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20 years ago

I would like to purchase a bonsai for my husband as a 6th anniversary gift (I read that wood is the modern gift choice).

We don't know anything about growing them, but it's something we're both interested in as are currently re-landscaping our backyard in an asian style.

I'd like to find something easy to take care of, but also an interesting species. If you could recommend good starters and what age they should be for best results, I'd really appreciate that too.

Thanks!

Laurie

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Comments (4)

rjj1
20 years ago
I personally think it's a mistake to do that. Get something that's going to be around for a while, something with little care involved.

Buy a stone lantern or something along those lines for the anniversary to put in your backyard. You can look at it for many happy years with fond memories. Or buy a nice specimen Japanese maple to put in the yard. Make sure it has a great warranty in case of problems. Make the first purchase of a bonsai a more casual laid back purchase.

Most people with no experience with bonsai will probably fail with the first plant. Don't have the death of a stupid plant tied with remembrance of a happy date.

Once you've got care down and are being successful with bonsai, have at it. Go out and buy a nice tree for that anniversary and spend the rest of your lives caring and growing with it. Just don't do it now with no background in bonsai to help you succeed.

randy
flash14756
20 years ago
I agree with Randy.
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gnome_in_pa
20 years ago
Laurie,

I see from your profile that you are located in New Jersey. There is a very good bonsai nursery located in extreme eastern PA, see the link below. You may be lucky enough to be in their vicinity. Although I have never been there they have a very good reputation and offer not only "finished" bonsai, pre-bonsai but also classes and lectures. They also offer tools, soil and pots, in short everything necessary to get started. Their website even links to information regarding lodging and dining in their area. Perhaps you and your husband could take a trip in honor of your anniversary and visit them a little later in the season.
In the meantime take the opportunity to do some research, either on any of the online forums or through books. Try to get an idea of the species and styles of trees that appeal to you. Beginners are often directed towards Junipers, I am more partial to deciduous trees. Chinese Elms are relatively easy and rewarding to the beginner.

Norm

Here is a link that might be useful: Rosade Bonsai Studio
SCBonsai
20 years ago
Why not sign the two of you up for one of Chase's introduction to bonsai classes? Chase Rosade is internationally known as an expert on bonsai. I have had the pleasure of a few workshops/demos with Chase and you will enjoy and learn a lot.