In a message dated 2/20/2004 10:45:29 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:
Quick question: I was just reading about how bonsais are trained from seeds.
Did I understand this right: once bonsais are potted the trunks do not grow
anymore?

So do I have no control over my trees trunk now? What about having roots
show thru the rocks?
Training bonsai from seedlings is a rewarding but very long-term task. An
important part of your development as an artist is experimentation. While your
seedlings are growing, you should also be working with nursery stock. I would
strongly recommend that you acquire one or two of the basic books on the art.
Colin Lewis, Harry Tomlinson, Herb Gustafson, and many others offer solid
books on the subject.

If you are able to indulge yourself in a few lessons with a local teacher, I
would also make this happen.

As for trunk development, how quickly and in what way trunks develop are
linked to both methodologies, artistic preferences, and time. Potted trees will
grow substantially slower and what is referred to as field-grown material;
however, we do have control over the speed as which trunks grow. Although many
will argue that that there is a preferred proportion for the trunk diameter and
height relationship, most artists will tell you that this relationship is
based on the preferences of the artist.

Rather than delving into an in-depth debate on what works, I will ask you to
take the time to visit the sites of artist. You can draw you own conclusions.

Welcome to the art of bonsai.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com/iasnob/index.html

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