WTB Specimen European Olive - in similar style to this one!

[shahuk]

Hi All -

I am on the hunt for a specimen European Olive. At the Nationals in Rochester 2023 I saw this tree on display and since then have not been able to get it of my mind.



Barring a miracle where this specific tree becomes available , I am looking for a classically styled formal or informal upright tree of similar quality that is either finished or almost finished . Any tips or pointers to anyone who may have such a tree and be interested in selling, would be much appreciated!

 

[Gabler]

You're going to have a hard time finding a tree of that quality for sale. There's a reason it was at the national show. Even if you get a tree of that quality, it won't remain that quality for long unless you're a master or you hire a master to keep up with it. For that reason, even if you find a similar tree, it may be difficult to convince the owner to sell it to you unless you can prove your credentials.

I've made a rule for myself that I won't buy a tree that's better than one I can grow myself, since I want to be sure I can take care of it properly once I get it. I'm not suggesting that's a good rule for everyone. I'm 29 years old, so I have time to grow trees from scratch. Nonetheless, I think it illustrates the point that you should know what you're getting into before you buy.

For what it's worth, I don't know anything about your credentials. I just see your screen name. You could be a master, for all I know. Notwithstanding, people who know how to care for a tree like that are likely to know lots of other people who own trees like that and who might be willing to sell to a friend, so I suspect you are, relatively speaking, a beginner. I consider myself a beginner, too, so welcome to the club!

 

[shahuk]

Thank you for your comments Gabler, they are well received. I have a small collection of about 20 trees all of which are of similar quality, and my collection is managed by a master year-round (who I have also been learning from for the past several years) who indeed well connected in the community and has made inquiries on my behalf, but this particular species in a classical style is just hard to find hence the moonshot post here. Personally I don't really enter my trees into shows or participate in the community too much beyond my immediate vicinity not because I don't want to, but because with small kids and a demanding job, I just cant. Plus, I'm quite a bit older than you and so don't have as much time

 

[Gabler]

Thank you for your comments Gabler, they are well received. I have a small collection of about 20 trees all of which are of similar quality, and my collection is managed by a master year-round (who I have also been learning from for the past several years) who indeed well connected in the community and has made inquiries on my behalf, but this particular species in a classical style is just hard to find hence the moonshot post here. Personally I don't really enter my trees into shows or participate in the community too much beyond my immediate vicinity not because I don't want to, but because with small kids and a demanding job, I just cant. Plus, I'm quite a bit older than you and so don't have as much time

Sounds like you know what you're doing. Hopefully, someone here will have a lead for you.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Short of acquiring the specimen itself, you could develop one fairly quickly starting with some big stock like this one:

Old European Olive Bonsai Tree,,, SALE | eBay

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">Old European Olive Bonsai Tree </p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">___ L21,W15,H34 ( 11 INCHES TRUNK) ( 80 Lbs )</p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">___ PLASTIC POT </p> <p dir="ltr"...

www.ebay.com

I and several others here have purchased olives from this seller with positive results.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Hi All -

I am on the hunt for a specimen European Olive. At the Nationals in Rochester 2023 I saw this tree on display and since then have not been able to get it of my mind.
View attachment 578994


Barring a miracle where this specific tree becomes available , I am looking for a classically styled formal or informal upright tree of similar quality that is either finished or almost finished . Any tips or pointers to anyone who may have such a tree and be interested in selling, would be much appreciated!

Is that Mike Humphrey 's olive? I know he has a biggun. That said...I'm sure others are out there.

 

[Paradox]

Hi All -

I am on the hunt for a specimen European Olive. At the Nationals in Rochester 2023 I saw this tree on display and since then have not been able to get it of my mind.
View attachment 578994


Barring a miracle where this specific tree becomes available , I am looking for a classically styled formal or informal upright tree of similar quality that is either finished or almost finished . Any tips or pointers to anyone who may have such a tree and be interested in selling, would be much appreciated!

A tree like that would probably be priced somewhere in at least the $20K range and probably wouldnt be offered publicly but through private sale

 

[Cadillactaste]

A tree like that would probably be priced somewhere in at least the $20K range and probably wouldnt be offered publicly but through private sale

I went to Mike Humphrey 's Facebook page...its his olive. Or was... in 2024. I thought he was looking to unload it. As it was so big. But if he ever sold it... I don't know.

 

[leatherback]

I've made a rule for myself that I won't buy a tree that's better than one I can grow myself, since I want to be sure I can take care of it properly once I get it. I'm not suggesting that's a good rule for everyone.

I think it is an excellent rule of thumb for everyone. If you are unable to grow it yourself, you are unable to keep it up yourself. (And then you will have to hire someone for care & maintenance which of course is an option for bonsai collectors. But people growing trees themselves.. Yeah, stick to the, if you cannot grow it, dont buy it rule)

 

[shahuk]

I went to Mike Humphrey 's Facebook page...its his olive. Or was... in 2024. I thought he was looking to unload it. As it was so big. But if he ever sold it... I don't know.

Wow thank you for this detective work! I would love to connect with him to see if he is interested in selling it. If you or anyone else would be willing to connect me to him I’m happy to provide my information privately via DM

 

[misfit11]

Peter Tea has a couple nice Olives for sale

Broad Leaf Evergreen Bonsai | PTBonsai

www.ptbonsai.com