Disappointing nursery visits

[Bonbon]

Spent a whole day travelling to Ray Nesci, Padre Pio and Bonsai Environment, came home almost empty handed. Very disappointed. I have not visit these nurseries for nearly two years. My interest in stocks trees rekindled and I carry lots of cash and hope to get something decent. Ended up bought some soil and two pots. No trees at all.

Ray Nesci: they are really running out of stock unless you want some really big ones. Unlike few years ago, lots of choices.

Bonsai environment : the owner said they are now mainly a wholesale business and that is obvious. Only attraction is pots and pots only. They once had an area full of good trees is now "staff access only".

The most disappointing one is Pedre Pio in Annagrove Road. I was very annoyed before that they don't put a price on their trees. You have to ask one by one for "how much". I decided not to go there anymore but after two years, I thought may be things have improved and I decided to pay a visit. First of all, the front gate was closed and I had to yell for somebody, a very kind lady let me in. She said the husband is out and will be back in 45 mins. Then, I found the trees still have not got a price tag on as before. I waited while choosing my favourites, then the lady came back saying the husband can't make it and asked me which tree I am interested. I show her one that I like and she called her husband and described the tree. Then the husband said either I come back or keep waiting because he did not know which tree it is and can't tell me the price. By then, I decided to leave. I actually had four in mind and was really interested. It is a major mystery to me why he won't put a price tag on. The lady said because the trees keep growing and changing everyday (so will the price?). Also, the price tag got washed by rain etc....For God sake! My experience with this nursery is whenever you ask for a price, the gentleman will think and think and then reluctantly name a price. If you agree to pay what he asks, he seems unhappy like he had named a price too low . You may be interested in 30 trees, which is not unusual, and the process has to be repeated 30 times I really feel sad about them as there are lots of good trees in Padre Pio. Only if they can put a price tag on, it should be the top nursery in Sydney. After this, I thought: that is it, I won't go there again. Too tiring to ask for the price for whatever you like and may buy. Also, they can close at any time during their advertised opening hours and you will waste all you time in travelling.

[bonborn]

Bonsai environment : the owner said they are now mainly a wholesale business and that is obvious. Only attraction is pots and pots only. They once had an area full of good trees is now "staff access ck:

So true about bonsai environment. They are the ones selling those sticks in pots which sells at bunnings and then die shortly after. Most of the good stuff is hidden away behind staff access signs.

[Bonbon]

Bonsai environment : the owner said they are now mainly a wholesale business and that is obvious. Only attraction is pots and pots only. They once had an area full of good trees is now "staff access ck:

So true about bonsai environment. They are the ones selling those sticks in pots which sells at bunnings and then die shortly after. Most of the good stuff is hidden away behind staff access signs.

Why your name is so similar to mine ?

[bonsaisensation]

Ray Nesci: they are really running out of stock unless you want some really big ones. Unlike few years ago, lots of choices.

hi bonbon, it is really unfortunate that it's becoming that way. i used to buy quite a lot of larger trees from Ray years ago would have thought he is one of the best grower in the country. my last visit was this time last year, came away with nothing. he is STILL one of the best in the country, but as far as the level of bonsai stock is concerned, they seemed to have stayed more or less at the same level as ten years ago. i am definately not trying to say anything negative about any bonsai nurseries as i try to manage one myself, i know how hard it is.

perhaps we can politely suggest what they can do to keep us coming back?

[Jhalkhoree]

I agree with bonsai sensation. Ray Nesci is still the best nursery with best stock at the best prices I have visited in Sydney. I have no hesitation to recommend Ray. I think best time to visit is perhaps winter when they have been out digging stocks. I have certainly picked up some great stock from him in the past few years.
As for Padre Pio, I have been there once and will never go there again. I can not stand asking for prices of every single tree I am interested in. I strongly believe they should put price tags on each tree, saving the customers the hassle each time. However they have great stocks too.

[Bonbon]

I agree with bonsai sensation. Ray Nesci is still the best nursery with best stock at the best prices I have visited in Sydney. I have no hesitation to recommend Ray. I think best time to visit is perhaps winter when they have been out digging stocks. I have certainly picked up some great stock from him in the past few years.
As for Padre Pio, I have been there once and will never go there again. I can not stand asking for prices of every single tree I am interested in. I strongly believe they should put price tags on each tree, saving the customers the hassle each time. However they have great stocks too.

I agree that Ray Nesci is a good nursery and Ray works hard and helpful. I got some very nice trees for a very reasonable price from him. I still recommend him. Just wish his stocks will improve. May go there again in Winter.

For Padre Pio, they may have the best collection at the moment in Sydney. Really strange about their way of doing business. The owner is a nice man and the wife is very friendly too. Lots of nice trees. Just sad there is no price tag on the trees. One of the biggest mystery in human history. I know quite a few guys do not go there just because of this although they all praise the trees in the nursery.

