Helping people enjoy bonsai

[berobinson82]

Hey B,

Great to see you back! Hope your trees are well...

I mostly DON'T give stuff to anyone who has been doing bonsai for less than two years. I have always thought that bonsai are much like pet animals. They are a responsibility first. I'm not sure beginners really understand that. Giving them a tree saddles them with responsibility they may not want, but don't know they're getting.

Also, something that is given to you free, is always consciously or subconsciously, is perceived as less valuable.

I think most --- the vast majority--of people who are "interested" in bonsai aren't really all that interested in actually having one.

As far as getting those people who are really interested in bonsai more information and hands on, I've invited some over, or had them invite themselves over to see the trees.

Bottom line, if they REALLY want to do bonsai, they WILL do bonsai. Most won't though, especially kids (although some will get an initial charge from bonsai, then return a decade later--boomerang bonsai)

Hey Rock,

Thanks for inviting me over to see your trees by the way. That's a fond memory that I cherish. I can understand your saying that if it's free then it's intrinsically less valuable. In the case of my giving gifts, the young lady was already into botany and had her own garden and since it was only a $5 crepe, no worries. To be honest, I doubt the 37 year old will take as good care.

I think there is a good tidbit in your response. If I'm reading you right, your leaning is towards inviting them to see rather than inviting them to do and encourage the bug rather than the collection. I'll go with that. Good to know you dind't disappear. One day Poink will pop up and then we'll have to miss you again!.

Cheers,

B

 

[berobinson82]

I also have lots of bonsai books that I loan out and I like to give away. It's a bad habit and I should stop, but once I've absorbed what I can from a book they just sit on the self. I'd rather see them being used. Besides, I've got you guys LOL

I've a bunch of magazines that I collected and haven't cracked for ages. My wife would also appreciate the space on the book shelves. Good thinking. Can't imagine getting rid of the hardbacks... yet.
Thanks for this.

Cheers,

B

 

[Mitty]

Hey bud. Haven't been to a meeting for a while to be honest. It's worth the $25, imo, that I can access professionals and pick up wire from Julian when he's in town but my interest is more doing than sitting arounod watching slides. I know it's better now but I'm also dadding 3 so it's tough. I like the idea of giving kids maintenance to do. I've automated my watering this year. Stuff stopped dying... might have something to do with it.

Cheers,
B

Hi there, What is wrong with people ? Looking after Bonsai trees is the most rewarding thing I have done in my life. It is ideal for someone who is out all day. They don`t need lunch and they don`t complain. Also it is ideal as a side line for anyone interested in Biology and Chemistry. I am concocting different fertilizers. So far so good.
I have about 50 pre-bonsais to give away if anyone is interested. I can`t travel though. You are dead right about teaching children and encouraging them : now my grand daughter is keen to do Chemistry at her high school . I don`t know about everyone on this site, but I consider science is more important than English Literature. Science is fun and intriguing .
We all need to know how many beads makes 5 , when our whole world is surrounded by science as are other worlds

 

[rockm]

Hey Rock,

Thanks for inviting me over to see your trees by the way. That's a fond memory that I cherish. I can understand your saying that if it's free then it's intrinsically less valuable. In the case of my giving gifts, the young lady was already into botany and had her own garden and since it was only a $5 crepe, no worries. To be honest, I doubt the 37 year old will take as good care.

I think there is a good tidbit in your response. If I'm reading you right, your leaning is towards inviting them to see rather than inviting them to do and encourage the bug rather than the collection. I'll go with that. Good to know you dind't disappear. One day Poink will pop up and then we'll have to miss you again!.

Cheers,

B

Yeah, getting people to see real bonsai in person is worth more than anything really. Seeing good bonsai that aren't those $40 Walmart junipers can get people invested in the profession quickly. I've given a lot of stuff away over the years. Don't regret any of it. I tend to give stuff to people who have a bit of experience beyond the mallsai phase, though.

You have to get up to N.Va. again if you can get a free morning away from the kids. I've got a few new things that are pretty cool. The big oak has also been redesigned a bit.

Crossing my fingers that Poink doesn't show up here offering overwintering advice from South Texas again....;-)