Milton Keynes Bonsai Society

Milton Keynes Bonsai Society Meeting/Workshop Calendar 2026

 

​Unless otherwise stated the meetings will be held on the second Monday of the month in the The Reform Hall, Giffard Park, Milton Keynes starting at 7:15 until 9.30 pm

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Each monthly meeting/workshop will include:

 

• A display of members trees and tree critique.

• Bring in your tree(s) for a “Hands On” workshop, get assistance with problem trees etc.

• Seasonal Bonsai knowledge and discussions hosted by our resident expert Steve Brown, guest speaker or group discussion.

                       

​January

• No meeting

 

February 9th

• Membership Renewal for 2026

• Presentation - Tree preparation for exhibitions/shows by Steve Brown

• Presentation – How to display Bonsai Trees by Chiaki and Simon Roberts

 

March 9th

• Repotting - covering safe root work, soil choice, and aftercare by Steve Brown

 

April 13th

• Deciduous Bonsai (Refinement & Leaf Control) Refinement techniques such as shoot selection, partial defoliation, and balancing vigour to improve ramification by Steve Brown

 

May 11th

• Talk by guest speaker David Cheshire (David Cheshire Bonsai) will discuss Bonsai Seasonal Management, and associated tasks

 

June 8th

• Evergreen Broadleaf Species (flat leaf/flowering) - Summer pruning, silhouette control, feeding regimes, and managing trees through warm, dry conditions by Steve Brown

 

July 13th

• Evergreens/Conifers/Pines – Care, maintenance and styling considerations by Steve Brown

 

August 10th

• Tree critique by guest speaker Corin Tomlinson (Greenwood Bonsai). Bring as many trees as you need advice on by one of UK's top bonsai artists!

 

September 14th

• General workshop – Open Workshop for all species

 

October 12th

• Deciduous Bonsai (Assessment & Planning). Post-growing-season assessment, light structural work, and planning winter tasks and future development by Steve Brown

 

November 9th

• Mixed Workshop & Winter Planning - Open for all species, planning major work for the dormant season.

 

December 14th

• AGM & Christmas Party - review of the year, and social Christmas meeting

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Diary Dates 2026

 

Saturday 28th March 2026

 

Exclusive six-hour workshop with Corin Tomlinson at Cosgrove Village Hall, Milton Keynes 

10:00am to 16:00pm

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Special MKBS members rate of £45.00 - Limited to 10 places only!

To book contact - Simon or Ken

 

9th May 2026 – World Bonsai Day – Spread the joy of Bonsai!

 

World Bonsai Day was initiated by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation to honour

the memory of Saburo Kato (1915-2008), a renowned bonsai master and third generation owner of the "Mansei-en" bonsai nursery in Omiya Japan, one of the most famous bonsai nurseries in the world. Mr Kato an author, teacher and philosopher inspired countless people around the world to learn the art of bonsai and in 1989 founder and became the first chairman of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation (WBFF).  It is celebrated every year on the 2nd Saturday in May, with the prime aim of furthering the understanding and awareness of bonsai world wide.

 

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