[Isitangus]

Hi bonbon whilst not in the same area take your cash on a visit to bonsai south at caringbah-I'd be surprised if you came away empty handed. It is by far my favourite nursery and the biggest factor is it organised very well. If you want maples they're in the maple section, starters in starter section etc. and leong like ray is a wealth of knowledge and unless he's flat chat more than happy for a chat or a helping hand

[bonborn]

Bonsai environment : the owner said they are now mainly a wholesale business and that is obvious. Only attraction is pots and pots only. They once had an area full of good trees is now "staff access ck:

So true about bonsai environment. They are the ones selling those sticks in pots which sells at bunnings and then die shortly after. Most of the good stuff is hidden away behind staff access signs.

Why your name is so similar to mine ?

Not sure mate but nice to meet you.

[subie23]

Ray is the stand out in comparison with the other two. 80% of my current collection is from Ray. I going to Bonsai South today to check out the place and hopefully will find some treasure to being back.

[Qitianlong]

Re Padre Pio... wow... I just can't believe what you're saying... have you lost your marbles?????????

A. the best stock trees available anywhere. Did you even look at the tridents, taiwans and figs, especially ROR figs... omg... omg... years and years of training.
B. with the amount of trees they have, how can they all be priced? did you go out the back of rays? hardly any of those starter trees are priced.
C. as i know from working in a book store in my earlier life, i know people are people, tend to be greedy selfish bastards, and often switch prices on stock, then say, 'oh, this massive beautiful tree has $5 on it, so that's what I'll pay for it'
D. a tree may be priced at $1, then after a years growth it is $2, so the owner has to go around and re-price everything?? and if he misses one, and you say, 'oh, this is $1!' and he says, 'well it was 1 year ago...' and you say 'well up yours!'
E. if a tree has a price on it, that's the price. I've found that each and every time I go there and pull out the trees I'm interested in, I get a way better price than I had expected.
F. being friendly gets you better deals in life. being nasty gets you elsewhere. it's a small community, we should be supporting each other.

sorry. touched a nerve. peace.

[Qitianlong]

try the nursery in Galston, then you'll know what disappointing is

[gezzalenko]

Unfortunately I have to agree with Padres pricing issue.
But as a general guide for pre bonsai stock, if your looking for figs, junipers, pines or swampies visit Bonsai South. For maples, elms, prunus species, privet, trunk chop material or some hidden gems visit Ray Nesci. And for high quality med sized material across all species visit Padre Pio, but be aware that the pricing is quite high due to the initial styling of the stock.

[DavidWilloughby]

It would be disappointing if you had planned a Bonsai Nursery crawl and then come away empty handed and disenchanted, but if I was ever in that boat I would give it a day or two once the blood cools down and then call them up and speak to them directly and raise any concerns or issues you have in a polite and calm fashion. It often is left unresolved if you try to sort things out when still seeing red.

I think its safe to say we all have our "Favourites" when it comes to where we get our stock from and I am no different, but It takes time to build up a rappore and trust in whom you buy from.

Whenever I go to a Bonsai Nursery, unless it is for supplies (soil/wire/pots) I always go with an open mind as you never know what you will or will not find.

Cheers

David

[Bonbon]

sorry. touched a nerve. peace.

That is ok. Thank you.

[Rory]

Re Padre Pio... wow... I just can't believe what you're saying... have you lost your marbles?????????

A. the best stock trees available anywhere. Did you even look at the tridents, taiwans and figs, especially ROR figs... omg... omg... years and years of training.
B. with the amount of trees they have, how can they all be priced? did you go out the back of rays? hardly any of those starter trees are priced.
C. as i know from working in a book store in my earlier life, i know people are people, tend to be greedy selfish bastards, and often switch prices on stock, then say, 'oh, this massive beautiful tree has $5 on it, so that's what I'll pay for it'
D. a tree may be priced at $1, then after a years growth it is $2, so the owner has to go around and re-price everything?? and if he misses one, and you say, 'oh, this is $1!' and he says, 'well it was 1 year ago...' and you say 'well up yours!'
E. if a tree has a price on it, that's the price. I've found that each and every time I go there and pull out the trees I'm interested in, I get a way better price than I had expected.
F. being friendly gets you better deals in life. being nasty gets you elsewhere. it's a small community, we should be supporting each other.

sorry. touched a nerve. peace.

Just a note in regards to Ray Nesci's Nursery.
In regards to point B, Ray's system is much better, in that all the starter stock is $4, and all the starter trees in the 8inch tubs, which is just about the entire back section, just before the large stock, is all $12, so it is easy to gauge the prices. This makes C also defunct.
Once Ray works on a tree, it goes to the next level upwards with price tags on it, so you don't need to ask for prices on a 'missed one'.
For my own sake, I don't like getting surprises on prices, and Ray is always a pleasure to deal with, and I have found him to be the best and most fair businessman I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. He has often thrown in free stock for my boy, and occasionally reduced prices on set bonsai when I have bought a lot.