Bonsai is back
For many of a certain age, the 1984 movie “The Karate Kid” was the first introduction to bonsai, as both a hobby and a way of practicing mindfulness, when Mr. Miyagi introduced Daniel to the concept of bonsai.
Turns out, he was onto something.
As houseplants and indoor gardening continue to be popular, “a wider audience is attracted to bonsai due to its increased accessibility due to technological developments in e-commerce and digital education,” according to a report from Allied Market Research.
In addition, bonsai is often considered an eco-friendly and sustainable hobby that promotes mindfulness and can help with stress relief, two growing trends among consumers.
According to the report, the bonsai market was valued at $5.3 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $14.3 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% from 2024 to 2033.
Branching Out Into Bonsai
Fossil Creek Nursery marketing coordinator Paige McGowan said the Fort Collins, Colorado-based retailer has been hosting Bonsai Basics classes for many years. In early 2024, it reached out to local breweries with the idea to host bonsai class offsite at their establishments, with the goal of reaching a broader audience than the one they currently serviced.
“Many local breweries in our area host mindfulness seminars or yoga classes, so we felt that our bonsai classes would fit right in,” she said. “Partnering with other local businesses, especially one as beloved as Odell Brewing Co., shows that we are active in our community.”
A recent class had 50 participants, held on the outdoor patio at OBC Wine Co. by Odell Brewing Co. — the largest independently owned brewery/winery in Fort Collins.
The classes are led by Donald “Doc” Ritterbusch, a formally trained bonsai specialist on staff at the garden retailer who has led classes for Fossil Creek. He said interest in the classes has grown since their first, 20-person class (sold out due to the size of the building) five years ago.
For classes held at Fossil Creek, Ritterbusch tries to keep attendance to no more than about 16 people, allowing him to interact with all attendees.
“Although they have a great time either way, I get way more repeat people coming in regularly to buy different bonsai products, talk to me, get my advice, bring in their bonsai, so we develop a real strong community connection,” he said.
McGowan said the bonsai events have been an effective way to bring in new customers; many class attendees who visited the store for the first time are now repeat customers for outdoor landscape goods.
“Being able to get our team out there in front of them, showing their expertise and their friendly faces, has been our biggest asset,” she said. “Moving into next season, I plan to expand this project into different venues, including our local art museum.”
Stocking the Basics
Fossil Creek Nursery’s bonsai assortment includes pottery, dowels, wire and pruners and other tools at different price points that fit the needs of bonsai.
Ritterbusch said the store also sells a variety of bonsai-suitable plants — about 30 different species of plants in varying sizes. “Some of them are a little larger, generally not bigger than a 6-inch plant. We are a full-service nursery, one of the largest in northern Colorado, and we have thousands of trucks come in.
“When people see we have a few from which to choose — or a few more than a few — word gets around that you’re the bonsai place,” he said. “And we have a greenhouse so we can take care of them well.”
Expert Advice
Ritterbusch said hosting bonsai events — and even housing bonsai merchandise — isn’t a fit for every garden center. He added that garden centers considering getting into bonsai must have a staff expert who is both familiar with and able to explain to customers the various tools, wires and products associated with bonsai.
“Here’s my bottom line — I am a teacher. I’ve been at this for over half a century, and I love to share what I’ve learned over all that time,” he said. “I get great joy, at 78 years old, passing that on, and it gives me energy to be able to teach.”
Photos courtesy of Donald “Doc” Ritterbusch/Fossil Creek Nursery.
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