About Grampian Bonsai Society

Founded in 1985, with object of encouraging and promoting bonsai, the Society has since then held regular monthly meetings where all aspects of bonsai are covered. As far as possible our meetings are "hands-on" since we believe that practice is essential in order to make progress with bonsai. Long-standing members of the Society claim success with this approach since the quality of our trees has improved over time. As well as our regular meetings we hold occasional workshops with visiting experts. Whilst maintaining our status as an independent organisation, the Society has recently formed an informal association with the Scottish Bonsai Association so that the art of bonsai may be further strengthened in Scotland.

Our guide and teacher since the formation of the Society has been the well-known bonsai specialist, Jim McCurrach, who has helped many of us with our trees. Jim also runs a "shop" at our meetings where bonsai tools, pots and other materials may be bought.

Another service provided to members is a library of books, magazines and videos which may be borrowed.

At least once a year we arrange a display of bonsai for viewing by members of the public. For example in 1999 we held a successful event at a local garden centre. We also collaborate with the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen in organising the bonsai section of that Society's annual show.

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How to find us

We have decided to hold all future meetings of the Society in the Education Room in the Winter Gardens of the Duthie Park in Aberdeen. The Education Room is near the Japanese Garden. We intend to sign the route to it from the Winter Gardens main door. The Duthie Park may be accessed either from Polmuir Road (nearest) or from Riverside Drive.

Meetings will be held generally on the first Sunday of each month (not January, July, December) and sessions will last from from 10.30am to around 4pm. Members and visitors will be able to spend all or part of the time available on bonsai activity during this period. Two additional meetings are scheduled for March and April (see Provisional Programme).

Anyone interested in bonsai please feel free to visit us and see what we are up to. For the most part members of the Society will be working on their own bonsai, there will be a display of trees, and we always make time to give practical help or advice or just to have a chat. These sessions are completely informal so please drop in if you can.

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