bonsaikc

JoAnn,
I was prepared to answer your post with, "Garbage is garbage." But after reading a little closer, I came to appreciate your point of view.

Don't get me wrong, I think buying garbage trees is a waste of money and time. Cheap, bad nursery stock pines will always be cheap, bad nursery stock pines. The key is to learn what to look for and collect those trees that have something that makes them have potential value.

I have never grown mimosa for bonsai, but with the way the seasons are warming up, I am going to plant one for my wife. Not too much trouble with being invasive here in Kansas. But I have often wondered about them as bonsai. What you will find is that many bonsai enthusiasts think every bonsai must be from a type of tree with close internodes, small leaves, etc. so they can practice their "First branch, second branch, back branch" style of bonsai.

What I would recommend for beginners is finding the right person to help you in your quest, someone who really understands bonsai and is able to teach you the basics without putting you in the straightjacket that is old school bonsai. Good luck to you and I hope you enjoy Florida!

__________________
Chris Johnston
"She was a critic, and lots fo critics who aren't called to do what they write about grow jealous and mean and small in their disappointment." - Stephen King, Duma Key
Sashi-no-eda.blogspot.com