Should I get this for $80 (altogether with shipping)

[szxnx]

Where are you located in Canada? Obviously Mail ordering trees implies that you can't get the material nearby. They are completely worth it if it means you can obtain material otherwise unavailable to you. If you know anything about tomentosa, they can be developed very quickly, depending on what size/style you are after. Canada Bonsai is doing an amazing job offering all kinds of hard to find prebonsai, to all parts of the country where material is non-existant. So really the question is more for yourself, can you get the same thing anywhere else?

yeah, I'm located in Western Canada, and it's really difficult to find any stores that sell trees that are landscaping size here, at least in the species that I'm looking for. Canada bonsai is a really cool website and I'm really looking forward to getting things from them for the future, however as I mentioned before I am a high school student and don't really have that much spending money, I actually woke up at 6 AM for the release but it was really disappointing once I looked at the shipping prices, because I knew that personally I cant afford it, hopefully in the future maybe 12 or so years once i finish my science degree

 

[szxnx]

Yea I also forget that some things tend to be a bit more expensive up there as well

Unfortunately yes, don't even get us started about duty fees.

 

[szxnx]

Yeah, not a horrible or outrageous price, but I’m just a stingy bastard.
Just picked up this WOWZA dwarf cherry 2.5 gal for 40$ us.
A better deal? IDK. View attachment 435120

Looking good!

 

[szxnx]

Looking good!

The most annoying part about living in Canada and seeing all the amazing looking bonsai and all the websites that you can buy things from, just to realize that you don't have any way to get it because you'll probably have to pay either $70 international shipping, or it just doesn't have international shipping. I think Canada Bonsai is doing a really good job actually helping more bonsai coming into Canada but once again given my age I don't really have that sort of spending money for trees yet, hopefully soon!

 

[Gabler]

To answer your original question, I would not buy those trees for $80. I might buy three unusual Japanese maple cultivars for that price.

However, you’re asking the wrong question. Instead, which is more valuable to you? The trees or the $80?

 

[Wilson]

yeah, I'm located in Western Canada, and it's really difficult to find any stores that sell trees that are landscaping size here, at least in the species that I'm looking for. Canada bonsai is a really cool website and I'm really looking forward to getting things from them for the future, however as I mentioned before I am a high school student and don't really have that much spending money, I actually woke up at 6 AM for the release but it was really disappointing once I looked at the shipping prices, because I knew that personally I cant afford it, hopefully in the future maybe 12 or so years once i finish my science degree

Where abouts out west? I lived in the rockies for a few years, BC and Alberta.

 

[szxnx]

Where abouts out west? I lived in the rockies for a few years, BC and Alberta.

I'm in the Oakanagan

 

[JPH]

szxnx: I used to live in Ontario before moving to northern Quebec. I can't speak for BC but I've had luck in the past contacting the MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) for information on collecting native trees. Generally they didn't care as long as I wasn't collecting like 20 trees at a time. They seem to be more concerned with full sized trees that could be used for lumber rather than smaller, "ugly" trees that make good bonsai. I would recommend this approach if you are lacking funds to purchase nursery stock. Personally Yamadori is my ONLY option given where I live currently... but finances are very tight for me as well... and Yamadori is mostly free (except for time and energy!) You might have to get a permit, but I can't see that being very expensive.

If you know anyone with large amounts of private land, you could always ask permission from them as well.

There has to be a ton of great material where you live. Sorry if this was a bit off-topic to your original question. Anyway, just something to think about.

 

[Wilson]

I'm in the Oakanagan

Nice! My wife grew up in Kelowna, such a great spot! Tons of yamadori up in the mountains throughout the valley.

 

[JPH]

For real! Think about the Yamadori approach. You end up with far more interesting material than you would with nursery stock (for the most part, there are always exceptions). You also get the added benefit of knowing your trees can survive/thrive in the environment you live in... especially when it comes to winter. I know it's a bit daunting, but even if you try and fail at first you will learn and become better. If you get yourself 10-15 trees over the next few years you could be well on your way to having a respectable collection of showable trees by 2027-2030, and you'll still just be in your 20s!