AusBonsai

trident76 wrote: Maybe someone has a picture of a nice tree purchased from Bonsai South they could share?

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Ken

Inspired wrote:Lets not beat off the track here like most of the stuff you wrote. Back to what I originally said here to which you answered:

bonsaibuddyman wrote:It isnt about evolving, I completely disagree with this

Buddyman, A bonsai nursery is a business. And like every other business it must evolve if it is to compete, survive and thrive.

The rest of the stuff you wrote whilst I understand the notion, in this context is irrelevant and hence its application. You've even said it yourself

bonsaibuddyman wrote:although it does not apply in this sense

so lets stick to the tracks shall we?

There is no need to be rude Inspired. You have taken that comment out of context. As I said, I agree to completely disagree with you.

Certainly not being rude at all BBM I am sorry you feel that way

Bonsai South is what really got me into Bonsai. I had always had it in the back of my mind but it wasn't until I visited there I really caught the bug. Without trying to offend anyone I think it easily has the best Bonsai and pre Bonsai stock in Sydney. Ive been to all of the nurseries in Sydney and it definitely has the most wow factor but this might just be because Leong keeps all of his trees with the ones that are for sale rather than grouped in a cage which is entirely understandable. For me, looking at his magnificent trees makes me want to do bonsai for the rest of my life so hopefully one day I can have a tree or two that are even close to as good as his. The fact that its closing saddens me but if his hands are tied and his hearts not in it, thats his choice.

I actually went there one day and asked if If I could volunteer sweeping and weeding every second friday just so I could be around the day to day workings of a nursery but the woman who was looking after it while he was away said that he wouldn't be able to because I wouldn't be on the books and couldn't be insured etc. In terms of spending money there I have my usual problem of having no room where I live. As soon as I move somewhere with more room ill be there with a full wallet! Hopfully thats before it closes down....

I find the whole business evolution thing hard to come to terms with. Im not really sure how you would evolve this place as a business. Charge less? Have more Japanese like stock? Renovate? This is all going to cost more coin and he's obviously lost a bit of interest and is bleeding as it is. As I said I think he has the best there is to offer in Sydney its just a shame that not many people are aware or care..... My anyway.

Heres two junipers that Ive always loved from there (sorry about the poor photography)....

Of course its always sad to hear about nurseries that one visits and likes to close it's doors.

I hope that what i have said challenges any nurseries and would be nurseries and bonsai traders to think above and beyond on how they can better improve their operations and hence prosper.

As for marketing & growth strategizing, it's perhaps not so appropriate here on this thread.

marketing & growth strategizing, is easy, real easy, in this day and age.

Get a web page!! That's all it takes. Sure, in the nursery world and a few others as well, there will always be the odd walk in customer, but unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your view) we are all becoming arm chair shoppers now days. Will we ever become totally arm chair shoppers? Buggered if I know, but I do know I do more shopping on this infernal machine today than I did last week. How about you?

I don't see it as the nurseries needing to adapt or change - or that there is a lack of support from the bonsai community for local nurseries. Its not like there is stiff competition in the bonsai nursery trade, is there? The simple fact is that serious Bonsai is just not that popular in Aust - combined with our relatively small population means there just isn't the market to make nursery ownership that profitable IMO.

The way to support the nurseries is to grow the hobby. More people participating in bonsai means bigger market.

I guess some of it comes down to how you treat your customers, I will always support Ray Nesci or as we affectionately call him Google Ray as he is nature's gentleman , he is a very busy man but always has time to tell a yarn or answer the most stupid of questions and can grow any bloody thing. In my opinion people like that will always succeed in any business they undertake, it is the best and friendliest nursery I have ever been to in Sydney, all the others leave a lot to be desired.

Cheers Ken,

I'm stoked to see that my efforts were considered a good example of Leong's stock!

Just thought I'd add a +1 on the great stock front He sure has some fantastic stuff!

Kerrin

Have to disagree with Nesci. I find Leong to be always be helpful and to have the best trees in Sydney. If and when he goes he will be missed.

We all merely speculate.
Maybe he just wants to retire and enjoy his kids and grand kids?
Maybe the nursery is very profitable and he is just looking to "finish on a high"
The only person that knows the reason/s will be Leong himself.
Until such time as his nursery closes I personally will continue to visit and buy stock from there. If/when it does close then I like many others will have to find an alternative. That won't be a happy day as western Sydney is not exactly flush/close to any other bonsai nurseries.

Well said Isitangus speculation. 5 years is a long time in business. Whatever Leong does I wish him well. Always a gentleman and a master of bonsai.

Every bonsai nurseryman in Sydney and greater Sydney is as helpful and kind as each other. You wouldn't get into this business if you didn't like people as well as bonsai. All the owners willingly give their time and help to everyone. Obviously people will have their own take on each nursery, but I think you will find that all the owners are as wonderfully helpful as each other and the bonsai community has greatly benefited from all their input.

Without naming names I will disagree with you re every nursery man in Sydney and greater Sydney are helpful and kind as each other. Perhaps we catch them on a bad day at times but not all are as you say bonsaibuddyman. I travelled miles to one and he was so rude I would never go back. So they are not all as nice as you say. Most are lovely but not all. This thread has really run its course.

marleey73 wrote: This thread has really run its course.

I agree and will lock the thread from further comments

Support your local ( and remote) bonsai nurseries when you can, and lets hope they will all be around for a lot longer

Ken