About Bonsai Basics

The premis of this guide is what we in the bonsai community want to increase the numbers of newcomers to bonsai who will find long term satisfaction with bonsai as a hobby and as an art form. This challenge is important and we believe that we can improve how we address it.

We would like to see all clubs emphasize a "we care" and a "welcome to the family" attitude towards all newscomers. Many bonsai clubs can find ways to improve their ability to handle the influx of beginning bonsai students. One of the most effective methods is to arrange a standard bonsai basics program. This can prevent newcomers from feeling overwhelmed and confused by the apparent complexity of the art of bonsai. In addition bonsai clubs need to address the concerns of some newcomers that the overall cost of doing bonsai, the courses, suggested tools, supplies, and plant material seem too expensive.

Many clubs have bonsai "basics" or "beginners" classes, but there is still room for improvement. The Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) believes that the teachers of these basic classes can do a better job of teaching with some help, and with some standardization of the knowledge being taught in the bonsai basic classes within the state.

Bonsai Basics is now available in Spanish as a complete PDF package. Click on the button "Spanish Downlad" to get your copy of the Spanish version of our program. The program is also available in MS Word format on request from the webmaster.

[ Spanish Download ]