PatArizona

G'day Christian...

It occurs to me that that you are delving in to bonsai areas that are beyond your knowledge and skill levels.

Then, we, the "Internetmentors", too many times, address a single question, or problem, and fail to provide good information and guidence that will really help the beginner get off to a good start. I like to call this approach the "shotgun approach". And, we tend to forget one of the most important elements of practicing the art of bonsai...PATIENCE!

It is my belief that the "shotgun" approach is just about the worst way to learn anything. Just ask the Ole Sage, who wishes that somebody would have told him what follows below thirtysomething years ago, or even twentysomething or "anyteen" years ago.

So, one day I began thinking about how I wish I had started out in bonsai...the following is a condensation of those thoughts.

TO THE BEGINNERS…

As a beginner, you will ask many questions, and will receive many answers. Read the responses. There is sooo much to learn, and some structure to the learning would really be better than the "shotgun" approach.

What I have to say here is in no way intended to keep you from asking questions on bonsaiTALK. The intention is to guide you to an approach that is far superior to the "shotgun".

And, always remember...and don't ever forget... that the only dumb question is the one that is never asked.

Maybe the following will help...

One thing that you should learn at the earliest possible time, is PATIENCE. The more you learn about bonsai, the more you will realize the importance of being PATIENT. You cannot be taught PATIENCE by someone else...but you must learn to be PATIENCE.

There are five things (plus NEXT, below) that a beginner should do, right at the start:

• Read...read...read...then read some more.
• Join a local club.
• Take a beginners' class.
• Learn the importance of being PATIENT.
• Look at additional learning resources.

Read... Read... Read...Go to your local library and read every book on bonsai that you can put your hands on. In the US, the book most often recommended for beginners is BONSAI, published by Sunset...an excellent first book for beginners. Be sure to get the 2003 edition. Among my favorite authors are: David DeGroot, Herb Gustafson, Deborah Koreshoff, Colin Lewis, and John Naka...and, there are many more good books. The more you read, the better prepared you will be to ask questions here, or at your local club...in Step 2.

Join a Local Club…Here is where you can get the best advice available, since the local club members are the ones who are raising bonsai in YOUR geographical area. The local club can help you avoid the pitfalls that you may encounter when you get advice from, maybe, half way around the world. Many things in bonsai are pretty much universal, but you need to know what it takes to keep a bonsai happy and healthy in your location...be it New York, Tucson, San Francisco, Sidney, London, or Toronto. There are many more benefits to being a member of a local club. You can find local clubs worldwide at www.bonsai-bci.com/. Most clubs meet once a month…plus additional activities.

Take a Beginners Class…This is where you formally begin learning the basics, like selecting a nursery plant, which plant to start with, identifying the front, branch trimming, wiring, and on and on. You will begin to learn what works best for your area, what tools you need, and how to use them, etc. A good beginners class will help immensely get you off to a good start.

Learn the Importance of Being PATIENT…One thing that you should learn at the earliest possible time is PATIENCE. The more you learn about bonsai, the more you will realize the importance of being PATIENT. You cannot be taught PATIENCE by someone else...but you must learn to be PATIENT.

Additional Learning Resources…Look at the American Bonsai Society web site at www.absbonsai.org. Check out the ABS Correspondence Course and the ABS Learning Seminars 2007 and 2008, Look at the set of beginner's courses.

Next…The bonsaiTALK Forum has a lot to offer. Check it out thoroughly so that you can use it to your best advantage.

Having said all this, welcome the wonderful obsession, I mean world, of bonsai!

Oh! Did I mention the importance of learning to be PATIENT?

Enjoy.

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.