On Feb 7, 2005, at 8:38 AM, Steven Wachs wrote:

if you do a little research before purchasing, there are some nice
deals on
ebay. You can find any supplies you might need, as well as bonsai
trees and
pre bonsai.

SteveW

Initially buying on eBay is convenient, but I have to say that
actually going to a nursery is the best way to go. I haven't bought
anything bonsai-related on eBay in at least three years, and I've been
doing bonsai now for six years. The whole experience of looking at
trees in person, looking at pots, etc. is good. The two nurseries I
used to go to in Massachusetts when I lived in Maine were New England
Bonsai Gardens in Bellingham MA and Bonsai West in Littleton, and both
have discount tables where I've gotten some great stuff. Discount
pots as well as trees. On our honeymoon last Oct. we stopped at
Bonsai West on the way to Maine and I picked up a slightly rusty set
of wire cutters for $5. Normally I'm sure it would have been at least
$25.

Of course, there is the issue of distance at times, but making the
effort to go is well worth it. You can talk to people who know what
they're doing, you can examine trees, pots, tools, books, etc. first
hand.

The Internet is great for some things, but the fact that an item is
bought on eBay does not make it better.

There is also a philosophical thing for me here. The professionals on
the list will appreciate this. Although I realize that some people who
do bonsai for a living at least part time will sell things on eBay they
are probably more hobbyists than anything else. I'm willing to be
corrected on this. It's just an impression. But buying items on eBay
means that the item is not being bought at a nursery instead. It's
foolish to decry how far it is to go to a good bonsai nursery, then buy
something online which will in turn make it less likely that bonsai
nurseries will thrive. Take some time and drive to a good nursery even
if you need to take some time to do it. It's a great experience.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone b/a Sunset 37

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