Joanie

And indeed, my only quibble is that just because they wire, trim, or prune, does not mean that they will continue to refine their techniques or their trees. If their skill is enough to satisfy their personal muse, they may never seek farther. Like the above mentioned tennis players, they find their level. Doesn't mean that they stop playing tennis (my hubby is a very good amateur tennis player), but as long as they know how to serve, return, backhand, etc. and can play a good game amongst their friends they are quite happy.

Here's a question...how many people in your clubs or on this forum take "Bonsai Today"? If they are driven to learn, passionate about improving, they will sooner or later subscribe. How many take personal classes? How many travel a long way to attend seminars or digs? How many do all of the above? I would venture to say, not even half the people on this forum have pursued every pathway vigorously. For a myriad of reasons. It is simply a matter of intensity and personal considerations.

But to name the less refined trees, and give them equal consideration just because they exist and make people happy.....no. You can acknowledge that there is a large group of people who derive pleasure from puttering with their trees, or their weekend tennis for that matter, but that does not make them a seperate category or style.

It would amuse hubby to tell him that he plays "Rustic Tennis"

Joanie