Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt

• The East Bay Bonsai Society, in partnership with the Bonsai Garden, offers a free introductory workshop on the fourth Sunday of each month from 1–3 PM at the Bonsai Garden (except Feb & Dec). Sign up via eastbaybonsai.org. Eastbaybonsai

• The East Bay Bonsai Society also holds monthly club meetings on the 2nd Wednesday at the Lakeside Garden Center in Oakland (except October) — free to attend as a guest. Facebook

• The garden itself, at 650 Bellevue Ave, is free to visit, all-volunteer-run, and the only major all-volunteer bonsai garden in the country. Secret San Francisco

Other nearby clubs meeting at the same Lakeside Garden Center (666 Bellevue Ave) that welcome visitors: California Suiseki Society, Bay Area Bonsai Associates, and Bay Area Satsuki Aikokai. Golden State Bonsai