1) deciduous trees - varieties include Japanese red maple, chinese elm, cherry bonsai tree, cork bark elm, red wood, purple beach tree, mini rose, Japanese larch bonsai tree and more...

2) evergreen bonsai trees (stays green but needs dormant period in winter)- varieties include blue moss cypress, white cedar bonsai tree, blue spruce, Japanese black pine, red heather, boxwood all trees are ideal for a patio.

3) Flowering bonsai varieties can be found another your friends garden. Generally these trees require more light in order to generate flowers and or fruit.

You will probably find like all beginners, pruning is the hardest part of taking care of your tree, don't get carried away with trimming and pruning. They are miniature trees but in a bonsai style. When you are shaping a tree ask yourself does this specimen look like a full grown tree only in miniature.