The Federal Government has urged recipients of the latest Economic Stimulus Package to spend the money and not save it or place it onto debt. I urge you to go one step further and spend it in Australia - in Hurstbridge, to be precise!
Up for Auction today is a Peppercorn Tree (Schinus molle) which has been in training for just over 3 years. (Its history can be seen here at bonsaiTALK - you may need to register there to see the photos.)
The tree stands over 600mm tall x 600mm wide, and the trunk is about 100mm thick at the soil line - how's that for your 6:1 ratio?
Here are the photos:
Now, I don't believe we've entertained the idea of Auctions here at AusBonsai.com, so I'm testing the water with this one. I'll throw together a list of conditions, and if anybody spots anything that I've missed, please speak up. Please feel free to request further information and/or photos of the tree if you think it will help with your decision to bid. Please take the bidding process seriously, as it may affect the possibility of future Auctions at AusBonsai.com.
Now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way, it's time to talk turkey. What is this tree worth? As you will see by checking the link to the tree's history, I paid $50AUD for the tree. The little orchid pan cost about $5. Let's assume that each year of my time is worth a whopping $5.Auction Terms and Conditions:
> All bids and requests for further information are to be made publicly within this thread. Private offers will not be considered.
> The Vendor reserves the right to withdraw the Auction Item at any time without notice or explanation.
> It is up to the Winning Party to cover all transportation and packaging costs for the delivery of the Auction Item. The transportation method will be agreed upon by the Vendor and the Winning Party, and will be as reasonably priced as practicable. [EDIT] (This Item will not ship outside of Victoria.) The vendor would prefer to ship within Victoria, but will ship interstate only if the Winning Bidder can supply documentary evidence that importing of the Auction Item is permitted within their State or Territory. The Vendor assumes no liability if the Auction Item is seized by the relevant authorities in the Winning Bidder's State or Territory.[/EDIT]
> The Vendor reserves the right to alter or amend the 'Auction Terms and Conditions' at any time during the Auction process. The Vendor agrees that if any alteration or amendment is made to the 'Auction Terms and Conditions', it will be announced publicly within the Auction Thread, at which time all Bidders will be allowed the opportunity to withdraw their current bid.
> By bidding on this Auction Item, you confirm that you have read and agree to abide by the 'Auction Terms and Conditions'.
> Only whole dollar values will be accepted in the bidding process.
>The Vendor reserves the right to spruik throughout the bidding process.
> This Auction will end on April 20th, 2009 at 1900hrs (EST).
By my reckoning, we should start the bidding at $70AUD.
Any takers?
).
