.. so is it just a hobby then?

[Inspired]

So most of us start out as an enthusiast of the art but..

What happens when a passion becomes a sickness for trees?

You know what I mean.. your collection starts to grow. No matter the size of the courtyard or garden space, you will somehow find more space for new additions

You then start planting trees in the gardens of your parents or family members or somehow bypass "resident management" on any new acquisitions in the home

But it doesn't stop there. You find yourself on forums and sites that eventuate in more trees

To your good fortunes you find info on when and where a "mass collectons" of trees are to be had at expos, clubs and nurseries

You then get into the science on how to better develop trees as you amass whatever you have been able to accumulate.

Everywhere you drive.. you see "potentials" everywhere and want to miniaturize just about any tree with potential.

You then sell trees to make way for beta 2.0 trees and stocks

By now you would have spend quite some

Can you claim the expenses with an abn?

[Andrew F]

Hello my name is Andrew and......... *chokes up* ..... and I'm an addict.

It started with one ficus, I thought I could get away with just one tree. Next thing I had a handful of figs, they are a gateway tree to more pests like olives and privet. I found my self on the street, looking into peoples gardens, mind always wandering.

Now its to the point where I may need a second bench to keep up with my new found kusamono addiction.... It's terrible, my long term GF wants nothing to do with my addiction. She ignores my constant ramblings about leaf reduction. I talk about ramification in my sleep.

She also, no longer asks me to help with the vege garden, 'No, you cant train a sweet potato.' She snaps in an angered tone.

Its taken over my life, a true obsession.



And you are all enablers. I can quit bonsai anytime I just dont want to.

[Raymond]

I was told the day I bought my first beginners kit from Peter @ Bonsai Emporium, "this starts as a hobby, and will become an obsession". I can only say, he was right...

[bonborn]

You know you are an addict when all you can think about is putting movement in the trunk even when

[Phoenix238]

Haha, fair call guys. My partner already complains about the time I spend out in the garden and I've only got about 10 pre-bonsai and a vege patch! She'll be happy when the vege patch starts producing, but sadly I think the bonsai are doomed to a life of persecution

[Newbie.mia]

I to am an addict I have 6 bonsai benches fully loaded with bonsai and pre-bonsai and I'm now growing trees from seed to sell so I can further fund my habit. I moved to acreage just so that I could ground grow my future bonsai. I have also corrupted my partner who is now also starting to collect trees.

[Graeme]

I to am inspired to reply to your post, Inspired.

Yep, this 'Hobby' does have the potential to become a passion, an addiction, an obsession. It can become the reason for life itself. And the good news? After you have gone through all the stages of addiction already mentioned, there are further steps towards the abyss. One day you will find your Frequent Flyer points are enough for a round the world trip (to see even more Bonsai) from the tripping you've made to all Australian Capital Cities to attend Seminars/Conferences/Conventions. You will find yourself travelling Interstate because some noted Demonstrator you've never worked with will be doing a Workshop. You will become a Board Member of a National Bonsai Assoc. And it wont end there, because now you will find yourself travelling overseas to attend Bonsai Functions. That, of course, will be after you obtain a Plant Importers Licence, enabling you to bring secret finds back from those overseas trips.

Of course then you back yard will definitely be to small for your needs, so you will go out and buy a Nursery so you can attempt to afford all the trips you're taking and all the stock you're buying. You will start teaching classes, because it isn't fair that you are the only one having all the fun. This is all true, I know it is and if you really want to know how I know, I'll tell you.

I wont tell you the ending though, because that is a sad tale that doesn't need telling.

[wattynine]

Hi everyone, my name is Watty and I am a bonsai addict.
I have attempted rehabilitation now every day for 10 years but the trees, man the trees, they are everywhere, how do you avoid such temptation.
I live them, I dream them, I love them, they invade my every thought whilst awake and asleep.
I ponder ways to afford trips to Japan for tours, think about ways to afford to get to Sydney for better training, wonder about ways to get rid of old stock so I can get better.
thanks for listening,
My name is Watty and I am a Bonsai Addict............. JUST TRY AND STOP ME, HAHAHAHAH The Trees ahhhhh the trees

[Brad75]

Hi all,

I am also an addict. I had severe withdrawal a while ago and went on a tool and wire buying splurge. Then I paced the house waiting for tracking advice from the online supplier; then paced as I followed the delivery progress until the package actually came to me. Today I got two tools delivered by Auspost that I wasn't ready for as the supplier didn't email the long consignment number to me. Don't you hate that. As it turns out I already had a curved angled branch cutter and a spherical knob cutter but not in Stainless like these two new ones. Now I need stock and space to grow some trees out in the ground. Yep bonsai is a massive addiction!

Cheers,

Brad75 aka Brad Jackson.

[Rory]

The first rule of Bonsai Club is.... Do not let bonsai take time away from your family.

The second rule of Bonsai Club is.... Do not steer from rule one.

This will ensure that you remain human and happy.

[Graeme]

Really good advice BBM and the way to ensure your Rule 1 remains intact is, of course, GET THE FAMILY INVOLVED IN BONSAI!!!

[Inspired]

OMG you guys are funi seriously

Luv'it!

[Inspired]

Over the weekend I spoiled myself

I have a sedan with 5 people.. I somehow managed to squeeze in 5 trees and 1 of them was 1.5 meters hanging a little out the boot
but somehow I managed to get it in with the help of the nursery owner.. I just couldn't leave without them.

You see.. these are supposedly my specimen conifer garden as now my tree invasion has migrated to the front

In case I will move houses one day.. i future proofed it by placing solid pieces of tiles and glass turntables (that's all i had around the house)
under the root ball for easy lift and carry

Wow Graeme your post is on another level.. thought I was "addicted to trees"

Maybe there should be a therapy bbq and bonsai session where stories could be shared!

[Phoenix238]

You guys are weird, I'm out...

*walks out back, sees trees, walks back*

Ah who am I kidding

"One of us. One of us. One of us. .."

[joannm]

For some reason I find myself on the computer trying to get away from THE HOBBY oh yeah I forgot you were talking about bonsai. mmmm
yesterday was hobby day here .
first I turned on the kiln at 5am
then after a few hours back to sleep , the rest of the day fell into place.
My 1st job was to water before the heat started , so as we are down to only about 500 plants in training I moved on to the real bonsai area, followed by the vegie patch.
Then proceeded to the front garden , where my other half has planted bonsai's in the making as well .
from there to a well deserved coffee, I continued my restful day by setting up my Saotome Azalea on the deck for a hair cut
( having listened to my eye specialist to not concentrate to long on anything ) I did about 1 hour and thought it must be "REST my eyes time " . So I went to my art room where I started to make Mame pots.
oh yeah this is really resting them.
back to the Azalea , then to the art room , painting and glazing pots. then I had an even better idea for eye resting I'll repot another azalea.
The Saotome is nearly pruned , the kiln has now been unloaded and I am going to run away for the day to get some rest from The Hobbies.