Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota
Welcome to the Sho Fu Bonsai Society
Whether you’re just discovering bonsai or have been cultivating trees for years, you’ll find a warm welcome at the Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota.
Our members enjoy learning together through monthly meetings, workshops, demonstrations, and the sharing of knowledge and experience.
We meet at the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota on the second Tuesday of each month. We invite you to visit a meeting, meet fellow enthusiasts, and discover the beauty, artistry, and lifelong enjoyment of bonsai.
News & Announcements
November 2026 Members Meeting - Black Pine Demo and Workshop
38 members attended last night’s monthly meeting featuring our own member Kamil Sykora giving a presentation on developing Japanese Black Pine. After the presentation, which was accompanied by a brief hands-on demo, Kamil led a workshop that provided a 3-year-old sapling JBP to each of 30 members who had signed up. Participation was free, since Kamil donated all the pines, and Sho Fu provided wire. Finally, Kamil also offered advice on aftercare and methods to improve growth. We are very grateful to Kamil for selflessly offering his time, talent, and materials!
2027 Epcot Submission Deadline
November: the end of the month is the submission deadline to submit a tree for display during Epcot’s Flower & Garden Fest. Members of Bonsai Societies of Florida (BSF) from around the state may submit large trees for consideration to display for three months in spring 2027 at Epcot. This is an amazing opportunity to have literally millions of visitors see your tree, and comes with perks offered by Disney including park passes and two overnight stays at a Disney resort. Submission is only afforded to members of BSF, of which Sho Fu, therefore all of you, are members. Trees must be mature and at least 26” in overall height. Only 27 trees are selected, often from nearly 100 submissions. Check the BSF website (Epcot display) for details.
Annual Show & Exhibit
The annual Show & Exhibit (July 2026) was fun and educational!
Meetings & Events
Monthly Meeting
Date:
Saturday December 12, 2026
Time:
4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location:
Turtle Rock Community Center
8500 Turtle Rock Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34238
Description:
FOR MEMBERS ONLY – Our annual member meeting and Holiday Party!
Bring a dish (appetizer, dessert, etc) to share, BYOB, and a gift if you want to participate in the “Dirty Santa” (aka White Elephant) Gift Exchange; suggested theme is anything bonsai related, and approximately $25 in value.
Monthly Meeting
Date:
Tuesday January 12, 2027
Time:
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location:
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
Description:
Dorothy Schmitz-Demarest (from Ft. Myers area, is BSF Exhibit Chair) will give a program on possibly a juniper, or tree TBD. The following day, Sho Fu is hosting a “Field Trip” to the Florida Natives Nursery. Cost of $20 per participant is paid by Sho Fu, but to reserve your spot and assure attendance, we request a $20 deposit from those who wish to join. The family-owned nursery staff will offer information about Florida native species—which is perfect for the BSF 2027 Convention Theme: Florida NATIVES!
Monthly Meeting
Date:
Tuesday February 9, 2027
Time:
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location:
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
Description:
Adam Lavigne will provide an Ilex demonstration.
Monthly Meeting
Date:
Wednesday March 3, 2027 (Not Regular Mtg Day)
Time:
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location:
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
Description:
Larry Naeder, VP Suncoast Bonsai Society, owner of Thunderstruck Bonsai Nursery (St. Petersburg), and creator of Bonsai & Brews education events, will show us how to create faux rock & slab formations.