A bonsai is a special gift, often requiring a great deal of post-acquisition care - like a kitten, or an ant-farm. I assume that the recipient of this gift will be able to keep the chosen bonsai in the appropriate environment, which is usually a protected area outdoors (for most of the year) - unless we're talking tropical plants, in which case a lighting set-up might be required.

My advice would be to call a Bonsai Club in your area. Who knows, you might be able to attend a meeting and pick something up there? At the least, they can help you find a bonsai specialist or a reputable Nursery, so that you don't spend too much money for a half-dead tree.

Bob might be able to give you more specific PA info...
if he ever makes it back here.

Josh

Josh, thank you very much for the information. I will rethink my gift idea.

Yes, please do. Josh was polite, I think, which is great, but the truth is that bonsai make terrible gifts unless you know the giftee is already knowledgable about growing them. There's a lot more to it than house plants and 99% of the time they just end up dead in a week, or month. Great intentions, not such a great idea.

Josh...I'm staying here. Unless I get thrown out I have no intentions of returning to the states.

Bob

I meant this miserable, molasses Forum... ;-)
I'd be loath to leave Vietnam, too.
It's good to see you, Bob!

Josh