So what did you do when you first started?

[Rhuumz]

Hey all,

So its been about a month now since I decided to take the plunge into Bonsai... After reading and researching the topic virtually every day on tips, tricks and techniques I feel that I am now JUST starting to see the basic fundamentals of what is involved.

In the past month I have likely ruined/created a few sticks in pots but I now feel like I actually have the foundations on what I "should" be doing...

So my next step is to go back to the drawing board with a few things, hit up my local nursery, buy a few plants and stick them in a big pot and wait.....

So my question to all you guys is, what did you do while your waiting to practice improve your craft? Since I am probably looking at 2-3 yrs min before I can start any serious work...

R

[leptolover]

Buy one or 2 more advanced pieces of stock to keep you occupied while waiting.

[Reece]

Fill your backyard up with all different aged stock like me and then realise that you will probably have to move into an apartment soon!

Seriously though. I would probably go and buy an established styled bonsai and take care of that for a while. Then you know you can take care of one and you can start creating your own.....

[Rhuumz]

Yea I figured that was going to be something that I would have to do...

Would you guys recommend getting a couple advanced stock at different ages as well? IE. 1 plant that has just begun its training and has had a trunk chop and maybe a 10+ yr old tree that is largely just pruning, re-potting and feeding?

[Nathan]

Join a club and go and do a course at a good bonsai nursery, learn from people that have practical knowledge, this way you can learn the skills you need first hand, not by trial and error. you will then be able to produce high quality trees earlier

[Rhuumz]

Join a club and go and do a course at a good bonsai nursery, learn from people that have practical knowledge, this way you can learn the skills you need first hand, not by trial and error. you will then be able to produce high quality trees earlier

Yes I have also considered this as well but there is one problem I have...

I am highly introverted and the idea of being at a place full of people I don't know and are likely not a similar demographic to myself really rubs against my grain...

I'm more of a 1 on 1 learner, or self taught... people are scary

[Guy]

----bought some smaller jun ipers and trimmed and shaped into shohin size-----getting something that looks like a 'bonsai' in a very short time will keep you interested-- it will help you to slow down and plan ahead----read and ask--just remember to sit back and look before you cut---

[Dennis]

Hi Rhuumz, I too have been introverted for most of my life and at age 64 I can say that this condition has held me back considerably. I lived in Adelaide and only a few Kilometres from the S.A. Bonsai Society club rooms. I went to a few meetings as a guest and took away application forms, however never joined. I have dabbled in Bonsai for about 30 years, however neglected my trees over the past 5 years after developing depression which resulted in lack of interest in anything.
As a result I have some nice trees and am good on the horticultural growing but have difficulty with styling. I put this down to "doing my own thing" rather than seeking the help of some very willing people at a club or society. I now live in the outback and with a renewed interest in Bonsai I dont have the opportunity to seek the benefit of club members and experts.
You sound much younger than I am and you should not let your shyness interfere with the benefits you will gain in joining a club and observing as well as accepting the help of more experienced people. Someone on this forum said to me to use the "Nike" motto of "just do it" and I certainly agree. You will find very nice and willing people on these forums and in a club environment and by joining you will be doing a lot to overcome your introverted condition.
Best wishes intended
Regards
Dennis

[Nathan]

Join a club and go and do a course at a good bonsai nursery, learn from people that have practical knowledge, this way you can learn the skills you need first hand, not by trial and error. you will then be able to produce high quality trees earlier

Yes I have also considered this as well but there is one problem I have...

I am highly introverted and the idea of being at a place full of people I don't know and are likely not a similar demographic to myself really rubs against my grain...

I'm more of a 1 on 1 learner, or self taught... people are scary

When I did my course there was only one other person in it, I also go in an work one on one with the owner about once a fortnight or month time permitting helping him work on his trees and stock and have done this for 4 years now, it is a great way to learn

[evenings]

Hi Rhuumz,

My one year bonsai anniversary is approaching so I feel honoured to share with you my vast wealth of experience!

For the past year I’ve approached this patient hobby in a number of ways (not always patiently).
From reading your post it looks like you’re approaching this the right way with research, patience and enthusiasm. I am also somewhat introverted and do not enjoy the idea of participating in a bonsai club. To help combat this, the resources on the internet are invaluable as you have no-doubt discovered.

