Meeting Schedule
Topics
Meeting topics listed below, they are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.
When
Meetings are from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. The Second Monday of the month.
Where
Liberty Hall Club in Marstons Mills, MA. Unless otherwise noted below.
Liberty Hall Club
2150 Main St
Marstons Mills, MA 02648
2026 Meetings
February 9
Slab Making
Liberty Hall Club
March 9
Clump Planting Workshop
Liberty Hall Club
April 13
Bonsai Styling Workshop
Liberty Hall Club
May 11
Guest Presenter Critique
Liberty Hall Club
August 10
Bonsai Environment and Health
Liberty Hall Club
June 8
Bonsai Show Preparation
Liberty Hall Club
September
Club Picnic and Auction
TBD
November 9
Deciduous Winter Prep
Liberty Hall Club
July 13
Bonsai Manipulation with Maples
Liberty Hall Club
October 12
Apex Development
Liberty Hall Club
Meeting Topics
(Preliminary and Subject to Change )
Move beyond the ceramic pot and learn the technical process of constructing custom bonsai slabs. This meeting covers structural anchoring points, drainage design, and the aesthetic principles of scale and texture. Master the skills needed to build professional-grade planting surfaces that mimic the wild terrain of the natural world.
February 9 - Slab Making
March 9 - Clump Planting
Learn to recreate the look of a natural thicket in our hands-on Clump Planting Workshop. We’ll explore the 'Kabudachi' style, teaching you how to arrange multiple trunks into a single, harmonious composition that tells a story of shared growth and resilience. Master the techniques of balance and depth to turn a cluster of trees into a breathtaking miniature specimen.
Bring in the tree you purchased from New England Bonsai Garden for a one-on-one deep dive into structural refinement, long-term styling goals, and advanced horticultural care. Whether you’re setting the initial frame or fine-tuning a specimen, you'll leave with a clear, actionable roadmap for your tree’s future.
April 13 - Bonsai Styling
May 11 - Guest Presenter Critique
Bring your own Tree for a guest presenter design critique.
Prepare your trees for the spotlight in this intensive workshop focused on the fine details of exhibition. We’ll cover professional cleaning techniques, moss application, and the art of selecting the perfect stand and accent plant to complement your tree. Learn the subtle 'tricks of the trade' that transform a backyard bonsai into a formal masterpiece ready for the judging table.
June 8 - Bonsai Show Preparation
Take control of your maple’s design by learning the art of intentional manipulation. This meeting focuses on the techniques specific to deciduous trees, including air layering for better nebari, internode management, and healing large scars. Learn how to work with the tree's natural vigor to create a balanced, elegant structure that shines in both summer leaf and winter silhouette.
July 13 - Bonsai Manipulation with Maples
Master the vital signs of your collection in this deep dive into bonsai horticulture and environmental management. We’ll explore the 'Golden Triangle' of health; light, water, and oxygen. You’ll learn how to manipulate your specific microclimate to trigger peak growth. Learn to diagnose issues before they become disasters and build a sustainable environment where your trees don't just survive, but thrive.
August 10 - Bonsai Environment and Health
Join us for our favorite event of the year! The annual Club Picnic and Auction! It’s the perfect day to relax with fellow enthusiasts, share a meal, and place your bids on a wide variety of trees and supplies looking for a new home. Come for the food, stay for the friendly competition, and leave with the next masterpiece for your collection.
September - TBD - Club Picnic and Auction
October 12 - Apex Development
The apex is more than just the top of the tree; it’s the crown that defines its character and age. In this workshop, you’ll learn the art of creating 'soft' and naturalistic tops, moving away from rigid triangles to more mature, rounded silhouettes. Master the techniques of branch placement and thinning to ensure your tree’s summit looks as ancient as its trunk.
Get your maples, elms, and hornbeams ready for the new year by mastering the essentials of dormant-season care. This class covers the 'how and why' of winter pruning; thinning out heavy tops, removing cluttered growth, and wiring primary branches while the wood is flexible. Gain the skills to improve your tree’s ramification and health before the first buds break.
November 9 - Deciduous Winter Prep
December - TBD
Annual Holiday Party