On Dec. 2, 1975, a small group of people with a common interest in bonsai met, and as a result of that meeting Sho Fu Bonsai Society was formed.
Sho Fu literally translates as “wind in the pines”, but to club members, it means so much more. For more than 35 years, Sho Fu has meant sharing an interest in a centuries-old art form through an informative monthly meeting where people can learn more about bonsai, it means camaraderie with an interesting cross-section of people, and it is a place where world renowned bonsai masters teach their art to an ever growing audience.
In 2007, Sho Fu undertook a collaboration with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, assembling a world class permanent bonsai exhibit through donations from club members, which it now maintains with volunteers from the Sho Fu membership. T his exhibit is visited by the more than 125,000 people who come to Selby Gardens each year. Many people, for the first time, can actually see bonsai trees on display, and enjoy the beauty of this ancient art form.
Sho Fu Bonsai Society, Inc. participates every year in the annual Selby Gardens Plant & Garden Festival, installing a temporary bonsai exhibit with trees from members’ collections, along with those from other area bonsai clubs from Tampa to Ft. Myers. This festival is attended by upwards of 3000 people each spring. Bonsai demonstrations are presented throughout the weekend, and packets of information on bonsai are distributed.
The outreach program takes our art into area schools, to garden clubs, to homeowner associations, and many other venues where people want to learn more about bonsai. Club volunteers are always eager to share their knowledge with others.
Sho Fu membership is expanding rapidly, and many younger people are showing a marked interest in joining and participating in meetings. Workshops are held throughout the year to help members, both old and new, increase their knowledge of bonsai.
Sho Fu Bonsai Society, Inc. is entering the future with a renewed sense of optimism that this ancient art will endure for centuries to come.