The Puget Sound Bonsai Association is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the education of its members and the general public in the art and culture of bonsai. Formed in 1973, it now has close to 300 members whose experience ranges from beginner to recognized experts in the art.

The PBSA holds regularly scheduled club meetings featuring demonstrations and educational programs by national and international bonsai artists. As a member of PSBA, you will have the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the world's best bonsai artists and horticultural specialists, and to develop and extensive network of friends, colleagues and vendors that will enrich your interest in bonsai.

Club Meetings
PBSA meetings are held the fourth Monday of the months of February, March, April, September, October, and November. The meetings are held at 7:30 p.m., in the main auditorium of the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 N.E. 41st Street, Seattle, located northeast of Husky Stadium. At most club meetings a guest bonsai expert presents a demonstration, converting a tree into a quality specimen, well on its way to becoming a beautiful bonsai. Meetings also provide opportunities to share advice concerning the growth, training and propagation of specific plants for bonsai, and to view and critique members' trees on display. Bonsai plant material, books, pots, and tools are also available for purchase from vendors. Guests and inquiring visitors are welcome to attend a single PSBA meeting with no charge for admission. Parking is free.

Shows and Activities
In addition to the regular scheduled meetings noted above, PSBA hosts two exhibitions each year. During the Seattle Flower and Garden Show, PSBA puts on an exhibit and has done so for numerous years. In May, the club hosts its annual Spring Show at the Center for Urban Horticulture. In both exhibits, club members display trees that have been in development for many, many years. These shows demonstrate the club’s commitment to its mission of “educating the public in the art and culture of bonsai”.

PSBA also holds its annual Summer Potluck in July. This event pulls together the club to meet informally for an afternoon potluck that features club members selling & trading pre-bonsai, finished bonsai as well as pots and other bonsai related materials.

Workshops and Study Groups
Each new member of the PBSA is eligible for a free introductory bonsai workshop. Participants are furnished with a tree, pot, soil, and wire, and are taught basic bonsai techniques and principles for the care and development of their tree.

For aspiring beginners and bonsai veterans alike, guest artist workshops are held on the Sunday and Monday prior to each regular PBSA meeting in which participants can enjoy a hands-on experience with our guest bonsai artist. These workshops are one of the PBSA's greatest benefits, and you must be a member to participate. Here, a member has the opportunity to design and train a newer tree, or refine a bonsai already under construction, with the supervision of some of country's most talented bonsai artists. Participation in the workshops is limited in number and requires an advance reservation. Typically a fee of $20 is charged and participants must bring their own bonsai material, tools and wire.

Small study groups, sponsored by PBSA are located within the region. You can get more information on these groups and about those located in your area from the Study Group Coordinator. Contact Mike Miller at the next meeting.

Newsletter
All members receive the PSBA Quarterly. This newsletter contains thoughtful articles and tips on northwest bonsai horticulture, artist profiles, a calendar of coming events (including regional and national shows and demonstrations), and general membership news.