South Staffs Bonsai Society held its annual show at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Sunday 13 September 2026.
The show brought together an impressive and varied collection of bonsai belonging to society members. The displays included trees at different stages of development, from trees with fewer than five years of training through to mature and highly refined bonsai that had been developed over many years.
The standard of presentation was excellent, with considerable attention given not only to the trees themselves but also to the choice of pots, display stands and accompanying accent plants. The exhibition demonstrated the wide range of species, sizes and styles being cultivated by members of the society.
Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to speak with members, ask questions and learn more about the cultivation and development of bonsai. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere encouraged plenty of conversation, particularly with people who were new to bonsai or considering joining a local society.
Show sections
- Class 1 – Trees with under five years of training
- Class 2 – Trees with five years of training and above
- Exhibition-only trees
Award winners
- Best in Show – Paul Brown, with a Shohin Cotoneaster that has been in training for two and a half years
- Best in Class: Under Five Years of Training – Paul Brown, Shohin Cotoneaster
- Best in Class: Five Years and Above – Mark Bentley
- Best Tree and Pot Combination – Andy Dolman
- People’s Choice Award – Joy Pritchard
Certificates of Merit were also awarded to a number of deserving trees in both judged categories.
The People’s Choice vote proved especially popular, with visitors invited to select their favourite tree from the exhibition. This provided an enjoyable way for the public to become involved and generated plenty of discussion around the displays.
The society would like to thank Birmingham Botanical Gardens for hosting the event, everyone who exhibited a tree, the members who helped set up and manage the show, and all the visitors who attended and supported the society.
The annual show continues to be an important date in the South Staffs Bonsai Society calendar, giving members an opportunity to share their work, celebrate their progress and introduce the art of bonsai to a wider audience.