About
History
It’s 1973 and a small group of people from a variety of backgrounds meet to form a club devoted to the practice of bonsai. There isn’t much in the way of bonsai around in Brisbane. Some of the group have visited Japan and studied under Japanese masters. Mostly, they rely on a few local experts and books. Some tell of creating ‘two‑dimensional bonsai’ because as bonsai pioneers in 1973 they are guided by books, which are in two dimensions. That doesn’t last long.
Fast forward to the present, the Bonsai Society of Queensland Inc. (BSQ) is a thriving club still dedicated to the practice of bonsai. Now, the small group has expanded to a three‑figure membership, some of the original members have become international demonstrators, leaders of national and international bonsai organisations. They still maintain their membership and association with BSQ, giving their time and expertise at club meetings for the benefit of all members and visitors.
In its 50‑plus years of existence BSQ has had several homes, hosted numerous national and international conferences and demonstrators, and developed the skills of hundreds of members. Check this website for the next conference, club meeting or event.
We now have members who have, more recently studied in Japan under present day masters. We have hosted demonstrators expert in Australian native trees for bonsai.
Our permanent home is now at the Whites Hill State College Hall, Burn Street, Camp Hill.
Who We Are
We’re a bonsai club, an incorporated not-for-profit association comprised of members and a committee drawn from the membership, elected annually. The club is governed by Queensland’s incorporated association rules.
Our purpose is the practice of the horticultural art of bonsai and develop members’ skills and knowledge through education, which include our club meetings, regular annual and ad hoc events. We welcome visitors – no need to join the club immediately. We look forward to hearing your bonsai story and, if you want, we can assist you with your bonsai or to develop your skills and knowledge.
We have a lending library of bonsai books.
Our membership exceeds 100, but our meetings usually attract 50 members. Membership is $25 (single) and $35 (family). With your membership, you receive a booklet – Guide to Bonsai in Brisbane, a club badge and access to members’ content on our website.
We meet on the third Saturday of each month, except for December (no meeting) at 1.30 pm. We have two main annual events – Bonsai Horizons on the third week-end of March (no meeting) and our exhibition on the third Sunday of September (we have the Saturday meeting – exhibition preparation).
We publish our programme of club meetings in our newsletter. The programme includes workshops, at which members bring a bonsai or two to work on for the afternoon. There are members experienced in bonsai available to assist – at no charge. At most meetings we have a beginners or ‘new to bonsai’ session, from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm. No bookings necessary. Sometimes we have a barbeque lunch – gold coin donation.
The club has some new bonsai tools, wire etc. for sale and members occasionally bring some things for sale, including bonsai.