Living Art Bonsai Society
LABS

A Message from Our President Tim Doran

President’s Message – March 2026

Greetings, my friends,

As we step into March, I want to pause and recognize the remarkable momentum our club continues to build. Each month brings new challenges, new members, and new opportunities to appreciate the dedication and enthusiasm each of you brings. March is certainly no exception.

This is a wonderful time of year for bonsai. The temperatures are beginning to warm, the sunlight is increasing, and our trees are preparing to leaf out in all their spring glory. It’s a season of renewal — both in our collections and in our shared learning.

Our recent maple-digging adventure at Dennis’ house was a perfect example of what makes this group special. Not only was it a productive bonsai learning experience, but it also reminded us how much fun it is to work — and grow — together. The teamwork, enthusiasm, and determination on display were truly impressive, and I’m grateful to everyone who came out to help. We accomplished a great deal, and we enjoyed ourselves along the way. Like our trees, we grow best through steady care, shared learning, and time spent together.

Looking ahead, I’m especially excited for our upcoming workshop with Jennifer Price. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a highly respected bonsai artist, refine our skills, and continue building camaraderie within the club. Whether you’re bringing a well‑established bonsai that needs some expert refinement or a new nursery‑stock tree you’re eager to shape, I encourage you to take part and make the most of this unique learning experience.

As always, I’m honored to serve as your president and grateful for the passion and commitment you bring. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed so far this year — and for the continued energy you bring to help our club thrive.

 Let’s make March another excellent month.

 “The art of bonsai is the art of harmony — between nature, the artist, and the passage of time.” A quote created by CoPilot. No really!

 See you at the next meeting.

Timothy Doran

LABS President

20 Mar 26
LABS Workshop

Master Artist Jennifer Price Workshop

•  Times: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
•        1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Attendees BYOT (Bring Your Own Tree)

Location:

 Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805

21 Mar 26
LABS Workshop

 Master Artist Jennifer Price Workshop

•  Times: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Attendees BYOT (Bring Your Own Tree)

Location:

 Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805

21 Mar 26
LABS Meeting

Monthly Meeting

         Times 1:00pm to 4:00pm Varies

• Master Artist Jennifer Price Demo and Q & A
• Work on trees

Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805

Here are directions to the meeting room called Volunteer Classroom:

The Linda J. Smith Building is located to the right of the Guest Center. Drive straight to the Guest Center, take your first right in the traffic circle, and park in the parking lot (Dogwood Lot on the map) at the top of the hill. Go to the red brick building with the wooden ramp in front of it next to the pavilion. When you walk up the ramp, the volunteer classroom is the door on the right.

Kingsville Boxwood
Buxus Microphylla Forest
Style: Rock Over Rock
Age: 51 years
In Training: 21 years

Bald Cypress
Taxodium distictum
Style: Formal Upright
Age: 19 years
In Training: 14 years

Satsuki Azalea
Rhododendrum indicum
Style: Informal Upright
Age: 41 years
In Training: 31 years

Elm
Ulmus parvifolia
Style: Informal Upright
Age: 21 years
In Training: 16 years