Today, some 56% of the world's population – 4.4 billion inhabitants – live in cities. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population more than doubling its current size by 2050, at which point nearly 7 of 10 people will live in cities
Besides being an enjoyable hobby and de-stressing, growing bonsai plants in one’s garden, balcony or window sill, can also make the home vibrant and green. Bonsai plants offer an ideal way for urban residents to enjoy nature’s beauty at home.
The art of bonsai is a horticultural pastime requiring basic garden sense, some artistic ability and plenty of patience. Indeed, patience is an important attribute for bonsai gardeners, because the growth process takes time, and there are no shortcuts. In this way, practicing the art of bonsai requires one to slow down, observe carefully, and appreciate nature on a small scale – all of which are attributes we might all benefit from cultivating.
There is something magnificent and satisfying about watching a tree develop over time, from seedling to spreading canopy or tall conifer. But we don't all have the space in our gardens for multiple trees, and many of us have no garden land at all. But even apartment-dwellers can grow trees through the practice of gardening with bonsai.
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Bonsai Club based on the East Rand
MEMBERSHIP
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The Urban Bonsai Society is an active group in the Ekurhuleni Metro. A non-profit organisation founded to promote the art of bonsai through education, exhibits and social activities. The Society welcomes everyone interested in this unique and beautiful art form to share in the bonsai experience and develop both basic and advanced skills. We meet at the at Urban Farmers, 218, 8th Avenue, Pomona AH. Easy access from the R21, N12 and R24 .
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The Society meets on the last Sunday of each month and visitors are always welcome. Activities begin at 11h00. Programs are designed to be informative, with lectures and demonstrations by experienced members or guest artists who offer valuable insights on bonsai. The techniques of bud pinching, re-potting, root pruning, branch wiring, trimming, fertilizing and other methods used to style and maintain bonsai are discussed.
Other activities include the sister arts of Suiseki (viewing stones) and Kusamono .
For Membership (click here) or on the menu above.
EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
We hold monthly workshops, designed to improve and develop the knowledge and skills of members. Workshops include techniques and bonsai design principles as well as species specific care and maintenance.
The society aims to hold events throughout the year, which is open to the public.
SERVICES
LEGACY INITIATIVE
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Too often great collections are lost due to illness and death. The formation of a bonsai tree requires considerable patience, time and artistic creativity. When a craftsperson designs a bonsai, he or she will spend years making one perfect specimen. It is therefore imperative for the art, that bonsai trees can continue for hundreds of years by the tree being passed down through the generations. With proper care, a bonsai tree can live for hundreds of years, and for many, this significance verifies nature’s enduring spirit. Bonsai trees are a valued treasure for both the bonsaists, conservation and the art in South Africa.
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Urban Bonsai Society has formed The Legacy Initiative. This initiative will assist with the care or sale of you collection due to any unforeseen emergency, illness or death.
