Wagga Bonsai Society acting vice president Peter Fisk said bonsai was bringing people together, no matter the age, with one father and son duo joining the group after coming across the art at a recent exhibition. 

“It has become more popular, there are lots of people who do bonsai who aren’t in the club but in reality people learn a lot more with us rather than being self-taught on YouTube,” he said. 

Mr Fisk has encouraged people to join a hands-on beginner class, to ensure people have the right techniques. 

“It’s a bit of an east meets west sort of things, it originates in Asia but a lot of people have been doing it in Australia for a number of years,” he said. 

“People are amazed by the reality of such a small tree looking so large.” 

The Wagga group has about 30 members, ranging from teenagers to people in their 80s. 

Beginner classes for 2018 will kick off on February 17 and run for six months. 

Monthly meetings will also be held at the Association of Riverina Cultural Clubs Hall at Tarcutta Street on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 5pm. 

A single annual membership fee costs $30 and $45 for a family membership with a $10 joining fee.