Many other supplier and nursery names are available in Bonsai Today magazine's ad section! This is a list of suppliers that one or more of the readers of the group has had some contact with.
Emile Stehlin
Shibui carries a large assortment of bonsai supplies, and specializes in Tokaname pots. If you're looking for a special pot, this is a good place to check. They also carry wire, fertilizers, pruning hardware, etc. In addition, they have a color catalog from which they can order pots from Japan if you don't find what you're looking for in stock.
The people are friendly enough, and they won't try to pull a fast one on a first-timer (the lady said I didn't need to spend $25 on a new set of shears--use a pair of cuticle scissors to see if I like bonsai, then come back and buy the shears). The clerks didn't know the answers to some of my questions, saying I should speak to "Mr. Ron" the bonsai guy.
They're just a place that has lots of stuff ranging from starter plants in 3 inch pots to specimens purchased across the country. According to Michael the owner, he buys some from estate autions, some from growers.
From year to year, you never know for sure what he'll have because it depends on what he finds on his buying trips. This year he had a bunch of Bald Cypress he picked up in Florida. Most of the plants mentioned in this newsgroup are there. Rare Georgia Oaks and Australian small leafed Eucalyptus missing of course ;-)
Prices range from a few dollars to over a thousand for some of the older specimens and groves.
They have regular classes. Some are free. Some cost. Most are very good value.
For example Introduction to Bonsai Seminar is $89 includes a 5 hour hands on seminar teaching pruning, wiring, potting and care. You create one large bonsai and two miniatures. Materials are provided.
At their seasonal open house events they have free demos.
They are bonsai enthusiasts that always have time to talk even if you don't buy. If you bring in a plant, they'll give quick shaping tips.
I can't speak to authoritatively on prices because I haven't done much comparative shopping. The only other place I've been is Ken's in Palo Alto. It's hard to compare because his trees are much nicer. I'm also very cheap so I wait for the fall sale. They usually discount specimens 25%, pre-bonsai 50%, pots are 25-75% off.
The three primary guys Michael, Suthin and David, don't advertise themselves to be masters but they seem to know what they're doing, they love their work and have studied under some big name masters.
Howard Hayakawa <hayakawa@STAR.ENET.DEC.COM>
Iris Cohen
"Specialist in the Rare & Unusual since 1965"
"The Most complete Bonsai Store in the Americas!!"
"America's largest Bonsai importer"
They offer a complete line of Bonsai accessories, fertilizers, vitamins, pots-ceramic & plastic, bonsai tools, bonsai seeds, vacationers, Tillandsia air plants, butterflies & rare plants.
The catalogue contains about 4000 (estimate) species & variants, including (for example) 26 maples, 23 pines, 5 wisterias, 2 zelkovas. Species that are known to be good for Bonsai are marked. I have found that their service is prompt. (richard.freeman@bae.eurokom.ie)
Contributed by CesarAP@AOL.COM
The following information was correct as of Feb 1991. I have not tried any of the places yet.