Would you give a bonsai as a gift?

Would you give a bonsai as a gift?

  • Yes! It would open a new world for them!

    Votes: 4 10.3%
  • Probably. As long as I thought they could care for it.

    Votes: 13 33.3%
  • Maybe. I might have to step in and provide care.

    Votes: 6 15.4%
  • Don't think so. Not unless it was a cheap tree.

    Votes: 4 10.3%
  • Never. For several reasons, probably not a good idea.

    Votes: 13 33.3%

  • Total voters
    39

greerhw

Omono
Messages
1,976
Reaction score
15
Nah, just be a waste of money and a good tree.
Harry
 

pauldogx

Mame
Messages
137
Reaction score
1
Location
Eastern PA USA
USDA Zone
6b
Nope. If it was a cheapie tree and it died it may put them off the hobby.
I would give them a gift certificate to a Intro to Bonsai course or take them to a club meeting instead.
 

Attila Soos

Omono
Messages
1,804
Reaction score
54
Location
Los Angeles (Altadena), CA
USDA Zone
9
Giving a bonsai as gift is like helping a blind man to cross the street.....against his will.

(Just imagine the scene: the blind man is kicking and screaming, and you are trying to keep up the appearance that you are being helpful, looking around and smiling to the onlookers - this is about the same as giving bonsai as a gift).
 

Bill S

Masterpiece
Messages
2,494
Reaction score
28
Location
Western Massachusetts
USDA Zone
5a
I voted maybe, but I have on occasion, but I was just about asked for them, thats why I keep rooting cuttings. At some point I don't want them all so, hmmm give em away, club events, at work, or gifts to someone that does the club a favor etc.
 

JTGJr25

Yamadori
Messages
98
Reaction score
0
Location
South Jersey
USDA Zone
7
The Japanese give bonsai as gifts all the time. Like our presidents and country leaders of other sorts. Thats an extreme example but what I really want to say is...i would only give one as a gift if I knew the person was experienced. Meaning a gift from one experienced artist to another.

Tom
 

meushi

Mame
Messages
237
Reaction score
203
Location
French Ardennes
USDA Zone
8
Actually it would be the Japanese equivalent of offering the complete "Golden Ladies" DVD set or a box of depends to someone... bonsai is mostly an old rich fart hobby over there. It is usually labeled "jijikusai" (grandpa smell) by most people under retirement age.

Personally I wouldn't give the gift of bonsai unless I knew the persons were interested and able to keep the tree alive.
 

TimD

Yamadori
Messages
94
Reaction score
0
Location
Maine, USA.
USDA Zone
5a
Maybe but only if I really really hated the tree.

I picked no. There would be some cases where I would pick yes but they weren't listed as options.
1. A fellow Bonsai friend.
2. Someone who totally understands the commitement involved and was willing to take classes and/or instruction.
3. Poison Ivy Bonsai to an Ex. With instructions to trim daily.
 
Top Bottom