Casey's Garden Shop & Florist

Bonsai...the word conjures up a number of images...maybe ancient Japan...old shriveled men with long grey beards hunched over little trees...or maybe something more recent like Karate Kid and Mr. Myogi. All of those things have some sense of the art of bonsai. None of them are all that bonsai encompasses. In it's simplest translation, bonsai simply means 'tree in tray' or 'tree in pot'. And that is indeed the primary aspect of bonsai.
Most people's perception of bonsai is either a kind of tree or an evergreen tree. Both of those have their roots (no pun intended) in the truth. But bonsai is a method of growing whereby the tree in the pot looks as though it is a miniature of that tree in nature.

There are forms of bonsai that have a specific set of rules and are very definitive as to how those rules are to be carried out. There are also forms of bonsai that are very loose and have very few hard and fast rules. Evergreen trees are a very common plant that is used for bonsai. Here in the Midwest, special conditions must be observed to keep evergreens healthy - most notably that a dormant winter should be observed with 30-50 degree F. temperatures during most of that time. So evergreens may not be the best (even though the most recognizable) trees to use for bonsai. Many tropicals make excellent bonsai, and with results that are pleasing in a short amount of time. At Casey's we carry many different kinds of bonsai 'starters'. We have a knowledgeable staff (one person with extensive experience in this field) and are able to help you as you either pick out plants to bonsai, pick out an already potted starter, or have questions along the way.

Casey's stocks an extensive line of Joshua Roth bonsai tools either for the first timer or the experienced bonsai enthusiast. We carry a full line of containers, ceramic, plastic and mica. We have bonsai wire, fertilizer and soil. We have books to guide you and just give you information. (As a matter of fact, a Casey's Garden Shop gift certificate coupled with a bonsai book is an excellent gift for someone considering taking up bonsai.)

We also have a number of bonsai classes and demos throughout the year. Our presenters have years of experience and it is always exciting to watch them share some of their considerable knowledge in the handling of trees. For questions on the care and handling of Bonsai contact us through this email link... caseys@caseysgardenshop.com Casey's has been known for years as a place you can get accurate information and we are pleased to be able to provide it and guide you in the area of bonsai as well. Scenes from some of our many Bonsai Classes