bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - How do I get started in bonsai?

I agree with everything TreeBay has said.

I would also suggest that, if you can find a teacher, a few lessons will shorten the learning curve tremendously.

Some of us (a minority, I believe) live close enough to one (usually associated with a bonsai nursery) to take advantage of that.

For others, most good clubs will offer instruction by their more experienced members, at least for the basics. You don't have to study with Rembrandt to learn basic painting!

Clubs will also be able to direct you to the good teachers in your area. If you are lucky, there may be more than one club within an hour's drive for you. In our club, we have one member (a frequent poster here) who drives two hours each way for our monthly meetings.

Once you've gotten your feet wet, try going to a regional conference. You'll learn a lot, even as a beginner. Do your first workshop as an observer, and remember that bonsai folks are very receptive to beginners and LIKE to answer questions.

Also, be warned that questions about soil mixes will get multiple , strongly felt and varied answers - It's a matter of what works for you. After that, it can become a mystic religion thing!

4-Jul-2003	#2
Bart Thomas(deceased) Perpetual Novice Join Date: Jun-2003 Location: Bridgewater, NJ Country: United States USDA Zone: 6 AHS Heat Zone: 5 Posts: 1,367	I agree with everything TreeBay has said. I would also suggest that, if you can find a teacher, a few lessons will shorten the learning curve tremendously. Some of us (a minority, I believe) live close enough to one (usually associated with a bonsai nursery) to take advantage of that. For others, most good clubs will offer instruction by their more experienced members, at least for the basics. You don't have to study with Rembrandt to learn basic painting! Clubs will also be able to direct you to the good teachers in your area. If you are lucky, there may be more than one club within an hour's drive for you. In our club, we have one member (a frequent poster here) who drives two hours each way for our monthly meetings. Once you've gotten your feet wet, try going to a regional conference. You'll learn a lot, even as a beginner. Do your first workshop as an observer, and remember that bonsai folks are very receptive to beginners and LIKE to answer questions. Also, be warned that questions about soil mixes will get multiple , strongly felt and varied answers - It's a matter of what works for you. After that, it can become a mystic religion thing!