Rolling up to the club: How do I NOT embarrass myself in front of the bonsai society?

[swiper]

Hello everybody. I'm new to bonsai; as of right now I only have a pre-bonsai (zanthoxylum simulans) that I'm growing until its trunk is more satisfying and some ficus benjamina cuttings that I'm propagating for bonsai purposes. The ficus will probably suffer some mangling, but I have virtually infinite ficus, and I think that if I get my "Baby's First Bonsai" mistakes out on the ficus that I'll have a better idea of what I'm doing by the time the z. simulans is ready for some action in x months/years.

With that out of the way... my local bonsai society's online calendar rarely lists meetings/events where "non-members" are welcome (multiple months apart), the next being a public showing at an event in late August. I want to say hello and and hopefully be invited to get involved with the club. Because there don't seem to be many non-members-allowed events to introduce myself at, I'm extra keen on not looking like a total donkey. Other factors to note are that (as far as I can tell from their website) most of the members seem to be older and elderly men, and I'm a woman in my 20s. I'm also disabled and walk with a cane, and sometimes use a wheelchair (which I will likely be using on the day). I want to be part of the spirit of "passing knowledge to the next generation". I don't want to be instantly dismissed or seen as incompetent.

So, besides NOT rolling up to the club and declaring my adoration for the art of "bohn-zai", does anyone have advice for me on how to make a decent impression?

 

[Ruddigger]

Seems to me like you’re overthinking it. Show up and have a good time.

 

[dbonsaiw]

Welcome to the world of bonsai. My experience with fellow bonsai-ers is that the group tends to be very welcoming of us newbs. I wouldn't worry about looking like a "donkey" as we all have to start at ground zero and learn. No one is judging you on your skills. Again, the vast majority of people I have met in this hobby have been very encouraging and eager to answer the same newb questions again and again. My advice is just jump in head first and start mangling some trees.

 

[FreshAirSunshine]

Enthusiasm, listening to advise, and being respectful go a long way as with most things in life. I think it also helped me that I tried to do some homework beforehand so I wasn’t just asking questions that were easily google-able. When it came to working on trees, I’d often say why I thought something should be done then ask for others opinions. Shows I’ve thought about it myself before asking, but also respect and want to see how others would have thought.

 

[19Mateo83]

Show up, ask questions, learn and have fun.

 

[Stormwater]

Don't say; "your soil sucks," "you should use x for soil", or any version of these. In fact, be careful even saying "soil".

 

[RJG2]

Wear clothes.

 

[bwaynef]

Don't wait for a meeting where non-members are welcome. I doubt very seriously they wouldn't love for you to join at the next meeting. In-person bonsai people are some of the absolute best. (The internet is strange. Don't form lasting judgments of bonsai folk based on your interactions online.) At our group, as long as you're teachable, you're welcome. We don't have many elderly men, but have even fewer women in their 20s. (There was one regular before the pandemic, but her circumstances changed. I've been in touch, but she can't make our meetings right now.) Having an eagerness to learn/do quality bonsai is the biggest predictor of success.

Also, the Boise Bonsai Society's website says this:
"Non-members may attend events, but may not participate; thank you for your understanding. Please Join!"
and
"To join, please fill out a Membership Form and deliver the completed form, with dues, to the next club meeting/event, or mail to the mailing address shown below."

I think they want you there as soon as you can get there, and will accommodate you whether you're bipedal w/ a cane or on wheels. I'd bet on it.

 

[Gabler]

Let them explain things to you, so they have a chance to feel smart.

 

[BonsaiDTLA]

Honestly, i’d be surprised if they’re not welcoming; but if they’re not, then you still have us BNutters!

 

[bonsaiDerek]

most clubs are very open to new members, and love to teach what they know, if you just show up at a meeting with interest in trees, someone will be happy to take you under their wing

 

[Paradox]

If the group admonishes you for being new and probably asking "stupid" questions (p.s. there aren't any), then they aret worth continuing with.

You're new, they know you're new and shouldn't (probably dont) expect you to be an expert already. They will probably just be thrilled to have a new person join

 

[Ruddigger]

I should add, that all the clubs I know of are always ecstatic when a younger person shows up. As you said, clubs are mostly full of olds.

 

[Paradox]

Honestly stop worrying about how you'll look. You're a newbie, they understand this. They have all been there.

Show up, be friendly, ask questions, listen, be open to learning, enjoy.

 

[Baku1875]

im in a similar boat, i want to visit my local club but i am self conscious

 

[swiper]

Don't wait for a meeting where non-members are welcome. I doubt very seriously they wouldn't love for you to join at the next meeting. In-person bonsai people are some of the absolute best. (The internet is strange. Don't form lasting judgments of bonsai folk based on your interactions online.) At our group, as long as you're teachable, you're welcome. We don't have many elderly men, but have even fewer women in their 20s. (There was one regular before the pandemic, but her circumstances changed. I've been in touch, but she can't make our meetings right now.) Having an eagerness to learn/do quality bonsai is the biggest predictor of success.

Also, the Boise Bonsai Society's website says this:
"Non-members may attend events, but may not participate; thank you for your understanding. Please Join!"
and
"To join, please fill out a Membership Form and deliver the completed form, with dues, to the next club meeting/event, or mail to the mailing address shown below."

I think they want you there as soon as you can get there, and will accommodate you whether you're bipedal w/ a cane or on wheels. I'd bet on it.

Oooh, how did I miss the contact us page?? Maybe this is what I get for browsing on mobile... I was up in a tizzy about how to get invited to a meeting!

Everyone, thank you for the words of encouragement... you're probably right in that everything will be fine and that I'm probably overthinking things. I often get nervous about making good first impressions on figures like professors and potential teachers. Turns out I needed a little common sense and optimism tossed at me, heh.

 

[Cajunrider]

Wear clothes.

Now I see my problem.

 

[RJG2]

Now I see my problem.

I wasn't here for @Smoke's thong days, but I've heard enough stories that this isn't as obvious as you'd think!

 

[brentwood]

As a club officer, one thing that we always discuss is how to engage and encourage new members - if you show up, they should be delighted. If you bring a tree, I'd expect interest from other members, insights on what you've done, etc. New blood is always a good thing in a hobby. good luck!
B

 

[Lorax7]

You are definitely overthinking it. Show up, be nice, and be interested/engaged. Nothing more is required.