Paulhamus grew his hobby into a business selling carnivorous and bonsai plants. PHOTO PROVIDED

“I first started growing carnivorous plants as a hobby. It was something I was doing for fun. But when I looked into what it would take to sell them, I went ahead and got my nursery license and started going to local markets,” John Paulhamus recalls about the genesis of his business, Bug Eaters and Stony Gap Bonsai, in Cogan Station.

Do you really have to feed bugs to carnivorous plants? The answer may surprise you. Carnivorous plants come in a variety of types. They are unique looking. Many are colorful and some have flowers that look similar to an iris. There are Venus Fly traps and Pitcher Plants and Sundews.

“These aren’t tropical plants”, Jason assures. “They are actually hardy and need to go through a seasonal cycle and have a normal dormancy period.”

That means a potted plant can go outside for the warmer months where the plant will catch bugs on its own. All the owner needs to do is keep it watered and then bring it inside for protection over the coldest months.

That’s the message Paulhamus wants potential customers to know. It’s easier than folks think to take care of these unique plants and he is here to help.

Paulhamus also sells bonsai trees. Even though these carefully groomed trees have a reputation for being fragile, they really aren’t. The nursery owner points out that many of the trees sold in retail centers are traditional juniper trees, which don’t fare well in the long run indoors.

Stony Gap’s bonsai trees take about four years to cultivate and Paulhamus chooses locally sourced trees. Some of his trees can live indoors but others are outdoor types. They come in small sizes as well as larger sizes, depending on species.

“Even though bonsai are a little more involving than a normal plant because of having to trim them and prune their roots, it’s not something you have to do all the time,” Paulhamus explains. “Once you get things shaped up to a certain level, it’s routine maintenance from then on. I always provide care sheets and I’m here to help in the long run. Many people stop back with their trees so that I can repot them or trim the roots. I can do that for you or I can teach you how to do it yourself.”

“I’m here for my customers”, Paulhamus adds. “My trees almost become like a pet. You get attached to them as you are working with them, shaping them, envisioning it all. It makes me happy to see people bring their tree back for repotting. When the tree looks healthy and happy, that’s what I want.”

www.bugeatersandstonygapbonsai.com