Bonsai Alert: Have You Seen These Trees?

Alert. Have you seen this tree? This beautiful Birch bonsai was just stolen from Václav Stropek, who live in Nyrany in the Czech Republic. If you see it, please let Václav know ASAP. Our original intention was to feature some Birch bonsai, not to send out an alert for stolen trees. Now however, we’ll put a hold on the Birch post and focus on helping Václav Stropek (Nyrany, Czech Republic) recover his stolen bonsai (the birch above and the excellent pine shown below). If you live in or near the Czech Republic, please be aware that someone may try to … Continue reading Bonsai Alert: Have You Seen These Trees?

Stolen Bonsai

This Shimpaku juniper was stolen recently from New England Bonsai. Bonsai theft There’s a long list of businesses and individuals who have had prize bonsai stolen. The other day it was New England Bonsai Gardens in Bellingham Mass. Fortunately, they have photos of all four of their missing trees and a local TV station featured them on a news program. Unfortunately, the chances of survival of stolen bonsai is low. Unless they are recovered soon, odds are whoever ends up with them won’t be able to keep them healthy. Years ago a friend (and customer of New England Bonsai) had … Continue reading Stolen Bonsai

Protect Your Bonsai from Two-Legged Pests

This splendid Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is from the ABS Stolen Bonsai Registry. It’s an unfortunate fact that there are confused people with bad intentions (often arising from bad addictions) that sometimes steal bonsai. ABS (American Bonsai Society) recommends that you keep an up-to-date file, with photos, of your bonsai. Not a bad idea. It’s also not a bad idea to periodically check the ABS registry to see if you’ve come across any stolen trees. Anything we can do to help each other and make it a little more difficult for people who steal, is a good thing.