Theo - I wasn't pouncing on you, but yes, if I took it/responded the
wrong way, I apologise. You talk about "basic knowledge" though. I have
to start somewhere - a lot of people in here are insistent this is the
wrong way to go about it. I disagree - time will tell.

Someone said the internet *and* books can be a bad way to learn - I
agree that someone showing you how to do things is much preferable, but
I don't have that luxury, so I'm doing the best I can with the
resources available. As I said before, time will tell.

As for collecting wild - alas, I have no "experienced teacher" to learn
from. As I said before, I like to jump in at the deep end - I'll try
something from the wild if I can find a suitable species, and I'll see
how I go.

Many thanks once again for the advice - I am trying to learn. I would
like to say, however, that some of you have a rather negative attitude,
especially since, IMHO, as experienced (I assume) boinsaiers , I would
have thought you would have been glad that someone new is showing a
keen interest in the art. Several of you keep bemoaning the fact (or so
it seems to be implied) that I am looking for "quick answers", a "quick
fix", or that I'm somehow undermining your own time taken to learn by
asking direct questions and not experienceing things for myself. I
think you have to open your eyes to the fact that to learn, I HAVE TO
START *SOMEWHERE*. So here I am, starting out, like it or not. Jim
said (and I'm not knocking you here Jim - I appreaciate the help) "Once
your questions move from the shotgun to the rifle (general to the
targeted) we can be of tremendous help. Until then, you are asking for
a 500-page book on plant propagation to be typed out for you by
someone. (?!)". I put this to you - how can I ask "targetted" questions

without any experience? And no, I'm not asking for anyone to write me a
book on propogation as you put it, just general, helpful advice for a
beginner. Ie, "most seeds will need a couple of months in the fridge
with damp vermiculite in a baggie" is incredibly helpful. Telling me I
need to start somewhere else, is not.
Regards, and no offence intended,
DSt.