Art of bonsai captures nature in miniature

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Oct 18, 2004 | by ANDREA BROWN THE GAZETTE

Jackson Rhee wants people to brake for bonsai.

A red "BONSAI" sign on a white van alerts motorists to his roadside stand of tiny Japanese juniper trees.

Cars whizzed past his weekend site along Highway 83 south of Interquest Parkway. Some pulled over for a closer look at his three- tier display of slanting trunks and flowing shapes. The foot-high trees sell for $35 to $165. He got a few takers.

Part art, part science, bonsai is an attempt to perfect natural tree formations in miniature. Scissors and wire are Rhee's main tools. Nature is his guide.

In his native South Korea, Rhee, 69, worked with dynamite in construction. He worked in a tool factory after moving to Colorado Springs 10 years ago. After retiring four years ago, he needed a job so he set up his mobile bonsai stand.

He has put more than 127,000 miles on his 2001 Chevy van, often traveling to a Texas distributor to get his trees and as far as Minnesota and Idaho to sell them.

"Before the New York City towers fell, there was good business," he said. "Now the American economy is too bad for business."

Last weekend, a $60 tree was stolen from his stand on Highway 83.

"I don't know who took it, I was inside the van," he said.

He shook his head in disbelief and worry.

He relies on his sales to help support his ill wife. "She is too much sick," he said.

Height and price climb with a tree's age. His selection of trees range from 7 to 26 years old.

"It is cool they are that old," said Colorado Springs resident Brenda Dziewit, who stopped for a look with her husband, Joe.

He found a $35 tree he liked.

"I've always thought they were fascinating, but I just never tried one yet," he said. "That's why I got the cheapest one I could find. I'll give it a shot, see how it goes."

Buyers get a care booklet with their purchase. Rhee said the trees must have their shaping wire changed and be repotted as they grow.

Other than that, he said, caring for them is pretty simple:

"Every three days give them water and keep them moist. Animals and plants must drink water. Trees the same thing, you must give them water."