Yes, they got in a big shipment back in January. It's expensive to undertake an operation like this. There's another thread here where the costs of doing this were discussed.
Actually, the prices on those imports are quite reasonable. There's already another thread on this board discussing these trees and prices, so no sense rehashing it here.
There are different levels of bonsai hobbyists. Some people want great trees. Other people just want trees. Sometimes "want" isn't the issue and "afford" is the issue. Whatever the situation, high quality trees are expensive, either through the money you pay to buy one, or the time and effort you spend to create one.
There are 2 givens in this hobby: 1. Good bonsai don't grow on trees; and 2. You don't need good bonsai to enjoy bonsai as a hobby. To the second point, there are many people on this forum who enjoy bonsai but will never have a single good bonsai. That doesn't mean they should quit the hobby.
Here's a Japanese Black Pine listed for $6800. Is it worth it?
Try growing one like it and then answer.
Both will get you to work on time.
We have loaded out Suburbans that are just shy of $100,000 (I work at a Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Dealership). The quality just wasn't there for the domestics until recently. I get to drive them all and would put a domestic up against an import any day of the year. And you can take that to the bank.Both will get you to work on time.
Point made, but JFTR, Chevy, Ford, Toyota... Want as much for their new cars as a Benzo. You can drop $50-60k on a new Silverado EASY! I can buy a 3 series for less than that last I checked!
Now a new TESLA, that will set you back! LOL.
I guess that's personal preference too, then. I've owned GM pretty all my life. I've owned one Audi. There is absolutely no comparison. I've never driven or ridden in a GM vehicle that can compete with the quality, finish and performance of the Audi. My wife was an engineer at GM for many years. I own 4 GM vehicles as I write. There is no comparison. But that doesn't mean I'd rather drive an Audi. I'm pretty comfortable in most vehicles, and prefer to drive one that I don't mind getting roughed up....We have loaded out Suburbans that are just shy of $100,000 (I work at a Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Dealership). The quality just wasn't there for the domestics until recently. I get to drive them all and would put a domestic up against an import any day of the year. And you can take that to the bank.
If I may ask, how old are the current 4 that you own now? I have a 2005 Silverado SS and a 2016 Silverado Crew Cab. In those short 11 years the quality, ride and fitment of the 2015 is absolutely miles and miles ahead of the 2005. However, the SS is a lot more fun to drive
There is much more to refining and keeping refined a quality bonsai. Its very challenging and rewarding. No offense intended, but I don't think you have any idea what you're talking about.
Actually, that JBP needs quite a bit of work! A complete wiring for starters. It looks like the bottom left branch was damaged in shipment, and they cut part of it off. So a new leader needs to be wired into place. It also looks "leggy", so a cutback is indicated. There may or may not be good interior branches to cut back to. Again, needs wiring.
Amen!
Oh, there is no doubt GM has improved dramatically over the years. My point was that current GM gets smoked by current Audi in all facets, except maybe price. I currently have a loaded 2015 Lacrosse, 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali crewcab that is loaded and upgraded, 2012 Malibu and 1999 Chevy extended cab that was loaded in 1999. I've owned many other GM cars. None of them compare favorably to my 2008 Audi S8 in terms of quality, finish or performance. I love my 2013 GMC but its quirky, and the design and style is pretty rudimentary for a $60,000 vehicle.If I may ask, how old are the current 4 that you own now? I have a 2005 Silverado SS and a 2016 Silverado Crew Cab. In those short 11 years the quality, ride and fitment of the 2015 is absolutely miles and miles ahead of the 2005. However, the SS is a lot more fun to drive
Edit: I'm not taking anything away from Audi. They are indeed fantastic automobiles as well.
Everyone's got a butthole as we all know just like an opinion. But for 6800 I would find more enjoyment out of working with a less developed tree...more rewarding to me, yes getting a tree at this stage is great and grand never said it wasn't if you go back and read my post. But not worth 6800 to me. Is the demand for$ 6-10000 trees really that high? I don't know that's why I'm asking. And I don't know you so you have no idea what I know or do not. No offense in any of this. It is a forum everyone is entitled. Do you really sell alot of 3-8000$ trees, I see yours are pretty steep too. That is understanding the cost of all this mess to even get them of course save you some words and anger.
If you want to see some expensive trees, head over to Ryan Neil's website.
Oh, there's no anger here. And I was not commenting on your enjoyment whatsoever. You do bonsai for your own enjoyment and I'm no one to judge that. In fact, I have a great affinity for working on trees that are basic, low quality, undeveloped and probably never going to be grand. I love growing and developing low end trees, and trying to make them into something nice. Its fun and I enjoy it. My comment pertained only to your characterization of working on a quality, developed tree. That's all.
