2026 Soil Sale
Our 2026 soil sale is now OPEN for business: https://dirtmerchantsrus.com/
Keep in mind that soil is LOCAL PICK UP ONLY in order to keep our prices down.
The first pick up will be on January 17th, after our regular club meeting concludes at 12:00PM and will go until 4:30pm.
Address for the meeting and the pick up is:
3482 Oakcliff Road Unit C Doraville GA 30340
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pb5zvNaNEK6VqYxd7
Feb Beginners Meeting
On February 11th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Conservatory, we will begin our 2026 beginners series featuring local hero and bonsai teacher Rodney Clemons of All Good Bonsai. There is no one better suited to teach how to grow bonsai in Atlanta, as Rodney has been an active grower and resident of the area for over 30 years.
February’s beginners meeting will focus on foundational repotting techniques. Rodney will guide participants through soil preparation, root work, and thoughtful pot selection—core skills every new bonsai enthusiast needs as spring approaches.
The format for our beginner sessions remains the same as previous years: Anyone may attend, but to bring a tree (or trees) we ask that you reserve a ticket.
Book your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-bonsai-with-rodney-clemons-tickets-1136912157869
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
980 Briarcliff Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ysufyMKM9dWBoRN26
Feb Club Meeting
Join us for a day in the woods in middle Georgia on February 21st! Once again Russell Baggett will take club members on a guided hike through the Georgia woods and educate us all on how to responsibly collect bonsai friendly Georgia Native Trees. We often collect american hornbeams, hop hornbeams and native elms, just to name a few species.
Starting time: 9:00am – 12:00pm Location will be sent via email to members.
In the afternoon, we have a very special opportunity for those of you looking to build your collection with quality native material. For six participants you will have the opportunity to go collection on Russell’s property. Please register if you would like a collecting spot, here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979449317193?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please be prepared for a light hike, with warm, layered clothing, hiking boots or sensible shoes, water and a bag lunch, or snacks to share!
March: Yard Sale and Kaya Mooney!
On March 21st at 10:00am please join your fellow members for our annual BONSAI YARD SALE! This is a “swap meet” style event, to circulate bonsai material with other bonsai enthusiasts in your area. So load up your extra plants, pots, and bonsai merchandise, bring a folding table, and join us in the back parking lot at Callanwolde. There is a $20.00 fee to vend and we hope many of you will come and buy, sell, trade and enjoy socializing with each other. Set up will be at 9:00am on the 21st and the event is rain or shine.
We will have a special guest on hand dispensing bonsai advice for your new acquisitions: Kaya Mooney! He will be with us during the morning session and for an afternoon workshop as well.
Kaya Mooney is a professional bonsai artist based in Japan, known for his thoughtful approach to design and strong grounding in traditional technique. Originally from South Florida, Kaya’s early interest in trees led him to pursue bonsai seriously in Northern California, where he began formal training under Boon Manakitivipart.
Kaya later continued his education in Japan, completing a five-year professional apprenticeship at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Osaka. In 2024, he earned professional certification from the Nippon Bonsai Association, marking his transition to independent professional practice.
His work emphasizes natural form, seasonal sensitivity, and long-term development, with a particular interest in deciduous material. Kaya currently teaches workshops internationally and works with private collections, sharing both traditional Japanese methodology and a contemporary, accessible teaching style well suited to students at all levels.
“My goal in a workshop is not to ‘finish’ a tree, but to help each student understand what their tree needs next—and why.”
If you’d like to join in the afternoon workshop please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bonsai-workshop-with-kaya-mooney-tickets-1979605393020?aff=oddtdtcreator
The workshop will be from 1:00 – 4:30pm and is limited to a maximum of eight persons. Please see the event link for further details.
Membership:
This meeting is open to all current ABS members and those interested in bonsai. If you’re not yet a member, we encourage you to join before or at the meeting.
We look forward to an inspiring day of bonsai learning and fellowship.
April Beginners Meeting
On April 8th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Conservatory, we will continue our 2026 beginners series with local hero and bonsai teacher Rodney Clemons of All Good Bonsai. Rodney has been an active grower and resident of the Atlanta area for over 30 years.
April’s beginners meeting will cover essential tasks for spring to set trees up for a strong and healthy growing season.
The format for our beginner sessions remains the same as previous years: Anyone may attend, but to bring a tree (or trees) we ask that you reserve a ticket.
Book your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-bonsai-with-rodney-clemons-tickets-1136912157869
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
980 Briarcliff Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ysufyMKM9dWBoRN26
Bonsai Workshops
We offer novice workshops led by a local bonsai professional and advanced workshops led by various guest artists. Since bonsai have needs based on the calendar, our workshops are seasonal in nature.
Depending on artist demand, we may have more than one workshop session per weekend, so check the events page for times as the monthly meeting approaches. Please remain flexible with whether you can take morning or afternoon workshop. The cost of each workshop session is currently $75 for at least 3 hours, unless we are including tree or other materials, which may be extra. The club will provide wire to use at workshops and meetings; everything else you may need should be brought by workshop participant, including tree and tools.
Recent Guest Artists
- Young Choe
- Shannon Salyer
- Jonas Dupuich
- Rodney Clemons
- Adam Jones
- Kenji Miyata
- Kathy Shaner
- Tyler Sherrod
- Jerome Kellerhals
- Sergio Cuan
- Eli Akins
- Mike Lane
- Julian Adams
Membership
ATLBS Online
