Bonsai Tree

[slinky.kate]

I am being different this year,i am getting my son a bonsai tree as a wee extra,he has always admired them.dont have a garden centre near me,do you think a supermarket one will be ok

[ladybirder]

I'll try again.
http://bonsai-ko.co.uk/

[woofgang]

ladybirder if younfind jasmine parkeri for sale could you let me know please? i used to get mine from a place in Honiton but they closed years ago

[RATTER15]

I used to keep Bonsai, personally I wouldn't touch the ones in supermarkets or most garden centres, they are all mass produced and will usually die, especially the zelkovas. Bonsai take a lot of time and knowledge to keep them, it isn't just a case of buying one and watering it. What would be more interesting would be to buy a good book and learn how to creat your own bonsai from almost any species of tree, that is the way I done it, quite fascinating.

[RATTER15]

Wolfgang, I also frequented that shop just outside Honoring, I actually supplied him with a few trees for him to bonsai.

[RATTER15]

*Woofgang

[woofgang]

the bonsai business is still there ratter, but the bloke before him used to also sell all kinds of naturally miniature plants to make small landscapes, tiny roses and violets with flowers no bigger than a pin head. inhave still got a few things i bought from him, including the jasmine but much of what he sold seems to be out of cultivation now, very sad.

[ladybirder]

Your wish is my command woofgang.

Well not quite. They do sell 16 different types of Jasminum including parkeri but that is out of stock BUT they are growing some more and there is a button to press and they'll let you know when they are ready. You'll have to Bonsai it yourself though, or the guy in Brighton would do it for you.

http://www.botanicaplantnursery.co.uk/index.asp?function=search

[shoota]

I too have 'bonsai' and am experienced in their care but have trouble keeping shop bought ones alive despite changing their soil and doing everything else that one should.
I believe they are dying before they are sold mainly due to no/poor care at the retailers although I did rescue a Serissa from a bin once and turned it into an exposed root healthy tree.
As long as you accept that the lifespan is going to be short (unless you are lucky) and don't pay the earth then choose one with a good trunk, damp soil and no dead branches and you may start a lifelong interest.
Should you happen to live within reach of Lingfield a visit to Peter Chan's 'Heron's nursery' is well worth it.
http://www.herons.co.uk/

[woofgang]

Thank you ladybirder! what a wonderful website

[ladybirder]

My daughter and I made a special trip out to Herons shoota and I agree it is a fantastic place. We spent ages there looking round. A Must for anyone interested in Bonsai.
And if you're ever in Brighton pop into Bonsai Ko in the North Lanes. The air is so fresh and pure with all the trees growing in there.

You're welcome Woofy.