Welcome to the Iowa Bonsai Association's website. IBA was founded in 1979 to promote appreciation and development of bonsai. Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You may come and go as your time permits and work on trees or just socialize and observe. See the calendar page for details! We meet at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
Join us! Members will enjoy a helpful, supportive atmosphere no matter what your experience level, opportunity to participate in workshops, bonsai shows and collecting trips, access to the association's library of books and a monthly newsletter. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to get to know more about bonsai, please attend one of our meetings or contact us.
By jenjo on November 1, 2021
In this issue we have an interesting article by Cat Nelson regarding water pH and its relevance to our bonsai practice. Our big event in October was the Reiman Gardens show. It was great! See Dave Richmond’s wonderful photo essay. It’s the next best thing to being there. I’ve also included a little piece on the Reiman Garden’s event and Todd Schlafer’s […]
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By jenjo on October 1, 2021
Hey, You All! Fall color is beginning, dormancy is on its way and, by the end of the month, we will be heavily engaged with fall work on trees. Before that, however, we have a lot going on. We hope you can make it to the Reiman Garden Show and Bonsai Bazaar, October 9 and […]
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By jenjo on September 1, 2021
Fall is upon us. I can see the signs. New England Asters have begun to bloom, the birds are flocking, and my friends’ children have scattered to various college campuses around the country. I am beginning to think seriously about rabbit fencing and winter protection and fretting over slabs and wooden boxes that need to […]
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By jenjo on August 30, 2021
Living Art Award and Blue – Liquidambar Forest (Sweet Gum) Max Miller Awards of Preeminence and Blue – Yew Ron Heinen ISF Best of Show and Blue – European Olive Zoe Nady Award of Execellence and Blue – Chinese Elm Dan Morton Ribbon Winners Cat Nelsom Blue – ficus retusa Red – portulacaria White – […]
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By jenjo on August 5, 2021
Well, now it really is SHOW TIME! It’s time to clean up your trees and pots, arrange moss on the soil, put a little oil on the pots and all that jazz. It’s time to choose your companion plants and plan your displays (If you haven’t spent the last two months thinking about it!)… 2021-08-IBA-Newsletter
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By jenjo on July 30, 2021
Happy July, Bonsai Enthusiasts! It’s SHOW TIME! Well, August is show time. The Bonsai Show at the Iowa State Fair is August 15, 2021, and the Mid-America Bonsai Society Show & Sale is being held at the Chicago Botanic Gardens August 20-22, 2021. And Guess What? Anyone can enter… 2021-07-IBA-Newsletter
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA