Born In Africa...Growing Bonsai In UK

Valerie

Hi there, please accept my apologies if I am posting in the wrong part of the forum.
I couldn't find an "introduce yourself" area so I'll first start this post off with a couple of details about myself. Let's just hope I don't bore you all to death Rolling Eyes

I was born and bred in (Rhodesia) Zimbabwe, Africa and have now been living in the UK for 7 years. during the last 10 years of living in Zims, I grew bonsai in fact roughly 40 trees. My most prized bonsai were those from the acacia family. Those beautiful "table top" features were just stunning!
Unfortunately when I moved to the UK I had to leave my treasures and I mean leave them... to die Crying or Very sad

I couldn't even give them away. It really did break my heart. I manage to plant half of them in a plot of land across from me, so I do hope they survived.

Anyways 2 weeks ago I decided to start growing bonsai trees again so I am really looking for help on where is the best place to get stocks of potting soils, tools and starter trees.
Unfortunately as hard as I have looked around, there doesn't seem to be a "local" stockist here in Plymouth. Due to a disability I don't drive and I don't think it would be practical to try and buy stocks from another city/town by getting there on a bus Very Happy

Bearing in mind I have just lost my full time job due to ill health, I don't have much of a steady income coming in, so I'm really looking for a supplier that isn't going to rip me off.

I used the search facility on the forum searching for tools, but I didn't really find anything very helpful.

Also I was wondering if anyone could advise me and confirm if me opening a small bonsai outlet in Plymouth would be a good idea. Doing a search on the internet for suppliers has shown that there aren't many in the Devon area, unless I'm using the incorrect keywords.
Having this idea in mind, I am awaiting a small pension so I thought of using those small funds of starting up this project. Does anyone have any ideas/contacts of how one can go about ordering tools, pots etc at cost/wholesale prices? Nobody has to worry about me taking customers away etc. as I am going to keep my project small and local.

On a final note, I have just got myself a variety + - 60 acacia seeds. I am going to be experimenting in the growing of acacia bonsai in the UK, this will be a project that I hope to form a niche area for in a couple of years time. I am looking forward to the next few years of "experimenting" and it will be fun to keep you guys and girls updated with the progress and survival of acacia bonsai in the UK.

Right I'd better not bore you any longer Very Happy

Any help with regards to wholesale supplies etc. will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Take care.
Val

Stymie

Hello and welcome Valerie.
It is unlikely that you will get any wholesale supplies before registering a business. Many supplies can be obtained mail order of course. Some of our sponsors for instance do this. The nearest active club that I know of is located at Woodbury Salterton, which is about 45 miles NorthEast of your location so there may be a niche for you. Try advertising at newsagents or the local library for like minded contacts.

RossDas · White Belt Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 24

Hi Valerie, the only place I know of in the UK to stock bonsai materials is Howdens Garden Centers.
They don't have a huge selection but they do sell drainage mesh, pea gravel, soil brushes, root hooks, fertilizers, and a few Tokoname style pots.
Good luck.

Valerie

Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate the help.

m5eay · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 8:09 am Post subject: nearest dealer

Val,
There is a bonsai dealer near Exeter, also one near Newquay, take a look at the FOBBS web site for links to UK dealers, Kaizen is a good one for mail order There is a show coming up at Exmouth very soon,
Geoff

fred · Yellow Belt Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 79 Location: Harare

Hi Val,

I'm still here if you would like me to check out your bonsai babies and look after them for you. I will be more than happy to do so. Please don't hesitate to contact me. Keep in touch.

Regards
Fred