How do I get started in bonsai?

TreeBay

Most folks who are involved in bonsai became interested through encounters with bonsai in their travels, bonsai featured in films and television or trees seen at the mall or nursery.

Because bonsai are living things, there is an understandable trepidation on the part of prospective growers. They are attracted to these plants, but there is a fear that they will kill or hurt them somehow.

A well developed bonsai is a treasure, both in its aesthetic value and the time invested in its development. Most successful growers begin with a few inexpensive trees and the goal being simply to keep them flourishing through a season or two, mastering some basic techniques and learning more about trees and their care.

Later, as knowledge grows (and it does!), you'll gain confidence and skill that will enable you to manage and to achieve more. There will be setbacks as there are in any endeavor. The point is not so much what is achieved physically as the knowledge and appreciation that is derived.

• Joining a bonsai club is an excellent way to learn more about this hobby. In becoming a member of this forum, you have already taken the first step in your own development as a bonsai enthusiast. There are hundreds of people here who will make it a priority to help you succeed, because they truly love this art and want others to learn to understand and appreciate it. Feel free to ask questions and share your opinions.
• You will also want to find out what bonsai clubs are available in your area, and attend some bonsai shows. Nothing can replace the hands-on advice of a club member who is growing trees under the same conditions you are. You will find bonsai people are very patient and generous with their time. They have to be!
• Read as much as you can. There is a wealth of information indexed at bonsaiTALK Links, and additional articles at TreeBay Bonsai Tools & Supplies that you may find useful to you. In addition, we have put together a listing of popular bonsai books for your convenience at Amazon.com

__________________

Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today!

bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!

Advertisement

Bart Thomas(deceased)

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!