Miniature Plant Kingdom - Going Out of Business

[Brian Underwood]

I know Don has been saying he is going out of business for the last 20 years or so, but this time he really is. I have been there a few times in the last month, and 2/3 of what he once had is all gone, shipped out of state. What is left is mostly overgrown, rootbound, or suffering in some other way, but there is still a lot of great material. Some large crabapples are on sale for $25 with trunks 1"-3", height from 12"-24". Lots and lots of trees to pick through, so plan on spending at least a couple hours searching for your desired tree.

Here are a couple Craigslist ads he has up;
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/grd/2366408710.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/grd/2366361712.html

 

[milehigh_7]

*cry* oh to be in the right place at the right time with $$$

 

[buffrider]

oh i wish i could be there to get some of that...... i live in Oklahoma.

 

[btoya]

Even Oregon is too far

 

[Vance Wood]

I know Don has been saying he is going out of business for the last 20 years or so, but this time he really is. I have been there a few times in the last month, and 2/3 of what he once had is all gone, shipped out of state. What is left is mostly overgrown, rootbound, or suffering in some other way, but there is still a lot of great material. Some large crabapples are on sale for $25 with trunks 1"-3", height from 12"-24". Lots and lots of trees to pick through, so plan on spending at least a couple hours searching for your desired tree.

Here are a couple Craigslist ads he has up;
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/grd/2366408710.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/grd/2366361712.html

What has caused him to get out of the business? Do you know?

 

[Brian Underwood]

He's been in it a looooong time. From what I've heard, its something like 40 years or so, and they are ready to retire. Its a big nursery, and I imagine it is a daunting task to keep it running.
The interesting thing with someone who has been growing plants for 40 years is they usually have some very old trees hiding in their nursery. Don still has a couple dozen of his Original Hokkaido elms which are HUGE (as far as hokkaidos go). Though pricey and not the best species in the world for bonsai, they are incredible to see.

 

[misfit11]

I went out there yesterday and picked up a 3" trunk Crabapple for $25. He's a real nice guy and showed me some of his massive elms, Dawn Redwoods, etc. There is so much there I was a bit overwhelmed. I think I need to go back...

 

[Mark D.]

Wow, those sound like some screamin' deals...

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Last time I was there was 15 years ago. I remember the HUGE hinoki cypress he had planted at the front - as well as his awesome garden railroad. It was a big setup, but seemed (to me) to be more tailored towards smaller plants. Not saying he doesn't have a ton of big stuff stashed away in the corners, but this was definitely a commercial nursery with a few "bonsai potential" trees, rather than a bonsai nursery.

I wish him well. He was a lot of fun to chat with.