Aims
The primary objective of the Canberra Bonsai Society Inc is to enhance the knowledge and the practice of bonsai, by bringing together people with an interest in the art. Our Society constitution can be found here.

Orientation notes for new members

New members can download the CBS New Member Oriententation notes here.

History
The Society was formed in 1975 by a small number of enthusiasts who had been meeting on an informal basis for some years.  From these humble beginnings, the membership has grown steadily and currently stands in excess of 150.

Canberra Bonsai Society is an active member of "Association of Australian Bonsai Clubs Inc (AABC) " and a member of " Bonsai Clubs International ".  Our members attend both national and international bonsai conventions.

Resources
The Society maintains a comprehensive reference library covering every aspect of bonsai.  This valuable resource includes books, videos, magazines and journals. Members may borrow items free of charge. 

The Society also sells wire at monthly meetings and soil mix components when the main yearly potting time approaches.

Activities

Monthly Meetings
These are held on the first Saturday of each month (excluding January and October). They start at 9:00 a.m. at the Hughes Community Centre, Wisdom Street, Hughes.  The meetings are a mix of presentations, demonstrations , show and tell, practical work, and help for beginners.  Anyone interested in the art of bonsai is welcome.  Members are encouraged to bring a tree to the monthly workshop. The meeting are also streamed to members unable to attend in person, via zoom. 

Monthly Newsletter 
Wirrabara, the Society’s newsletter, is available to download from the website in the week prior to the meeting.  It is full of bonsai news, coming events and useful articles.

Workshops 
In addition to monthly meetings, the Society organises practical hands-on workshops with local and visiting demonstrators.

Annual Show
This is normally held in September each year and gives members an opportunity to exhibit their favourite trees.  On the Saturday evening, members and guests share a 'Bring a plate' supper followed by a presentation by a guest demonstrator.

Community Programs
Canberra Bonsai Society participates in various community activities , including Floriade, and sponsors the 'Australian Native Trees as Bonsai’ exhibition which is held in November at the Australian National Botanical Gardens.

Bus Trips
The Society organises a yearly bus trip to visit various bonsai nurseries in Sydney with the occasional visit to other bonsai outlets outside Sydney.

Field Trips 
From time to time, the Society organises field trips to collect trees growing in the 'wild'.  Sometimes the Society joins with another club to go out on a 'dig'.

Membership Fees
Single - $25.00   Family - $30.00   There are two- and three-year membership subscriptions.