Phoenix, AZ and Bonsai

empedocles

I am interested in getting into this wonderful hobby. I have read a few websites and watched some videos on youtube. And it looks like the clubs near me stop meeting next month, so I'm getting into this kinda late.

I am thinking about starting with a ficus for indoors since the temperature out here is starting to break 90 degrees. I can be more adventurous after the summer.

Do I just go to a local nursery and buy a small ficus tree, prune it, and plant it in a bonsai pot? I saw some videos on youtube on planting the bonsai in a bonsai pot, which I have found online at several vendors. I'm not sure what type of soil to use out here. I'm hoping for indoors I can just use a generic bonsai soil. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

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Mcspeed

Not a bad start up plan. May I suggest contacting the club now anyway. Even though they shut down for summers, try to get some introduction to the members, bonsai is year round, and typically we practitioners of tree torture will gladly help a newbie/ each other anytime of the year, so try to hook up with a member or 3. Local experiance is invaluable compared to any other learning you will find easily.

As far as material is concerned, think indigenous species, you get a head start from a species that thrives where you plan to practice bonsai.

__________________
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Always remember that you're unique -- just like everyone else

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Bill

PatArizona

G'day Empedocles...

Welcome, new friend...

As McSpeed said, contact the club now...try to get some introduction to the members...try to hook up with a member or 3...local experiance is invaluable. I suggest that you follow this advice as soon as possible.

In the mean time...

For the best collection of Bonsai information in Arizona...go to the Phoenix Bonsai Society web site...http://phoenixbonsai.com/PhxBSWing.html.

That's where you will find volumes upon volumes of bonsai information that is aimed directly at your geographical area.

Look at:
1. Back-to-Basics Workshop Notes
2. Frequently Asked Questions
3. Seasonal Care Information
4. Plants for Bonsai Here
5. Sources for Plants, Pots, Tools, and More

This will give you more bonsai care information than you will be able to use in the coming "shut-down season".

As you progress through the above information, when you come up with questions, I think you should look for the answers in 2. Frequently Asked Questions. If that comes up short, then, bring your questions to bonsaiTALK. We'll be glad to help.

By the way...I used the above information extensively when I was growing bonsai in Tucson. I even used this information in the devellopment of the syllabus for a beginners bonsai that I taught.

I hope, Empedocles, that this helps you get off to a good start.

So, my friend, always remember that bonsai is a trip that demands time and patience. Welcome aboard, and enjoy the journey.

Did I mention patience?

Pat

__________________
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.

SlapSlapSlappy

empedocles,

I am a member of the Phoenix Bonsai Society and it would be really cool if you came down to one of our meetings. If you need the address and everything just send me a PM.

PatArizona

Good on you Slap...rope this guy in before he gets away. He sounds like a winner! Help him get off to a good start!

Pat

__________________
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.

empedocles

Thanks.

I'm going to head over to the showing by the Scottsdale bonsai group this weekend since it's at a nursery, and I'll be in the general area this weekend.

I'd be more than willing to also check out the Phoenix group, but I thought you guys stopped meeting next month.

I'm generally down in Ahwatukee most of the time.

As for local trees, I have never seen a Palo Verde (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinsonia_florida) bonsai, and now I wonder why.

azcelt

I have tried working on nursery PVs but typically they are pruned for
landscape. I several grown from seed and from cuttings that are developing.
I am trying for shohin size. I gave a lot of seedlings away at the
Phoenix club. I wonder if any of them are still developing. I use pond baskets
to develop them.
I now work in Tucson and only get home on weekends, so I have developed
a way to keep them cool/warm depending on the season. Once the trees are
pots - small size- I place them in pond baskets on a base of 1/4" pumice and
then surround them with pumice. This keeps the roots cool/warm. I have
drip system for watering.

SlapSlapSlappy

empedocles,

We have one month left of meetings, and then we stop for the summer. Occasionally during the summer we will have little get togethers and a time to bring trees in for looking. If you would like to see a couple meetings this year just to get a taste of what it will be like next year, you are more than welcome to come just watch for a few meetings without having to pay the membership fee.

PatArizona

G'day empedocles...

Good idea to check out both clubs...one or the other might be a good fit for you...and who knows, maybe both.

Scotsdale is a good club as well.

Regarding what plants to use, do check out 4. Plants for Bonsai Here on the Phoenix website...they list over 100 species (and that does not include all varietals) that can work in Phoenix. Care classifications range from easy to difficult. And this includes basic care requirements.


So, once again, welcome to this magnificent obsession called bonsai! Enjoy the journey.


Pat

__________________
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.