Scottish Bonsai Association

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Scottish Bonsai Association

The Scottish Bonsai Association brings several local clubs under one umbrella with the aim of supporting the hobby.

We aim to promote and foster interest and participation in the art and culture of Bonsai in Scotland
[email protected]

25/04/2026

Just starting to warm up here at Lauriston Castle Japan Sakura, both weather and visitors.

23/04/2026

Counting down… just over four weeks till the big day!

21/04/2026

Come see us on 25 & 26 April, 11am-4pm at Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh for Japan Sakura!

We’re excited to have been invited back to present another stunning bonsai display.

Immerse yourself in the artistry of bonsai, celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden and experience the magic of Japanese culture up close.
We can't wait to see you there!

12/04/2026

It might have been a cold morning yesterday, but the team’s enthusiasm quickly warmed things up! You created such a welcoming atmosphere and sparked real excitement and curiosity about the art of bonsai.

The garden looked absolutely stunning, daffodils nodding in the wind, early blooms lighting up the rhododendrons, and the cherry blossom putting on a beautiful show. It was the perfect backdrop for the day. The Karesansui was especially striking, its raked gravel and carefully placed stones adding a sense of calm and balance that complemented the bonsai beautifully.

A huge thank you to The Japanese Garden at Cowden for inviting us back, and an even bigger thank you to our fantastic team for making the day such a success. Your passion, energy, and beautiful trees made the event shine.

04/04/2026

We are so excited to have been invited back to The Japanese Garden at Cowden on Saturday 11th April. It's an inspiring garden and our favourite place to showcase the living art of bonsai.

Our display will be in the Garden Pavilion and is included with your garden entry ticket. You’ll also find experienced bonsai enthusiasts on hand to chat to and answer any questions you may have about this beautiful art form.

You can book your tickets here:
https://cowdengarden.com/products/new-gardens-ticket

Look forward to seeing you there : )

The Japanese Garden at Cowden
The Japan Society of Scotland

30/11/2025

At Forth Valley Group’s November meeting we were treated to a wonderful demonstration from a skilled potter, who showed us the art of hand building pots. Hand building is one of the oldest pottery techniques, connecting us directly to traditions that go back thousands of years.

The potter guided us through all three classic methods, pinching, coil building, and slab construction, each with its own rhythm and creative possibilities. It was inspiring to see the process up close and learn more about this traditional craft.

The evening was full of creativity, conversation, and community spirit, leaving everyone with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and heritage of pottery.

25/10/2025

October Bonsai Workshop with Caz Scott – A Day of Insight and Inspiration

Our October workshop finally arrived, bringing together members and their trees for a much-anticipated session with the talented Caz Scott. The day was filled with learning, creativity, and a wonderful sense of bonsai camaraderie.

Caz offered personalised guidance to each participant, sharing expert advice on development techniques tailored to the trees brought along. Her clear explanations of bonsai terminology and hands-on demonstrations made the experience especially valuable for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

The small group setting allowed for focused learning, and we were pleased to welcome several spectators who came along to observe and enjoy the atmosphere.

A big thank you to Caz for leading such an inspiring and educational workshop. Her depth of knowledge and approachable style made a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Special thanks to Douglas for capturing our before-and-after shots, showcasing the transformations and progress made throughout the day.

And of course, thank you to all who attended and contributed to making the day so enjoyable. We’re already looking forward to the next one.

Scottish Bonsai Association

11/10/2025

Lovely morning for the Autumn Sakura here at Lauriston Castle. Beautuful colours in the trees in the garden as well as our We are here today and tomorrow, till 3pm. Come see us.

28/09/2025

Sad news today of the passing of Rob Atkinson. Some of you will remember Rob from the National Exhibition this year, selling lots of fabulous trees like cotoneasters.
Rob is a familiar face in bonsai across the UK and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He always had a big smile and was happy to chat bonsai to all who would listen. One of life’s good guys, taken too soon.
Rest easy Rob 💔

12/08/2025

Thank you to everyone for joining us on Saturday (8 Aug) at The Japanese Garden at Cowden, and for contributing to the beautiful bonsai display. It was a pleasure to see such a rich variety of trees showcased in such a serene setting.

Despite the blustery winds, spirits remained high throughout the day. We were especially delighted to feature mature specimens from the Scottish Bonsai Collection Trust alongside our members’ trees and trees from Fife Bonsai Club and Caledonian Bonsai. It was a feast for the eyes.

A special thanks to Carol for bringing along some of her handmade pots, what a lovely addition to the day! We hope to see more of your work at future events.

And of course, our thanks to the Japanese Garden for welcoming us once again and to all the visitors on the day. It’s always a joy to share our passion in such a tranquil and inspiring space.

02/08/2025

Bonsai Beauty Returns to The Japanese Garden at Cowden on Saturday, 9th August 2025, joined by fellow enthusiasts to showcase the living art of bonsai.

Each tree tells a quiet story of patience, creativity, and tradition.

The stunning bonsai display in the Garden Pavilion is included with your garden entry ticket. Book your tickets to avoid disappointment:
https://cowdengarden.com/products/new-gardens-ticket

Let nature’s quiet beauty inspire you.

01/08/2025

The National Gardening & Outdoor Living Show took place on at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 26 & 27 July, bringing together garden enthusiasts, creative makers, and nature-focused brands in a vibrant celebration of horticulture. As well as a diverse array of garden-related traders and activities which offered visitors fresh inspiration for outdoor living and design.

The Scottish Bonsai Association proudly exhibited at this landmark event with two beautifully curated bonsai show stands. One stand featured small bonsai trees, highlighting intricate refinement and scale; the other showcased larger specimens, commanding attention through their maturity and grandeur. Each display reflected the dedication, patience, and artistic vision of our members, and both were honoured with Silver Gilt awards, a testament to their exceptional quality and impact.

This debut show, not only celebrated garden craftsmanship but offered a vital platform to highlight bonsai as a reflective and expressive art form. The overwhelmingly positive reception affirms the power of live engagement to grow community awareness and inspire budding interest in bonsai practice.

Thanks to the event organisers for providing a welcoming platform where the artistry and philosophy of bonsai could flourish. Their dedication to showcasing the richness of gardening and outdoor living made the weekend truly memorable.

Warm thanks also go to the SBA setup team and stewards whose thoughtful efforts brought our displays to life. Their care and commitment, from arranging each tree to sharing their knowledge with visitors, were deeply appreciated by all who stopped by.

Watch the transformation unfold, from the first steps of setup to the stunning final display.

Address

Edinburgh

Website

http://www.scottishbonsai.org/

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