In the heart of Navarre, Florida, lies a hidden gem where the ancient art of bonsai is flourishing in the hands of Robert G. Calhoun and his wife Kayte E. Calhoun, proud owners of Sailfish Coastal Bonsai Nursery. Nestled within the serene coastal community, this nursery stands as a testament to the couple’s passion for replicating nature in miniature form.
The Calhoun family, including their sons, operates this thriving Woman-owned business. While Robert, an IT professional for ABB installation products, has always had a love for the Asian culture, like many others his love of Bonsai started with The Karate Kid, released in 1984. It was a fortuitous encounter with a bonsai nursery in Olive Branch, Mississippi that truly ignited his passion for this ancient art.
Robert’s journey into the world of bonsai began with a unique proposition from Brussel Martin, the owner of the Olive Branch nursery. Tasked with trimming and training 4-inch Green Mound Juniper Trees for his new Opryland Hotel contract, Robert declined payment, choosing instead to absorb the invaluable experience, knowledge, and credit to build his initial bonsai collection. With the mentorship of Brussel, his bonsai master Joe Harris, and research into the many books available at the nursery, this opportunity laid the foundation for Sailfish Coastal Bonsai Nursery.
The Calhouns, originally from Memphis, found their way to Navarre six and a half years ago. Inspired by their love for the Panhandle and the encouragement of a friend, they made the leap to Florida. Robert stayed with ABB and Kayte obtained her Florida Real Estate License. Bonsai was merely a hobby for the couple until the opportunity to pivot their business came when their boys graduated in 2022. They stumbled upon Doug Larson’s land and shop (on Highway 98). With the hard labor of the entire family and even a few friends, they transitioned the space from a traditional nursery into the couple’s combined dream of owning a Bonsai Nursery and Gift Shop. Thus, Sailfish Coastal Bonsai Nursery, Home, and Lifestyle was born.
“Bonsai isn’t just a type of tree, it is the art of mimicking nature in miniature form,” emphasizes Robert, encapsulating the essence of their passion. Sailfish Coastal, Inc. is now operating under the fictitious name Sailfish Coastal Bonsai Nursery. Their commitment to the community goes beyond mere business. “Bonsai is an art that everyone can enjoy. While most trees sell between $50 and $800, we also have trees that are very old and sell for thousands of dollars.” Engaging with customers and sharing their love for bonsai takes precedence over sales for this IT professional turned bonsai enthusiast.
The nursery’s success was instantaneous, with the community showing overwhelming support from the moment the sign went up. Operating from 10 AM to 6 PM daily (excluding major holidays and local Blue Angels shows), the nursery has become a local favorite, even attracting customers during their soft opening, Black Friday week in 2022.
Beyond the retail aspect, the Calhouns are keen on educating the community about bonsai. Collaborating with Pierre Kaufke, a bonsai veteran with nearly 50 years of experience and a former UWF and PSC professor, they plan to conduct workshops, events, and mentorship programs. While class schedules are still in the works, customers are already welcome to observe and learn as the Calhouns pot and style trees.
“We’re more interested in sharing our love of this art with the community; it’s not only about selling trees,” Robert emphasizes, shedding light on their genuine dedication to bonsai education.
Sailfish Coastal Bonsai Nursery offers a diverse range of bonsai trees, sourced from all over the world. The Calhouns import bonsai and gardening tools directly from Japan, ensuring the highest quality for their customers. Their commitment extends to the selection of pots, featuring local artists and potters to add a personal touch to the art of bonsai.
As a recent addition to their repertoire, the Calhouns have incorporated the Sailfish Coastal Preservation Foundation, Inc. Inspired by Florida’s dedication to the preservation of its natural resources, this foundation aims to give back to the community. Through education, charitable donations, and raising awareness of ecological, environmental, and mental health issues, they plan to improve upon what is already one of the world’s most beautiful places; where the art of bonsai can flourish, enriching lives and fostering a deep connection with nature.
“There’s a therapeutic aspect to bonsai, and although there are guidelines to the art form, they are just that. There’s also positive reinforcement involved in styling and taking care of the trees. You get to lose yourself in these trees, rather you become one with them,” says Kayte, underlining the transformative power of bonsai.
In the heart of Navarre, Sailfish Coastal Bonsai Nursery isn’t just a business; it’s a haven for bonsai enthusiasts and a testament to the Calhouns’ commitment to sharing the beauty and tranquility that bonsai brings.
