Seeking my first real bonsai

[GailC]

I'm in the market for a decent tree around the $500 price range. It will be about a month before I'm ready to order, I want to be past frost danger.

I really have no idea where to start looking. I don't want to just randomly order a sight unseen tree and I'm a bit leery of ebay.

Mainly looking for a standard green JM, maybe a sharps pigmy but would entertain other cold hardy deciduous.

 

[shinmai]

If you have any interest in satsuki azaleas, I would most highly recommend Rick Garcia at North American Satsuki Bonsai Center [nasbc.com]. In the last eight months I have purchased my two first 'good' trees from him, and the experience has been great. One was around $200, the other $600. After a lot of comparison shopping, I confirmed that his prices are very competitive. He imports directly from Japan. He provides excellent photos, and for a prospective buyer will update to what the tree looks like today. His packing and shipping are also impeccable.