"Iris Cohen" wrote in message
...
I think it is better to be mean to newbies before they get hopelessly
addicted.

snip

Thanks for your (and all others') reply, but I have one question about one
of your comments.
That is not the way to go. You need to grow them in the ground for a few
years
first.
snip
It's that comment...won't they grow too large and have far too many roots if
they are grown in the ground "for a few years"? Or, once removed from the
ground, will I be pruning the living bejeezus out of them to make them
suitable?
The reason I am not buying nursery plants or ready-made bonsai is the cost.
I'm not exactly rich and can't see paying money to murder poor innocent
plants to get good at this. I've got a fairly decent track record with
vegetable gardening and indoor plants where, while not exactly along the
same science of Bonsai, at least I have had a little luck with horticulture.
And I have plenty of patience.

Again, thanks for your reply!

Sean.