good time to search for acer material?

[benw3790]

I think I was told once that if I wanted some Japanese maples for a decent price, that I should look around for them in autumn and winter, as the prices would be cheaper without the leaves and because people will be needing to get rid of whatever stock they have to prepare for new stock, the following growing season. I really, really want to work with Japanese maples as bonsai. I am faciniated by them, they're beautiful and almost all my material is coniferous. I see a lot of nursery stock with really nice sized trunks, but I am wondering what should I be looking for in Acer palmatum material? And as a beginner? Where can I find them or what time of year, rather, would they be cheaper? Also, is almost anything I find going to be grafted? I've been reading up a lot on them about branch selection , shoot pruning, defoliating and ramification. I'm ready to get started!

 

[Martin Sweeney]

Benw3790,

Look for a plant growing on it's own roots, not grafted. Look for a regular Acer palmatum, not a fancy variety, as they tend to be grafted. Look for good surface roots and an interesting movement or some taper to the first few inches of trunk.

The later in the year you look, the more likely you will get a discount from a landscape nursery or big box store. Dead of Winter (after Christmas or even New Years) is the absolute best time, but will relegate you to waiting until early Spring.

Or, try a bonsai nursery. If you are in the greater Charlotte area, try Brad at the Bonsai Learning Center or Marc Torppa at the Growing Grounds. I prefer the BLC. If you are in the greater Raleigh area, try Brian at the Bonsai Learning Center, or Steve at Matsu-Momiji. If you travel to South Carolina, you can try Green Thumb Bonsai. Also in South Carolina, you can reach out to BonsaiNut member Johng.

Where are you in North Carolina? If you are in the Charlotte area, come to the Bonsai Society of the Carolinas next meeting at UNCC on Sat. 11/9. Also, think about attending the Winter Silhouette Exhibition in Kannapolis in December.

Regards,
Martin

 

[benw3790]

Wow, thanks for all the info!!! I am about 30-45 minutes north of Charlotte in the statesville-mooresville area. Is that class in Charlotte free? Or will it cost a pretty penny? A friend of mine actually knows brad I think. He has a house on the lake? I've been interested in getting in contact with all those people, especially since a classes are in mooresville but not sure on being able to afford going. thanks for the reply! Tell me more!

 

[Martin Sweeney]

benw3790,

The Bonsai Learning Center is in Mooresville off Hidden Harbor Rd. Try www.bonsailearningcenter.com. He is open Sat and Sun, tell him I sent you. Won't help you at all, but can I get a name drop? Go over, walk around, see what the man has, spend an hour or two, hang out and maybe get put to work.

Anyway, the Bonsai Society of the Carolinas meeting on the 9th is free and open to the public. Will have nothing to do with maples per say, but come out and meet some folks. I'll be there, but don't let that keep you away! See www.bonsaicarolina.org for details.

Regards,
Martin

 

[benw3790]

benw3790,

The Bonsai Learning Center is in Mooresville off Hidden Harbor Rd. Try www.bonsailearningcenter.com. He is open Sat and Sun, tell him I sent you. Won't help you at all, but can I get a name drop? Go over, walk around, see what the man has, spend an hour or two, hang out and maybe get put to work.

Anyway, the Bonsai Society of the Carolinas meeting on the 9th is free and open to the public. Will have nothing to do with maples per say, but come out and meet some folks. I'll be there, but don't let that keep you away! See www.bonsaicarolina.org for details.

Regards,
Martin

Thanks martin! I have no problem in mentioning you sent me. Is it free to go see him on sat and sun? I'd love to be put to work haha. Any time I can spend there will be really awesome for me I'd like to get involved as much as I can!

 

[Martin Sweeney]

Benw3790,

Yes, Sat and Sun are free and open to the public, if he does not have any classes scheduled (please see the website), he would be happy to have you come by. He might be working on some trees or getting things ready for winter. If you're look willing to help and moderately competent, he will put you to work.

Regards,
Martin