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Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
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Author:  stymie [ 07 Sep 2015, 11:38 ]
Post subject:  Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
It would be fine if all would be able to talk to us before they get their first tree. All too frequently, we only hear from would-be growers when something goes wrong with their first little tree in a pot. Please get any interested parties to have a good read around these pages before they collect or buy something, take it home and plonk it on the TV or somewhere without adequate daylight; killing it before it has a chance. It grieves us to only be approached after it is too late to save a potential work of art. As you are reading this, I know that you are aware of the 'need to know' before embarking on this fascinating hobby so tell your friends before they fall victim to the sell and re-sell boys, who are often unable to name the trees and are just in the game for a quick quid, knowing that people will be back for another tree when the first one croaks.
TELL EVERYBODY, NOT JUST YOUR FRIENDS. :120ranting:
Author:  BrendanJ [ 07 Sep 2015, 12:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
Last weekend I went to my local garden Centre. They were stocking a variety of malsai bonsai's. All in pretty poor condition, without water, indoors (despite having a very nice outdoor area). I am very surprised if they sell any at all, and am more than surprised that a reputable garden centre doesn't know better. (whats the point in stocking them if they treat them that way)
That's the amazing thing about bonsai, the incredible ignorance. ::dunno:
Author:  Gary Jones [ 07 Sep 2015, 12:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
Agreed - I see this in DIY stores and Garden centres all the time. When I became interested 2 years ago I had the same ignorance and it is that ignorance which causes the "I had one but it died" scenario which I've heard so many times. It was only a forum which I joined that pointed out the basics to me that kept my tree alive and also my interest in the hobby.

Not sure how this is going to be dealt with though. We're not exactly a pressure group are we. I guess we need a bonsai loving MP to bring in some legislation to licence bonsai sales to ensure bonsai are displayed and sold in appropriate conditions and supplied with a basic care guide. e.g. like Bonsai nurseries such as our sponsors do. If this happened maybe more people could enjoy the hobby without early disappointment.
Author:  NickB [ 07 Sep 2015, 13:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
I have been concerned with the amount of purchases which start "I have just bought a Bonsai....... can anyone identify it....?"

Well, if you don't even know the species and its requirements, how do you know it is for you? Its worrying that they aren't labelled.
Author:  Brendan [ 07 Sep 2015, 13:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
Occasionally I buy a £10 mallsai from Asda as I just feel so sorry for it. Usually it is a Fukien Tea tree and I get them healthy, re-pot in a Chinese blue" and donate them to an office (of a client) where there's a good spot in a window away from a radiator and a couple of people who can follow my advice. Then, whenever I visit the office, I check on the tree, trim it etc. Been good for business and good for the soul.
Author:  Gary Jones [ 07 Sep 2015, 14:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
Brendan wrote:
Occasionally I buy a £10 mallsai from Asda as I just feel so sorry for it. Usually it is a Fukien Tea tree and I get them healthy, re-pot in a Chinese blue" and donate them to an office (of a client) where there's a good spot in a window away from a radiator and a couple of people who can follow my advice. Then, whenever I visit the office, I check on the tree, trim it etc. Been good for business and good for the soul.


I like your thinking. Let's hope all your clients remember to water. Have you lost any that way? The ordinary plants in my office are usually neglected (except the cactus I keep an eye on).
Author:  Lee Brindley [ 07 Sep 2015, 19:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
I'm going to buck the trend a little bit here as lets face it, the so called bonsai from garden centres and DIY stores etc are just crap. I don't think anything is lost if they die at the hands of a beginner. If a newbie buys a "mallsai" and his/her interest is sparked enough to bring them to this forum, then I believe the tree has served it's life's purpose.
Author:  Danny [ 07 Sep 2015, 19:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
Everyone has to start somewhere and having Bonsai in Garden centres is a good way to get the art out there to new enthusiasts. It's all good blaming the new owners for their ignorance and killing off trees, when you have countless years of experience, but you too started off with a starter tree at some point, think back to what would have helped you, or at least encouraged you to start the hobby on the right pathway.

Why don't you get leaflets made, that advertise the forum, include some easy to follow tips, and then offer them for free to the Garden centres to display with the benefit that, it'll likely keep the tree alive for longer, so that their customer is happier for longer.

Maybe even get them to sponsor it? If not, leaflets are not that expensive, just don't make then look sh*t ( ::OMG: ) and it'll be fine. You could even take them to the shows you attend, to spread the word about the forum.
Author:  stymie [ 07 Sep 2015, 19:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
When you say "Why don't you", if you mean me, I do give out leaflets at shows. I have enough expense of time and money here without going to nurseries and I therefore suggest that you do it Danny. As for producing 'sh*t', I resemble that remark.
Author:  Danny [ 07 Sep 2015, 19:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Are you thinking of starting to grow Bonsai?
It was a collective 'you' as in addressing the forum, not singling any one out and my comment about the design was that poor to design is an easy thing to do. Again, generalising and not singling any one out. Leaflets need to be well designed to get the message across quickly and effectively, otherwise you might as well throw the money spent on poor designed leaflets, away. It'll just render the effort to inform and educate people on Bonsai moot.

It wasn't personal.
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