History

    The Bonsai Society of Greater New York was started in 1963 by Yuji Yoshimura and is the oldest Bonsai Society in the Eastern United States. 

    In 1957, Yuji Yoshimura, a second generation bonsai artist from Japan, wrote the first compehensive work on the subject of Bonsai. The book is titled, "The Japanese Art of Miniature Trees & Landscape". This book is now referred to amongst Bonsai enthusiasts as "The Bonsai Bible". 

    In 1959, Yuji was invited to speak about Bonsai at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. This led to many world-wide appearances and gained recognition of the art to the Western World. Later, in 1962, Yoshimura began to teach classes at the New York Botanical Gardens. It was the first time in the U.S. that Bonsai instructional classes were taught.

    At the beginning of 1963, the Bonsai Society of Greater New York was founded by Yuji and 13 local Bonsai enthusiasts.  Jerry Stowell was elected the first president.  Within three years, there were 555 members, including 339 corresponding members in thirty-one states and several foreign countries.  The club's first official show was held that October at the New York Botanical Gardens.

    Today, the organization is still going strong with monthly meetings, public appearances and annual shows. 

Yuji Yoshimura at the 26th                            Dr. John Creech, Director of                Kokufu Ten, 1952                                         the Arboretum (left), and Yuji Yoshimura                                                                  (right) had early aspirations for a bonsai                                                                     collection in our nation’s capital. 1973