bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - American Bonsai in decline

I hardly think it is in decline. I doubt anyone can give hard evidence of the demise either. It would be easier to illustrate the rise of American bonsai :

Our local bonsai club is one year old. It was founded by several members from other clubs not willing to make the drive to other cities for their club meetings. We are now over 30 members strong. I would estimate that of those 30 or so members 8 have been involved in bonsai for more than a handful of years leaving 22 new bonsai enthusiasts. No decline there.

Because the club needed a place to have weekend workshops a local mom and pop nursery (owned by a new member) stepped up and offered free space under the shade trees as needed. We have hosted several traveling masters there and now meet monthly on a Saturday morning to work on trees and help each other. It has went so well the nursery owner has invested in starter material and is on the way to devoting an area to pre bonsai sales. No decline there either.

I was inspired by the lack of good and durable turntables so I created a line of products and have started building a network of distributors. I am considering offering more items such as supplies not available locally. I can see nothing but the opportunity for growth here - so again no decline.

Incidentally we as a club have found an opportunity to have 2 shows per year for the general public in our area. Both were a success and were great sources to meet people to build awareness and draw new members.

29-Nov-2006	#5
Graydon bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Apr-2006 Location: Lakeland - Florida Country: United States USDA Zone: 9A AHS Heat Zone: 11 Posts: 1,004	I hardly think it is in decline. I doubt anyone can give hard evidence of the demise either. It would be easier to illustrate the rise of American bonsai : Our local bonsai club is one year old. It was founded by several members from other clubs not willing to make the drive to other cities for their club meetings. We are now over 30 members strong. I would estimate that of those 30 or so members 8 have been involved in bonsai for more than a handful of years leaving 22 new bonsai enthusiasts. No decline there. Because the club needed a place to have weekend workshops a local mom and pop nursery (owned by a new member) stepped up and offered free space under the shade trees as needed. We have hosted several traveling masters there and now meet monthly on a Saturday morning to work on trees and help each other. It has went so well the nursery owner has invested in starter material and is on the way to devoting an area to pre bonsai sales. No decline there either. I was inspired by the lack of good and durable turntables so I created a line of products and have started building a network of distributors. I am considering offering more items such as supplies not available locally. I can see nothing but the opportunity for growth here - so again no decline. Incidentally we as a club have found an opportunity to have 2 shows per year for the general public in our area. Both were a success and were great sources to meet people to build awareness and draw new members. __________________ There is unrest in the Forest There is trouble with the trees For the maples want more sunlight And the oaks ignore their pleas.