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 March 30, 2021
A new year of bonsai has begun! If you have cherries in winter storage, you may have started repotting in February. See Timely Tips for information on knowing when to repot and what to keep in mind this month and John Denny’s informative article on Root Hairs, a great re-run from a past issue. We […]
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By jenjo on February 5, 2021
Gear up for Spring and a whole new year of bonsai! Your trees know nothing about COVID-19 – they are going forward with their lives. May you be carried along in the excitement of that! As you know, we have some changes on the Newsletter staff. I have the privilege of serving as your Editor […]
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By jenjo on November 1, 2020
This time of year can be a bit on dreary side. We could use a few blooms to improve our attitudes. I have taken some photos of several species of blooming bonsai from Bonsai Empire… 2020-11-IBA-Newsletter DOWNLOAD
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By jenjo on October 1, 2020
Bonsai Fall Color Photos From Bonsai Empire website ~ Acer Palmatum “deshojo” Japanese maple Country of origin: Japan. Hiroshi Takeyama. It belongs to Luis Vallejo Bonsai Collection since 1991… 2020-10-IBA-Newsletter DOWNLOAD
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By jenjo on September 1, 2020
Clump style is one of my favorite styles. It can look so different depending on all of the varying tree species you can use. A clump of conifers gives a completely different look than a small grouping of tall elegant Japanese maples or a grouping of five twisting contorted K hornbeams… 2020-09-IBA-Newsletter DOWNLOAD
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By jenjo on August 1, 2020
I have kept bonsai trees for roughly 18 years. Like other bonsai hobbyists, I have experienced both the beauty and other rewards that go along with bonsai and I have experienced the disappointments that go hand in hand with those joys…2020-08-IBA-Newsletter DOWNLOAD
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The Iowa Bonsai Association is holding a workshop April 27th 9am-5pm. Julian Tsai will be the guest artist, the cost is $100.00 to participate $20.00 to be a silent observer. spots are filling up fast message the Iowa Bonsai Association to reserve your spot and for location details