Why bonsai

Bonsai offers calm, creativity, and connection in a way that fits beautifully with club life and community activities. It supports members’ wellbeing, builds skills, and strengthens the social “glue” of the club.

Why does bonsai feel so good

• Bonsai invites people to slow down, focus, and enjoy a quiet break from a busy day.
• Watching a tree respond to care over the seasons gives a gentle sense of progress and achievement.
• Many members describe their benches as a personal “quiet place” where worries fade for a while.

Health and wellbeing in our backyards

• Research on plants and bonsai shows that simply viewing trees in pots can reduce stress, pain, and anxiety.
• Time spent watering, pruning, and observing trees works like a form of active meditation.
• For members who juggle work, family, or study, regular bonsai time can become a healthy routine that supports mental balance.

Learning, patience, and skill‑building

• Bonsai is a “serious” hobby in the best sense: it rewards curiosity, practice, and persistence.
• Members gradually learn horticulture, design, problem‑solving, and seasonal planning through real, living trees.
• Working with slow‑growing trees encourages patience and long‑term thinking—valuable skills in life as well as on the bench.

Community, clubs, and connection

• Bonsai clubs turn a solitary hobby into a shared journey, where members exchange ideas, cuttings, and encouragement.
• Meetings, workshops, exhibitions, and informal bench‑talk help new enthusiasts feel welcomed and supported.
• Online activities (videos, newsletters, social media) keep people connected between meetings and have proven especially valuable during periods of isolation.

An invitation to members and visitors

• Whether you are nurturing your first starter tree or refining a bonsai you’ve grown for decades, the benefits go far beyond the pot.
• Bonsai can offer you relaxation, creativity, new friendships, and a deeper connection with nature—one small tree at a time.
• If you know someone who might enjoy these benefits, invite them along to a meeting, exhibition, or workshop and share the bonsai experience.
  
  

Health and Safety and Members' behaviour

The Executive endorsed a Health and Safety, Privacy and Data Management policy in February 2025, covering:

• A commitment to the safety of members, volunteers, and visitors during all CBS activities.
• A risk management approach to identify potential hazards associated with CBS activities and implement measures to mitigate risks.
• The provision of health and safety information to all members and volunteers during CBS activities
• The establishment of procedures for reporting incidents and responding to health and safety incidents
• A commitment to protecting the privacy of its members and collecting only necessary information to aid communication and membership management.

To support this, the Society has established a straightforward incident reporting system to which we will respond.

38th AABC National Bonsai Convention – Tasmania 2026

Join the Bonsai Society of Southern Tasmania for the 38th Australian National Bonsai Convention, taking place at the Wrest Point Conference Centre on the scenic banks of the River Derwent from Friday, 1 May to Monday, 4 May 2026.

A decade after the highly successful 2016 event, Tasmania once again welcomes bonsai enthusiasts to celebrate the unique beauty of 'Southern Bonsai.' Tasmania is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, making it an inspiring destination for bonsai lovers. From dramatic alpine landscapes to rare and endemic species, the island offers endless creative possibilities for both exotic and native bonsai trees.

This year’s headline international artist is Matt Reel from the Pacific Northwest, USA, known for his expertise with rugged, windblown coastal trees. The convention will also feature demonstrations from experienced Australian bonsai artists, including Jarryd Bailey, Hugh Grant, and Sean Hartley.

Enjoy a vibrant exhibition of bonsai works by talented artists from across Tasmania, plus a warm Welcome Reception and the official Exhibition opening on Friday evening. Attendees can also take part in special tours, including a visit to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) and an all-day field trip to explore Tasmania’s remarkable flora, such as Pencil pines, Athrotaxis species, Pandani, and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai artist or just starting out, this convention promises inspiration, learning, and the chance to connect with the friendly Tasmanian bonsai community.

Registration and further details are available at these links:

 https://aabcconvention2026.square.site/

 or   from the Bonsai Society of Southern Tasmania website:

https://bonsai-society-southern-tasmania.square.site/