GaryS

•Shimpaku- the pinchers delight.
•Trident and Japanese maples
•Zelkova
•Hornbeam
•Ginkgo
•Beech
•Hemlock
•Yew

Why:

•Shimpaku- simply one of the best junipers for bonsai. The rope like, compact foliage is fun to work with. I wish it grew faster though.

•Trident and Japanese maples:
Trident maples have short internodes, small leaves and a beautiful bark. Their roots are a joy to work with also. Japanese maples are a little more difficult to keep compact, so I need to watch the growth more carefully but the Spring growth, Fall colors and shape is ideal for bonsai.

•Zelkova: Easy to care for and the leaves, trunk and basic broom shape is a pleasure to work with. I also like defoliating them and the results that follow as well as Winter interest in there twigs.

•Hornbeam:
The flower catkins in Spring, the lusterous leaves, bark and Fall color of these trees is enjoyable. It's native to my area.

•Ginkgo:
I just like them! I guess it's the challenge of working with a tree that has such a dominate apical growth pattern and trying to keep it in check. The Ginkgo has always facinated me.

•Beech:
I worked with the European beech and loved the bark, leaves and the responsiveness of the tree. I just bought a bunch of Japanese beech and am looking forward to working with them.

•Hemlock:
The queen of all narrow-leaved evergreens. The bright green spring growth in itself is worth growing this tree. It's native to my area.

•Yew: I changed my mind. It's not one of my favorites but it is fun to work with and it tolerates a good deal of shade during the Summer. I like the bark and leaves also.

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GaryS