Going to FL in February and would like to bring a large Bald Cypress home with me, any suggestions?

I'm going to FL for a vacation and would like to bring home a stout bald cypress stump. I plan to stop at Schley's bonsai on the way down, but was wondering if any of you FL locals knew of any other people or places where I can grab a cool stump.

The cheapest that I've seen is at Lowes. They have $135.00 (or so) bald cypress around December-January with about 8" trunk and wonderful flared root system. I believe they are around 15 feet high (or more) so you will need to chop it down. If I ever want to get a nice stock at a descent price (great value), that is where I'll go. Just FYI.

Jason Schley is definitely the guy to see about Cypress, bring your piggy bank.

Erik Wigert may have a few nice ones but odds are he's getting them from Jason. Don't forget Mike Feduccia as well.
-Jay

Depending on where you are going in Florida, Miami Tropical Bonsai always has an excellent selection. It is in Homestead, a bit southwest of Miami. I've been in areas around where their trees are collected and, WOW.

I went to Shley's earlier this year just after he'd collected and there were many great starter trees with huge trunks, FWIW.

Here in Va, I've found that Fla.-collected BC is not as reliably winter hardy as trees collected in La. or Texas. I suspect regional differences can make Fla. trees a little less stable in colder conditions.

I have overwintered La.-collected BC only under a covering of about eight inches of mulch for well over 15 years with no problems. I tried the same with some Fla.-collected trees and they didn't make it past the first winter.

In New England, it might not make all that much difference as any BC will require substantial winter protection.

VERY good point, Rock. I withdraw my Miami Tropical Recommendation. Those trees come from much too far south. Maybe Durrastone in Vero Beach (North Florida) would be a better choice.

I don't think Dura Stone has many collected Bald Cypress. I have mine from Mary Madison in Arcadia, Florida. Although again this is way south. (Mary is known to many as the Buttonwood Queen, but she also has some great Bald Cypress.) Some of my friends in the BSOB might sell at the right price.