I will be transferring to the University of Tampa in the fall
to finish out
my college and was wondering if there are any Bonsai Shops
and/or Clubs in
that area of Florida. I know Jupiter Bonsai is just across the
state so they
will probably be getting quite a few visits. But I was just
curious if
anyone knew of anything around Tampa/ St. Pete/ Clearwater.
Thank You.

The largest shop near Tampa is The Potted Forest in Dade City,
Fl. about 30-35 miles to the northeast of Tampa -- 37650 Farr
Road, Dade City, FL 33523. tel. (352)518-1109,
www.pottedforest.com. It is by appointment only. I haven't been
there, but have heard nice things. The company advertises in
BCI's "Bonsai" and in Bonsai Today.

Jenna's Tropicals, Central Avenue, St. Petersburg (just west of
Pasadena Ave.) has a few bonsai (Ficus, juniper, shefflara, etc.,
including a magnificent not-for-sale bougainvillea) and a few
pots and inexpensive tools. Many good nursery plants that are
bonsaiable. Its other name is "Log Cabin Nursery" but there are
two of those in St. Petersburg.

Bonsai by Patti in Gulfport has mostly tropicals (including your
beloved Serissa foetida ;-) but the trees were in such poor shape
(and so expensive) last time I was there that unless it improves,
I wouldn't bother. They wanted $100.00 for a dead ficus in an
ugly pot.

Up in Ocala, about 100 miles up I-75 is "The Great American
Bonsai Co." run by Tom Bennett. By appointment, but I keep
losing his phone number. I've bought several pots and a couple
of nice Satsuki azalea from him.

There REPORTEDLY is a display of bonsai at the U of S. Fla.
botanical garden, but my spy has yet to go there. ;-) There are
clubs in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Mick Sgroi, who posts here
occasionally, is (or was) President of the St. Petersburg Club.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Our life is
frittered away by detail . . . . Simplify! Simplify. -- Henry
David Thoreau - Walden

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