Location: UNCW Truist Hall
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
RSVP: Encouraged
Join the Cape Fear Bonsai Society for an afternoon of bonsai conversation, pizza, and a special presentation by ceramic artist and bonsai pot maker Ron Lang.
We will begin at 12:00 PM with a casual pizza social, a relaxed opportunity to meet members, talk about bonsai, and connect with others who share an interest in miniature trees.
Guests are encouraged to bring a bonsai tree to share with the group or to ask for advice. Members will be available to discuss trees, styling ideas, and general care in an informal setting.
At 1:00 PM, Ron Lang—Vice President of the Cape Fear Bonsai Society, longtime ceramic artist, educator, and bonsai pot maker with over 30 years of experience—will present Pot & Tree Talk, a discussion on the essential relationship between a bonsai and the container that holds it.
Selecting the right pot for your bonsai involves both horticultural and aesthetic considerations. While choosing the correct size for healthy tree development is the first step, the container must also complement the character of the tree—its foliage color, trunk movement, and overall composition.
Ron’s talk will explore the design principles behind successful pot and tree pairings. Topics will include:
- container shape and profile
- lip and rim treatment
- foot design
- surface texture
- glaze color
- drainage and tie-in holes
- clay body and glaze durability
Rather than focusing strictly on what is “right or wrong,” the presentation will highlight the many elements that come together to enhance—and not detract from—a bonsai composition.
Following the presentation, Ron will demonstrate several pot and tree combinations, discussing why certain containers work well with specific trees. Participants who bring a tree may also have the opportunity to receive pot recommendations and feedback from Ron and other members.
Questions and open discussion are welcome.