So today I was lucky enough to be invited to collect some pines at Erik Wigert’s Bonsai Nursery. I have been wanting to visit his place for the longest time but finally had a chance to make the nearly 3 hour drive to North Fort Myers.

When I arrived I was amazed on how beautifully arranged his nursery was and the quality of his collection and bonsai material was just wonderful.

They have a nice shop with various bonsai pots and tools along a classroom for training

Here are some photos I took of the nursery and my collected pines

The Gateway entrace to Erik’s Bonsai Collection

 Racks of Bonsai Pots at Wigert’s Shop

 Rick Jeffery helping reduce the Australian Pine’s roots

One of the Australian Pines I collected

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During the convention this year I had a little personal set back, and started to reflect on what got me into Bonsai, and why I enjoy this art so much.  I’ve been doing bonsai for over 14 years now and have made some progress.  However I needed take a step back and remember my journey thus far and decide where I need to go. 

To do this I couldn’t think of a better place for me personally than to go back to where it all began for me.  The National Arboretum in Washington D.C.  So this past week end I hopped a plane to the nation’s capital to view the trees that inspired me so long ago…

This picture is a picture of me taking photos of the trees at the arboretum the very first time I saw them. It was 1996 and remember it like yesterday. The amazing feeling when I saw these perfect little trees was incredible and still haven’t lost that when I see a well done bonsai. It when then that I realized how special these trees are and how much emotion can be brought out from those viewing them. This is why I do bonsai.

This is a picture of me from this past week. My photo equipment has certainly become more expensive.  However my passion for these trees have never been so strong.  I know I have a long way to go, and the trees at the arboretum are a reminder to me of what can be accomplished over time.  I need to stay focused and remind myself of why I constantly work on my trees to improve their health, develop the branching, and bring out the emotions of those that will see them.

I may never create anything as spectacular as John Naka’s Goshen, but I think I’m okay with that.  We can’t all be the best, but we can certainly try and have fun along the way.  Just hang in there…

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One of the most amazing bonsai nurseries in Florida is the one belonging to Jim Smith. Located in Vero Beach it is the bonsaist dream. Row after row of pre-bonsai material.  Hardest part is deciding which one you want

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