mickey85

Alright, there are 2 questions here wrapped into one thread. I've searched and didn't find much info on the specific questions, so I thought I'd ask right out.

Firstly, I'd like to say that I've kept tropical bonsai for a few years, but have lately sold my trees because I ran out of time and funds. I still have a ficus or two rambling about in my dorm room, so I DO know my way around the general ideas of bonsai.

Anyway, as I still legally live with my parents, I'd like to begin growing temperate trees as well. We own 18 acres (10 acres of hardwood, 8 acres of an old christmas tree farm). In the christmas tree farm section, on the outskirts, it's starting to be overgrown with hardwood - namely oak and maples. While walking around last night, I noticed a few really nice looking (and sized) maple and oaks (probably 12-16" tall, 2" diameter trunks). Firstly, the maples are Acer Saccharinum (silver maples), I think. The Oaks are Quercus Rubra (red oak) and Quercus Alba (white oak). At the moment, the leaves are pretty big...well, not right now because they're dormant, but can these leaves be reduced? And if so, are these trees decent as bonsai?

OK, next question:
My grandmother has been keeping Holly trees (Ilex Opaca) for just about the past 50 years, and it all started from one tree on her childhood farm in Kentucky. She's moved many times and has taken cuttings from this tree with her every time. Now she has to go into the nursing home due to Alzheimer's and schizophrenia, and her house is being sold next summer. I'd like to continue this tradition, only Bonsai style. Is this feasible? I've been told that these trees make good subjects, but what is the best way to collect a cutting (air layering?), and assuming I can do that without killing anything, do they, in fact, make good subjects?


Thanks in advance for your help.

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