Take a minute to learn why we are called bonsaibai.
We are based in Wiltshire, UK by appointment only.
Bonsai
To us, we combined saibai, which means “cultivation,” and bonsai, which means tray planting, to produce the word tray planting cultivation. This demonstrates our commitment to growing in the field and delivering pre-bonsai material destined to be bonsai.
Cultivating bonsai is no easy task, and it takes many years to grow a thick trunk and get roots in a good-looking nebari. With decreasing yamadori or places to go, we want to provide a sourcing equivalent.
"Bonsaibai" seamlessly combines the Japanese words "bonsai" and "sabai," creating a name that embodies tranquility and elegance. Pronounced as "bonSAIbai," with emphasis on "sai" for a fluid and memorable sound, it symbolizes the artful harmony of nature and calmness. The name "Bonsaibai" not only reflects a deep connection to Japanese culture but also evokes a sense of serenity and mindfulness, making it perfect for a brand that values beauty, precision, and inner peace.
- CHATGPT
Bonsai 盆栽 Sabai 栽培
Yamadori?
Getting permits in the UK is not straightforward, and there are potentially multiple people to gain permission from. There is also the ethical concern of everyday people simply going out and digging up trees, so we must balance our opinion.
Of course, the majority of professionals are just that—professionals, and I would add that they care deeply about trees. In some situations, digging up a tree would be better than leaving it, but it would have to be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Given all other considerations, it's perfectly acceptable if it's done with permission, and it is very wrong without permission.
- Jonathan
In some ways, we need alternatives to yamadori and standard nursery stock. This is the gap we wish to carve out for ourselves.
The Prebonsai Nursery vs traditional nursery
Although there are many similarities, the prebonsai nursery looks at the value of a tree from a different perspective. We are different in our approaches.