Embedded Files
Founding Years (1992–1993)
Boland Bonsai Kai was founded at the beginning of 1992, with its first meeting held at the end of January that same year. The club was established by a small group of committed bonsai enthusiasts — Glen Barkhuizen, Hendrik and Helen Visser, Karen Jacobs and Deon Arangies — supported by the late Wim Tijmens, who became an honorary member and remained closely associated with the club throughout his life. Winfried Lüdemann was also present at that inaugural meeting and remains the only founding-era member still active in the club today. From the outset, Boland Bonsai Kai was shaped by a strong sense of dedication, curiosity and shared learning - values that continue to define the club more than three decades later.
Leadership and Continuity
The club’s early leadership played a significant role in establishing its foundations. Glen Barkhuizen served as the first chair and several of his trees are now part of the bonsai collection at Stellenbosch University’s Botanical Garden. He was succeeded by Hendrik Visser and later by Deon Arangies. Over the years, the role of chair passed through many capable hands, including Karen Jacobs, Andri Scheltema, Marianna Smith, Riaan Smit, Coenie Brandt, Fritz Joubert, Willem Pretorius, Jannie Hougaard, and Henk van Graan. Winfried Lüdemann served as chair from 2020 to 2024 and, following a one-year term by Tammy de Kock, was re-elected in 2026. This continuity of leadership reflects the club’s strong culture of service and long-term commitment.
Meeting Places and Community Roots
From its earliest days, Boland Bonsai Kai has been a hands-on, community-oriented club. Initial meetings were held at the home of Hendrik and Helen Visser, before moving to venues such as Blaauwklippen Wine Estate and the home of Colin Welch. For many years, meetings took place at the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, where club members became increasingly involved in the care and development of the garden’s bonsai collection. This collaboration eventually led to the establishment of what is now known as the Western Cape Bonsai Heritage Collection, a project in which Fritz Joubert and Willem Pretorius played a decisive role. Today, the club meets on the last Saturday of every month in the hall of the Lutheran Church, complemented by monthly workshops hosted at the homes of club members.
Stellenbosch Botanical Garden & Bonsai Heritage
Boland Bonsai Kai held its first public exhibition in 1993 in the courtyard of the Stellenbosch Village Museum, as part of the annual Stellenbosch Festival. As the festival landscape evolved, so too did the club’s exhibition tradition. Over the years, shows were hosted at a wide range of venues, including the Hofmeyr Saal, PJ Olivier Centre, the Old Conservatorium, the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden, the Landbousaal, Fiore Garden Centre in Somerset West and the Rupert Museum. The annual show was eventually moved from September to late November to better align with the growing season and present trees at their best. A major milestone was reached in 2024, when the club co-hosted the African Bonsai Convention (ABC6) at the Stellenbosch Town Hall. This event featured more than 200 high-quality trees from across the country over three days and is widely regarded as one of the largest and most impressive bonsai exhibitions ever held in South Africa.
Shows, Exhibitions, and Milestones
In addition to its own activities, Boland Bonsai Kai has been an active participant in the broader bonsai community. The club is involved in the Cape Regional Association of Bonsai (CRAB) and regularly takes part in the annual bonsai festival held in the Company Gardens in Cape Town. Members have achieved notable success in competitions for emerging talent at these events, and club trees have been displayed to widespread acclaim, reinforcing Boland Bonsai Kai’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
Growth of the Club
Over the past 33 years, the club has grown steadily from its modest beginnings of six or seven members to a membership of approximately 30. More importantly, the standard of bonsai within the club has evolved significantly, progressing from beginner-level material to refined specimens that can confidently stand alongside the best trees in the region. This growth reflects both the dedication of individual members and the club’s collective emphasis on learning, critique, and long-term development.
Indigenisation and the Future
As bonsai has become increasingly recognised as an art form in South Africa, members of Boland Bonsai Kai have played an active role in the indigenisation of the practice - exploring and refining the use of local species while respecting classical principles. This approach has helped to keep the art form relevant and rooted in its local context, while attracting new generations of practitioners. With a strong foundation, a proud history and a clear sense of purpose Boland Bonsai Kai continues to grow from strength to strength, dedicated to the preservation, development and celebration of bonsai in the Western Cape.
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