receive monthly newsletters, engraved membership nametags and introductory packets of materials on growing bonsai in San Diego. The Club conducts benefit drawings at each of its meetings and the Spring Reception and also has plant sales at the two annual shows. The Club partially subsidizes many of the bus trips and social activities and refreshments at the meetings. The SDBC encourages its members to participate in bonsai exhibits including the Wild Animal Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Del Mar Fair and the annual shows in Balboa Park.

For information about how to join, go to Join our Club!

If you have any comments, questions, etc. about this Website or the San Diego Bonsai Club, feel free to email us at webmaster@sandiegobonsaiclub.com