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Not sure I want to post this, but I must. Mustn't I?
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Author:  Brendan [ 30 May 2024, 22:43 ]
Post subject:  Not sure I want to post this, but I must. Mustn't I?

At the Maidstone bonsai boot fair a few weeks ago I spotted a large larch with amazing bark and a really well developed structure. Clearly an very old tree that has had a lot of skilful work done to it.

The price was in my view very low at £230, down from £280. But the fair was poorly attended, and no takers. I examined the tree and spoke to the seller. She was determined to sell it, and asked me to make an offer. I wasn't buying anywhere near that price that day, and politely declined.

I walked around the fair, spoke to the other sellers, made a few small purchases, and was on my way out.

The tree was not at their stall, so I asked if they'd sold it. I figured some lucky buyer got a bargain. Surprisingly, they had not sold it, just packed it back into their van. She wanted me to buy it, and said I could make an offer, "any offers considered". I declined, and explained that I had been sent by my wife to get some cash to pay the painter, drew a bit extra to feed my bonsai habit, but all that remained was the painter's cash. I said I couldn't possibly spend any of that money on their tree. She wouldn't let me go without making an offer. relenting, I said that I could pay only the cash I had, but I wasn't prepared to offer that as it was a ridiculous sum, and she would be mad to sell the tree. She insisted, so I told her I had £120 in my pocket, but that I really don't want the tree for that. She sold it to me.

So why this long post? First, I really don't want to besmirch the reputation of the seller, who may have had a good reason to sell it to me. But it felt odd and I wondered why they wanted to be rid of it almost at any price. Was there an issue with the ownership of the tree and their right to sell it? I hope not.

But if that tree should not have been sold and someone innocent or ignorant of the facts is out of pocket I would feel awful.

So if the seller was legit, I really apologise, and thank you for selling it to me, as I love it. If the tree has a story that I need to know, I want to learn about it, even if I have to accept that there may be someone who owns it and who may reclaim it (after reimbursing me my costs).

So is this a tree that anyone is looking for, or can I relax and enjoy working on it?

Image20240530_130603 by BrendanR2012, on Flickr

Image20240530_130536 by BrendanR2012, on Flickr


Image20240530_130536 by BrendanR2012, on Flickr

Author:  Paul B [Swindon] [ 31 May 2024, 11:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Not sure I want to post this, but I must. Mustn't I?

Sometimes it's not about the money and you just want a tree that you have looked after for years to go to a good home, where you know that it will be looked after and progressed well.

Author:  daryl [ 31 May 2024, 16:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Not sure I want to post this, but I must. Mustn't I?

Maybe the seller was having hard times financially and just felt that any money was better than no money. In which case it is sad but I’m sure they recognised a good new owner in you and were happy to let it go.

It’s yours now so enjoy it - it’s a lovely tree!

Author:  NickB [ 02 Jun 2024, 11:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Not sure I want to post this, but I must. Mustn't I?

You could have asked a few questions such as how long the owner had it, or if they had grown it from seed, etc. Also, what is their pruning regime in a typical year, water requirements, etc.

Bargains are sometimes available, however. Our neighbour grew a lot of cactus, but died a few years back, and his wife doesn't care for them, so is giving them away. I'm sure they would be worth a few quid to the right person.

Hopefully it is all legit and will prove to be great tree going forward.

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