Hi Adam,
I have to agree with Jim, even though I have a passion for growing trees
from seed. When I began, I planted every variety of seed that I could
find or purchase, that may have bonsai potential. Twenty years later I
have a couple of thousand trees in plastic pots and in the ground. These
are in much greater variety than I could ever hope to find in nurseries.
They have good radial root spread and convincing taper. Some are still
to thin to consider styling. Only four have made it onto my display
bench, so far.
It does take a long time to achieve your goals and in that time you can
be learning on other material. Give Jim's suggestion of air layers
serious consideration (it's nearly time to start layering over here in
the UK).
If you are into things horticultural, then you probably have some plants
that you could "rescue" from your garden. Once you have an idea of the
plants that can be used, lift something and reduce it's root ball to fit
into a large box. Pot it into a mix that is much coarser than soil -
chipped bark, granite chips, coarse moss peat etc. Check out the
articles in your book to see what is best for each particular species.
If deciduous and the leaves are already out, it's too late for this
year. Junipers and Pines can still be lifted now but soon it will be too
late for this year.
I've put a few articles, including the details of layering, growing from
seed etc on my website here
http://www.actionvideo.freeserve.co.uk/articles.htm
B.T.W. This spring I planted six seed trays of seed. Japanese Larch,
Prunus mume, and many Maples. I also collected several plants from the
garden and wild, and plan to air-layer more this year than I've ever
done before...... Take care, it's not just a pastime, it's an addiction!
Cheers
Kev Bailey
Vale Of Clwyd, North Wales
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