Padre pio nursery

[Gumnuts]

Padre Pio nursery has finally launched a website http://www.padrepiobonsai.com.au/

This nursery has been around for a while and is a short drive from Ray Nesci.
It is only 5 minutes from my place and I have been dropping in for years.

I cant believe how under utilized this nursery is!
I feel like I have had this place to myself.

Nick has a huge array of stock and unique varities available and the prices range according to the size
and amount of work that has gone into the tree. I have found some great bargins over the years.
There are no pots and accessories for sale just trees!
Root over rock is something Nick has put a lot of time into
and he has some wonderful specimens to see.

I have read some negative feedback about this place from a few years ago
but I dont know where that comes from. I keep going back because the stock is fantastic and Nick loves a chat and has a
life time of experience that he is happy to share.

He does shut on sundays and mondays but he has his reasons for that.

Next time you are out in the Hills district drop in and see for yourselves.
This nursery needs support and the bonsai industry needs the competition.

I would be very surprised if anyone couldnt find something they liked .

Regards Mark

[Blackie]

If only he marked the prices on his trees. It's frustrating having to ask all the time and I get the feeling sometimes prices are based on what you look like you can afford.

Apart from that, yes, he does have some good stock and potted trees.

EDIT: After looking at the website, I think I can see why he's not open Sundays:

http://www.padrepiobonsai.com.au/about_padre_pio.html

[MelaQuin]

I find it very off putting to have to keep asking what this tree costs and what that tree costs and than ask the price of #1 a bit later and the price is different. Yes, he has a lot of stock but I stopped going because of the pricing system [or lack thereof], the general dryness of his stock and the fact that he prices according to the person. Two of us bought trees of the same species, all but indentical in size, development and potential yet there was a $30 price difference between the two trees.

Yes, visit his place by all means, but be prepared for unreasonable prices and the irritating necessity to keep asking him every time you see something that might suit you. I don't like that sort of shopping.

[Mudeye]

Cheers Gumnuts,
What a great nurery, Nick is full of info and love's his dogs, plants,tree's and Bonsai if our in the area check it out, root over rock what can i say....next time i'll take a camera and post some pictures.

Mud

[Mudeye]

PS Gumnuts when they found gold they kept it secret.


Mud

[Scott Roxburgh]

NIce I hadn't heard about this one before, looks like some good stock.

[my3angels]

To all Bonsai enthusiasts and in particular to MelaQuin,
From Dominic Nesci of Padre Pio Bonsai.

MelaQuin, the last time you visited our nursery was January 2009 - during the period just after we were involved in a major car accident, and very much incapable of performing most necessary nursery duties. The fact that we were open was a major victory for us. We have since been powering along producing many great pre-bonsai trees for all you dedicated bonsai enthusiasts. It is true the vast majority of our trees are shaped (you say too twisted and best left on the ground), but the vast majority of our customers appreciate an advanced tree with movement even if you do not. You also commented on the dry nature of our bonsai. In my defence we may have had a succession of customers on the day you attended, so it was common courtesy to not have the water system running while customers were browsing. The offer of a spritz on your newly purchased bonsai is always on offer, if you have a long trip ahead.

Price wise - we have many trees priced, however it is not viable to price all trees, as most enthusiasts worth their salt will know that trees mature constantly and rapidly in the growing season. All of the trees in our growing area are on display and not hidden away elsewhere, so the opportunity is available to purchase a maturing tree at a lesser price at any stage of its development, or waiting till it's mature. (We cannot price a tree at each stage of its development).

We do not price our trees based on what you wear or what car you drive (as you have commented) as we believe that bonsai is a luxury item not a necessity. We have put a lot of time and effort into our bonsai and our prices will reflect that. We also have a full range of small, medium and large standard trees which are very well priced.

Regardless of the nature of comment negative or positive, it is all appreciated and taken on board - please feel free to let us know what you think or want, as we truly exist for you. I believe that we are perhaps the only nursery providing true pre-bonsai for enthusiasts, not just twigs in pots. Also we are not trying to take business away from anyone else, that is why we specialise in shaped pre-bonsai, not all the extras, as we believe everyone should be able to make a living.

And finally a huge thank you to all our dedicated appreciative customers who have given us their patronage and made kind, honest and unbiased comments about us. It is truly appreciated. Thank you so much and may God bless you all.

[Tenka]

I visited Padre Pio about a week ago not exactly knowing what to expect, I'll definitely be back for more next time I'm around.

Picked out 3 trees then 3 more once I found out how cheap they were. I would have bought 2 dozen if I had more room at home.

[bodhidharma]

I believe that we are perhaps the only nursery providing true pre-bonsai for enthusiasts, not just twigs in pots.

HHMMMMM, you think so.

[Luke308]

I believe that we are perhaps the only nursery providing true pre-bonsai for enthusiasts, not just twigs in pots.

HHMMMMM, you think so.

Hilarious, that's just like a local bonsai nursery that claims to be the only nursery in Australia that offers "free life-time service" on their bonsai. But they charge you for soil, wire, mesh, etc and try to convince you they need a new pot. They too don't have prices on their trees and seem to judge customers on how much they will spend. I have asked about the same tree 3 days apart and had a price variance of $50!!

[Paul W]

I agree my partner and I have been there several times and are blown over at the price of the very few that are priced, I think he would sell more if he priced them as I know from retail experience some people will simply walk out rather than ask and get pressured to buy.
Quality stock but I feel a lot will be there for a long time so business must be good.

[Paulneill]

I think everyone is being a bit harsh .

In my opinion this nursery is one of the better ones in the Sydney area i have found prices to be fair and accurate.
There is a Shari load of raw material to choose from. judging from the posts here we are very spoilt for choice living in Sydney with too many nursery's to choose from.

[gmt88]

I have to agree with most of the other comments. it is a really nice nursery, and has nice stock, but i hated the no pricing and having to ask every time. it does feel like the prices are made up on the spot and gets frustrating when you are curious when you are walking around

[philf555]

This place is just around the corner from me and I have only recently been introduced to it. On the positive side of the ledger nice bloke with some great pre bonsai stock. On the negative and this is only a personal opinion, the lack of marked pricing has stopped me purchasing and rather frustrating having to ask for prices. Like I said just a personal opinion.

[bodhidharma]

I believe that we are perhaps the only nursery providing true pre-bonsai for enthusiasts, not just twigs in pots.



HHMMMMM, you think so. [/quote]

I opened this thread, not to sling off at this Nursery, but to challenge this single statement. A lot of my trees are not priced either but probably like Dominic, i will look after the client to insure i get repeat customers. The customers always get looked after at my place. They will walk away happy that they came. Some get a beer put in their hand and we discuss life and all things Bonsai. Hopefully people who have visited will testify to that. From the people who i have met and visited with who are growing trees for sale, i have found them to be VERY serious about what they are doing and are growing quality trees for Bonsai enthusiasts to work with. So, in a small way, I am letting people know that there are dedicated growers around Australia who also have quality stock for sale. I wish Padre Pio nursery all the best for success in what they are doing for Bonsai in Australia, but they are not alone in their endeavour.