Monthy study groups 
1st Saturday – Randy Bennett, 2nd Saturday – Kathy Barbazon
(Dawn Koetting will be doing a quarterly group and Dennis Burke is doing a Black Pine group as needed)

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Note: Date was changed to the 20th due to a hall scheduling conflict.
Program: Silhouette Show and Presentation/Lecture by Randy Bennett on Deciduous trees 7:00pm
The Silhouette Program is a study of branch ramification and evaluation of plans for further development of our deciduous bonsai. Bring in a deciduous tree or two for display and discussion. We ask that it be a deciduous tree – but it can be in any stage, from just starting in a nursery pot, half way there in a training pot or in a more finished stage in a bonsai pot. You will be asked for the origin of the tree and a brief history of development. Randy will do a presentation on the care and styling of deciduous trees and then use the trees in the show to illustrate different points about growth and styling while also making suggestions for the further development of the trees.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Program: Show Preparations – Helping your collection whether you show or not by Dawn Koetting 7:00pm
Dawn, one of our most experienced and award winning members, will have a presentation with slides and demo showing how early we should start preparing our trees for a show, what should happen when, and how the process improves your ability to move your collection forward, whether you show or not, by REALLY looking at our trees.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Program: Club Giveaway and Open Workshop and Club Giveaway  7:00pm
We are currently acquiring giveaway trees (mixed species) for the first 35 paid members arriving at the March meeting,. The rest of the meeting will be an open workshop where members can work on their giveaway tree or any of their personal trees they bring in with the advice and assistance of more experienced members.

Friday, April 10, 2026
Program: Grafting Presentation and Trident Maple Grafting Demonstration by Sylvia Smith 7:00pm
Many of you may remember Sylvia from C’est Bonsai 2025. She is a talented, knowledgeable artist and excellent teacher. She and her husband Howard are award-winning bonsai artists and graduates of Boon Manakitivipart’s Intensive bonsai program. They curate the trees for The Bonsai Collection, soon to be at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. Sylvia also curates private collections and conducts classes, workshops and private lessons.

Saturday, April 11, 2026
Workshop 1: Fortunella Kindsaii Kumquats Workshop – by Sylvia Smith 9:00am
Each participant will receive 2 kumquats and Sylvia will instruct and aid them in grafting the two trunks together to form a thicker and more interesting trunk as well as styling. Participants are asked to bring a bonsai pot and soil to pot the kumquats. This kumquat species is the one most highly desired for bonsai. Don’t miss this opprtunity to acquire and work with them. Cost of the workshop including material is $130. Open to beginners and above. Sign up at the February meeting.

Workshop 2: Bring Your Own Tree Workshop – by Sylvia Smith 1:00pm
Bring your own tree for design and styling assistance from Sylvia. Cost of the workshop is $60. Sign up at the February meeting.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
(Note – later date to accommodate hall)
To be announced

June
To be announced

July
Johnny Martinez Competition

Saturday, August 8, 2026
2024 Annual GNOBS Auction & Plant Sale
VFW Hall – 1133 Hickory Ave, Harahan, LA 70123
Now is the time to go through that overcrowded bench and decide which of your trees should go to the auction for a new home. If you are a beginner, make cuttings now for the bargain table or buy an inexpensive garden center plant and gain some practice by styling it for the auction. All donations contribute to the operating budget of the club and we hope to bring you even better programs next year. Besides, you’ll need the space for the fabulous new bonsai that you just can’t live without and bring home from the auction.

Auction Setup begins – 10:00 am
Donations Accepted – 12 Noon – 4:00pm
Viewing of trees and plant sale begins at 4:00pm
Auction – 6:00pm – 9:00pm