Posts by Scot

❓What Is Changing for Bonsai Society of Brevard Members?

• All-in-One Member Portal: Access an online member directory, manage your profile, and register for club events in one secure location.
• No Added Cost: BSF is covering the base platform fee of approximately $5 per member annually.
• Pre-Created Accounts: Active 2026 members have already been uploaded into the ClubExpress database.
• Mobile App Access: Enjoy streamlined tools directly from your mobile device.

📅 Key Timeline and Important Dates

• October 20: Member renewal notices and initial login instructions will be emailed to all active members.
• November 1:
  • The new ClubExpress portal officially launches.
  • All announcements, communications, and event sign-ups switch entirely to ClubExpress.
  • BSOB’s new secure payment portal opens (member payments are temporarily paused until this date).
  • Updates to the legacy website will cease.
• December 31: The new BSOB website on ClubExpress will completely replace our current site, which will be permanently retired.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I access my new BSOB / ClubExpress account?

Active 2026 members will receive an email on or after October 20 containing account setup details and password login instructions.

Will membership dues increase because of ClubExpress?

No. BSF is absorbing the platform base fee ($5/member per year), making this upgrade cost-free for members while saving $200–$300 annually in administrative costs.

How do I make payments or renew my membership?

All renewals and event payments will pause until November 1, when the new BSOB payment portal goes live on ClubExpress.

For further updates or questions regarding your membership login, stay tuned to your email inbox or contact your BSOB club administrator.

From 1pm to 4pm on Aug 15th, the Bonsai Society of Brevard invites members, friends, and the public to enjoy an afternoon celebrating the art of bonsai. Come admire a wonderful collection of trees created by our members, meet fellow bonsai enthusiasts, and enjoy light refreshments.

BSOB members are encouraged to participate by creating a display featuring one or more of their favorite bonsai. Each participating member will be provided with a 6-foot display table to showcase their work.

This is your opportunity to share what you’ve been cultivating and refining. Get creative. Tell a story. Create a display that brings your trees to life.

Refreshments will be served. Members are welcome to bring a potluck dish to share if they wish.

BSOB members, to reserve a table please RSVP to Rob Kempinski at rkempinski@cfl.rr.com.

Note: This month, we will meet at
St. Timothy’s Church
Croton Road, Melbourne, Florida

At this meeting we will revisit and review the exposed root plantings we did in Sept 2024. At that meeting, Rob guided us in creating an exposed root style pre-bonsai tree using PVC pipe, wire, and rocks. And it’s time to consider repotting once again!

For those who have trees from Sept 2024, we ask you to bring a bonsai pot and tools for repotting.

For those who don’t have trees, Rob is bringing 8 newly purchased Sea Hibiscus. These will be distributed on first come first served for $25 each which includes the supplies for your root over rock composition.

The club will supply wire and other supplies. All you need to do is bring tools and a willingness to have some fun.

As a reminder, the Kempinski Korner post (Exposed) gives an overview of the techniques to be used in this workshop.

Note: This month, we will meet at the Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Blvd (at 1pm.)

The April program will be a version of “Bonsai  Styling – the Speed Dating Way.” Ten willing members will be drawn from random and sequentially work on a Jobutacaba tree in 5 minute bursts. After five minutes the next person goes and so on until the tree is styled.  The Workers need to discuss what they are doing.  People without tickets are allowed to kibbutz and comment on work done.   At the end a senior member will give a critique of the work. 

The original raffle tickets will be used to prime the drawing jar. Other club members and the ten workers can purchase more.  This tree was purchased at the multi-club auction in 2025.

*As a note, the correct spelling is jabuticaba, though you’ll also see jaboticaba used in English. Both refer to the same Brazilian fruit tree (Plinia cauliflora).

Note: This month, we meet at St Timothy’s Lutheran Church at 1pm.

St Timothy Lutheran Church, 1903 Croton Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935

Germán Arellano will be performing the demonstration at the March BSOB Club meeting on Mar 21st at 1pm. He is a Colombian bonsai artist known for blending the early training he received from his mother with the advanced techniques he later studied under respected teachers, including Chase Rosade and several leading Latin American masters. His work today centers on teaching, demonstrating, and developing trees at his nursery in Cali, where he’s built a reputation for skill, clarity, and a warm, approachable teaching style that resonates with students and enthusiasts alike.

He will also do a demonstration at the Central Florida Bonsai Club on Mar 22nd.

German Arellano styles a Juniper Bonsai at BWB

He will be available for private lessons while in the area. Contact Rob if you are interested in reserving a spot.

Adam Lavigne will be styling a very nice Hackberry that the club has owned for many years. It’s the perfect time to style this species and one lucky BSOB club member will get the tree after the demo. Adam will be demonstrating air layering and other techniques on this tree.

Come a before 1pm to setup.

Note: This month, we will meet at the Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Blvd (at 1pm.)

This meeting is going to be a blast! We’ve received two beautiful Bald Cypress trees from Ray M.’s estate (big thanks!). We’ll split into two teams for a fun styling competition, and in the end, the trees will be raffled off to two lucky BSOB 2026 members. The photo shown isn’t of the actual trees, but it gives an idea of a typical pre-bonsai ready for its first styling.

Come a before 1pm to setup.

Note: This month, we will meet at the Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Blvd (at 1pm.)

The December club meeting is packed with fun events. First, we will hold our yearly holiday pot-luck meal. The club provides the meat, drinks, and all table settings.  You bring your favorite dish to share. 

We will also hold the BSOB club-level styling competition. See this post BSOB Styling Competition for 2026 for details.  It’s a fun event to watch, even if you don’t participate.

The December event will also feature a club initiative to create a multi-tree planting. This unique planting will be raffled off to one lucky active member.

Come a before 1pm to setup.

Note: This month, we will meet at the Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Blvd (at 1pm.)