I won't quit.

[Clicio]

Bonsai brings me joy.
I've been doing bonsai for almost 10 years now. At first, one little tree to learn the tricks of the hobby - dead in no time - and then 3 trips to Japan, a lot of books, this forum, many new friends and trees, many trees.
- I have learned about horticultural skills.
- I have learned about plant identification.
- I have learned about soil, insects, mites, fungi, mychorrizea, galls, sunshine, rain, water properties, fertilizers, pottery, microorganisms.
- I have made good friends, some like @leatherback against all odds, he living in Germany and I living in Brazil, and I also consider all members of this forum my friends.
- I don't make any money from bonsai. I don't sell trees, I don't make pots, I don't import bonsai tools, and I don't teach bonsai. Still I think money spent with bonsai is money well spent.
The best moments of my days are watering the trees, photographing them, trimming and pruning, designing the future of the plants.
It brings me joy.
I won't quit.

 

[Dav4]

I’ve been doing it almost 27 years and I won’t quit either. It’s a net negative $$ wise but a very large positive creatively/socially/emotionally, etc

 

[Hartinez]

I agree completely Clicio. I’m 10 years in my self and feel like I am just getting more and more passionate as the days weeks months and years go by. My trees have never looked better and it’s all of the effort and work that I have put in that is making them so. The work, whether it be wiring or un wiring a tree, shuffling them in and out of my garage in the spring, or all of the other benign tasks that some don’t like about Bonsai, is what brings me so much joy and is what makes the final product that much more sweet when you get something good to look at. I look at the world natural or not in an entirely different way because of Bonsai. I turn 40 this August and cannot wait for many many more years of enjoyment.

 

[Baku1875]

Bonsai brings me joy.
I've been doing bonsai for almost 10 years now. At first, one little tree to learn the tricks of the hobby - dead in no time - and then 3 trips to Japan, a lot of books, this forum, many new friends and trees, many trees.
- I have learned about horticultural skills.
- I have learned about plant identification.
- I have learned about soil, insects, mites, fungi, mychorrizea, galls, sunshine, rain, water properties, fertilizers, pottery, microorganisms.
- I have made good friends, some like @leatherback against all odds, he living in Germany and I living in Brazil, and I also consider all members of this forum my friends.
- I don't make any money from bonsai. I don't sell trees, I don't make pots, I don't import bonsai tools, and I don't teach bonsai. Still I think money spent with bonsai is money well spent.
The best moments of my days are watering the trees, photographing them, trimming and pruning, designing the future of the plants.
It brings me joy.
I won't quit.

Never give up! Never surrender!

Bonsai rocks! (and any potted tree art form, Penjing, etc)

 

[Clicio]

I agree completely Clicio... I look at the world natural or not in an entirely different way because of Bonsai.

Exactly.
I see the world - and people - in a completely different way (I'd say much better), since I started doing bonsai.
It was a life changer for me.

 

[Clicio]

Never give up! Never surrender!

Bonsai rocks! (and any potted tree art form, Penjing, etc)

Yes.
Bonsai rocks!

 

[Clicio]

It’s a net negative $$ wise but a very large positive creatively/socially/emotionally, etc

Yes, I think of money spent with bonsai as a perfect way to avoid spending it in therapy and doctors.

 

[Perplexody]

Only on year 3 now and I adore every second. Made new friends and learned skills.
And the mental health that comes with being around my plants is irreplaceable

 

[Paradox]

12 years for me.
I'm not planning on going anywhere for a while. Can't wait for retirement so I can have more time to work on my trees

 

[jonfromchicago]

Bonsai rocks for sure! I've been practicing for just three seasons and I can already tell that I'll be doing it for years to come. Every time I water, re-pot and prune my trees, I feel such a sense of peace and joy. Bonsai has not only helped me connect with nature on a deeper level, but I've also learned so much about horticulture in the process. As long as I prioritize quality over quantity, I'll be able to maintain this hobby.

 

[Wulfskaar]

I'm coming up on 3 years and very much look forward to the future.

And the mental health that comes with being around my plants is irreplaceable

So true! The time I spend sitting out with my tiny forest brings me a lot of peace and tranquility.

 

[Shogun610]

3 years for me I’ve shared my journey, trees , apprenticeship many times and aspirations. It’s a lifestyle I just fit it in , family ,dog, friends, main career never takes a backseat , in fact I’m more mentally, emotionally and physically healthier than I’ve ever been … Bonsia hardcore …. Some people are just built different. I can take the heat and will be taking the heat for many years.

 

[jonfromchicago]

Most of us that commented in this thread started 3 years ago during the pandemic so far haha

 

[Bonsai Nut]

You better NOT quit. Because if I ever visit Brazil, I will want to visit SOMEONE!

 

[Shogun610]

Most of us that commented in this thread started 3 years ago during the pandemic so far haha

So ? What matters is what you’ve been doing in that 3 years. I see it as fortuitous.

 

[jonfromchicago]

So ? What matters is what you’ve been doing in that 3 years. I see it a fortuitous.

Yup, it doesn't matter. Just an observation I was pointing out

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Yup, it doesn't matter. Just an observation I was pointing out

More importantly.... have you been to the Midwest Bonsai Exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Gardens?

 

[jonfromchicago]

More importantly.... have you been to the Midwest Bonsai Exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Gardens?

I've only gone one time in 2021 and missed the 2022 exhibition. I'm planning on not missing it this year and blocking off the weekend just for the exhibition

 

[Hack Yeah!]

@Clicio , we're just getting started...

 

[Hartinez]

So ? What matters is what you’ve been doing in that 3 years. I see it as fortuitous.

Shogun, you crack me up sometimes. Some of your responses are head scratchers, and make me wonder wether you’re really sensitive or just fucking around. Maybe both, maybe neither!