I love Japanese maples! There was a major tree grower on the south side of Fort Worth, Texas that specialized in all sorts of varieties. At that time, I had WAY too much hot sun all over the yard to grow them, but always hoped to find a little nook to put one in. You can see what he grows on his Metro Maples site. It hard to imagine going through over 2000 tremors! You, and every NZ resident deserve medals!!!