treebeard55

Ah, another pine enthusiast! I'm a pine lover too, but almost all pines need a cold winter dormancy to stay healthy. You shouldn't have any trouble, climate-wise, growing Japanese black, mugho, Japanese white -- in fact most of the pines commonly used in bonsai -- as long as you keep them outdoors.

As someone else told you, getting involved in a club is an excellent way to learn. Depending on where you are, you could try Evansville, Indianapolis, or Louisville; all 3 have good bonsai clubs. I think Bloomington has one, too, but don't quote me on that in court.

Maybe you could let us know where you prefer to focus: pines and spruces, or indoor trees? (Or you could do as I do, and grow both.)

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Treebeard 55

"To do bunjin is easy. However, to do a bunjin masterpiece is difficult." -- Susumu Nakamura, at MBS '07