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Nursery Collecting 101
by Will Heath

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!

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