Having advanced stock would be great, is it will allow you to practice aspects of styling bonsai which you may otherwise not get to try for a long while. Advanced stock may be daunting if you’re not confident. First thing is to get confident in your routine for keeping the plants alive and understanding their requirements and being confident in your knowledge. (Which I am not quite there yet! lol)

My suggestion would be plan long-term, collect a number of varieties, which are at a variety of different stages in their bonsai development. This will help keep you busy doing different things and not just waiting for younger plants to fatten up. This will also teach you a variety of techniques and through you straight into the deep end.

I have been lucky enough to have access to private land, which I have been able to trunk chop and train natives in hopes of collecting them in the coming years.
I have also attempted air-layering on some interesting branches in my parents backyard!

A combination of these things should keep you actively looking forward to the next stage and challenge!

Always happy to answer any of your questions if you get stuck!

Cheers,

Evenings

[banksia]

Bought way too many trees and soon found that I couldn't (due to lack of knowledge) care for the many different species I had aquired. I too have a similar personality and find groups such as you talk of a little overwhelming. However, believe me, it is the best way to gain the knowledge and skills required to really excel in this past time.
Work and family have taken the forefront now in my life, and my trees, while most are pleasant to look at, would be alot better technically, if I'd put the time in and stayed in a club.
There are quite a few species that I would recommend you concentrate on for the first couple of years and the are: Ficus, Elms, Junipers and Bougainvilleas.
You have made a good move by coming here though. A wealth of knowledge, filled with people only too happy to give advice.....and all done with a degree of anonymity.

Enjoy the journey!
Anthony

[Rhuumz]

Thanks guys,

And thank you fellow introverts. I know myself too well and I would likely grudgingly go to a club meeting and sit in the corner not asking questions or participate

I think what I have done so far is exactly what I needed to do for myself, I learn best by making the mistakes myself and seeing the real life implications... (anyone that saw my bare rooting thread )

What I have also been searching for if anybody knows of one, is a comprehensive DVD series that hand-holds a newbie through the process of all the different skills and techniques.

There is a Bonsai nursery not too far from me that I think I may visit this weekend... what should I expect to pay for some advanced stock? Just so I don't go there and think I can spend $100 and get 1-2 items when really its $500

[alpineart]

Hi Rhuumz , welcome aboard , mate i found a pine plantation and asked permission to collected seedling/wildling . When the o.k was given i went out most weekend and worked and studied every trunk i could find . Trimmed chopped and hacked my way through 2000 hectares of plantation material that was self sown . Bloody good practice , for the next 10 years i spent checking and collecting some of the butchered material with the landowners permission of course , a lot had been destroyed by sprays, fire and animals but i learnt a heck of a lot about shaping and collecting Yamadori .

Still do the same thing today or did til i had an accident . There is still hundreds of trimmed tree's around in the wilderness that have had the Alpineart treatment . Start slow , with material that has plenty of foliage and branches to get the hang of finding the tree inside the foliage . Remember if you haven't killed a few , you have learnt much , so don't spend big bucks until you have some confidence and knowledge behind you . Good luck

Cheers Alpineart

[Jason]

Hi Rhuumz, I too have been introverted for most of my life and at age 64 I can say that this condition has held me back considerably. I lived in Adelaide and only a few Kilometres from the S.A. Bonsai Society club rooms. I went to a few meetings as a guest and took away application forms, however never joined. I have dabbled in Bonsai for about 30 years, however neglected my trees over the past 5 years after developing depression which resulted in lack of interest in anything.
As a result I have some nice trees and am good on the horticultural growing but have difficulty with styling. I put this down to "doing my own thing" rather than seeking the help of some very willing people at a club or society. I now live in the outback and with a renewed interest in Bonsai I dont have the opportunity to seek the benefit of club members and experts.
You sound much younger than I am and you should not let your shyness interfere with the benefits you will gain in joining a club and observing as well as accepting the help of more experienced people. Someone on this forum said to me to use the "Nike" motto of "just do it" and I certainly agree. You will find very nice and willing people on these forums and in a club environment and by joining you will be doing a lot to overcome your introverted condition.
Best wishes intended
Regards
Dennis

Very sound advice! I am much the same, but am quickly realising that clubs and classes are really crucial to developing your skills in the bonsai world. I'm planning on doing my first class very soon, as I'm realising that learning myself can be expensive

[Boics]

Wow never knew Bonsai attracted so many introverts!

This site here: http://bonsaifarm.tv/

Has a heap of videos' in the vid section that will teach you a thing or two.
Many of which are not "too" advanced...

Youtube also has a whole heap as well.

Good luck and welcome to Bonsai.