Welcome to the rocky mountain bonsai society
We are the premier bonsai society in the Rocky Mountain region, based in Denver, CO. In association with the Denver Botanic Gardens, we curate the bonsai collection at the Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion which includes many specimens collected from, and indigenous to the Colorado area. Our mission is to advance the appreciation of, inspire interest in, and educate about the art of bonsai. Over half a century has seen RMBS members create and cultivate exceptional private collections of bonsai for the world to enjoy.
We are an inclusive community of bonsai practitioners representing every skill level. We focus on education, bonsai cultivation, and advancing interest in bonsai and related arts. RMBS started in 1969 and has proud lineage to the original Denver Bonsai Club founded by seven Japanese Americans in 1945 (see history tab). We are a Plant Society affiliate of the Denver Botanic Gardens and a member of Bonsai Clubs International and the American Bonsai Society.
Trident Maple (acer buergerianum)
Artist: Sisk
Why RMBS?
Bonsai remain small through careful management of the plant’s growth in a containerized environment while optimizing its horticultural requirements. Every species of bonsai has unique needs. Given Colorado's dry climate, frigid winters, and high altitude, bonsai refinement often requires knowledge and techniques that differ from traditional teaching found online and at your local library. We can help you succeed in cultivating a wide range of bonsai in the Rocky Mountain region (everything from native conifers to flowering tropical trees). Our members have been teaching bonsai and developing private collections for over half a century and are ready to help you along your journey. Each year, RMBS invites numerous internationally renowned bonsai professionals to provide demonstrations and workshops for our members to advance in their practice.
Korean Hornbeam (carpinus coreana)
Artist: Wiederrecht
Meet RMBS
Please join us for our monthly meetings which are free and open to the public. These educational programs address the art of bonsai and related topics. They run from 7-9pm on the first Tuesday of each month (except in December when RMBS holds the annual holiday party). Unless otherwise noted (see events tab), these meetings are held at the Freyer-Newman Center at Denver Botanic Gardens; 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206.
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Look for additional RMBS offerings for the in Colorado Springs. Please continue to visit this site for periodic updates.
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Since 1973, RMBS has hosted a public bonsai exhibition at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Members exhibit exceptional bonsai and suiseki (viewing stones) compositions from their personal collections. ​Join us September 3rd-4th, for our 53rd Annual Bonsai Exhibition at DBG York St. Almost 100 bonsai specimens will be on display.
Limber Pine (pinus flexilis)
Artist: Kawahara
