Nursery Collecting 101
12-24-2004 10:01 am

There are many reasons one may decide to purchase quality stock from a local nursery or 'box' store instead of a bonsai store. I do it because I have found some very nice stock there at fantastic prices. Other reasons include shopping on a budget, no local bonsai stores, convenience, and fun.

I admit that I am a stock addict and recently had to expand my growing beds to make up for all the deals I have found. Over time I have learned a few things about looking for stock at these places and I thought I’d share them here with you.

Fig 1. Mugho Pine -
A bargain from a box store
©2005 bonsaiTALK (Click to Enlarge)

Take your time - don’t be shy!

1. Relax, take your time and look at every single plant.

2. Lift up the pot, brush the needles and leaves away, run your fingers into the soil, feel the roots, see how far down the trunk goes.

3. Look at the branch placement; see if there is a tree waiting to be set free.

4. Tip the pot upside down and inspect the root ball, check to see that the roots are healthy and they fill the soil mass.

Beware the nursery trick of putting a 2-gallon plant into a 5-gallon pot and shoving soil in. Don’t pay the 5-gallon price for a 2-gallon plant!

Sure the staff will think you’re nuts, I love that, in fact I encourage that perception, that way they leave me alone, in time they will laugh with you!

Fig 2. Discount Jade
©2005 bonsaiTALK
(Click to Enlarge)

2. Befriend the manager and staff

The manager can be your best source for quality stock.

The jade shown at left was a part of a very expensive group, I spent time with the counter girl, laughing and trying to sell her a car. She ended up calling me later that week to tell me those jades were now 50% off! A short while after I bought those jades, I dropped of a bottle of wine to her; I know about every sale they have now!

Fig 3. Barberry 'BEFORE'
©2005 bonsaiTALK (Click to Enlarge)

A manager at a local box store calls me now whenever they have a new shipment in and recently has started setting aside the “thick ones” for me. She even asks if there’s any species that I would like to see ordered!

Just be friendly and ask: most people love to feel important and are dying to be appreciated. Asking is the key here, explain what you do and answer questions, then ask if you could be notified when new stock comes in.

A little grease never hurts either. I gave some extra Auto Show tickets to the man at a box store here and he has never failed to walk me to what he thinks are the best deals whenever I come in.

Most still think I’m a little nuts, but we have fun and I fully plan on dropping off a little bonsai to each soon…

Fig 4. Barberry 'AFTER'

©2005 bonsaiTALK (Click to Enlarge)

3. Be an out-of-season buyer

Look for the end of season sales, late fall or winter here is sometimes the best time to buy as the stores are looking to empty out the nursery for the winter. This is a great time to find deals but the selection usually is low and picked though. Knowing the staff sometimes helps with getting forewarning on a sale, see above.

4. Save that trash!

Nurseries will toss things that start to look wilted or mark them down considerably. I never fail to make a trip past the dumpster on my way to the store, it’s amazing how many trees and plants are tossed that simply need a little TLC. Knowing the staff will get this stuff set aside for you, see above.

5. Don't be afraid to walk!

Never settle for less. Who cares if you just molested every root system in the place? Have standards, and stick to them. On the other hand if you see something you like, buy it now! Waiting will only ensure that it ends up in someone's fence garden. Never, never ask the staff to hold something for you; this only inconveniences them and most likely is asking them to break policies.

Will Heath