Have you ever considered training a Bonsai from seed and putting your own style to a tree. It’s not that difficult and it is a great way of developing a collection at a lower cost and most importantly if you are starting out, you don’t experiment with expensive trees. The only disadvantage is that you will have to wait about 3 years (dependent on species, growing rate etc) before you can start training your tree. The main reason for this is to give the seedling a chance to harden itself.
So what are the best tree’s to start with?
Well, almost any tree can be trained as a Bonsai. I once trained a Horse Chestnut and miniaturised its large leaves. The tree’s I would start with would be Maples, Fir’s or Chinese Elm, the Chinese Elm have naturally small leaves. So the balance between roots and leaf can be easier to achieve. If you live in an apartment try some indoor trees like the ‘Japanese Wax Privet’ , ‘Blue Jacaranda’ with it’s blue flowers and fern like leaves or the ‘Silk Tree’ with its feathery leaves and delicate flowers. Whatever you grow enjoy the challenge.
Last 5 posts by Paul Masterson
- Caring for Your Orchid - February 13th, 2010
- February Bonsai News - February 7th, 2010
- Serissa Bonsai - January 20th, 2010
- Azalea Flowering Bonsai - January 2nd, 2010
- Beginner Bonsai - Juniper - December 31st, 2009
Hello I’m a Japanese and living in Dublin for years. I want to buy a bonsai tree for a present to my friend. I have no idea where can I get one. Please tell me if you know somewhere to get it. I found your blog by internet search. It’s a good fun to read your blog!
Hi Aki
The main Bonsai shop is in Dublin’s Powerscourt Shopping Center on Clarendon Street. Other online options would be http://www.tinytrees.ie and http://www.amberwoodbonsai.com.
Rgds
Paul
da best. Keep it going! Thank you
Hi, good post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for posting.
RT @bonsaiireland: training a bonsai from seed – http://tinyurl.com/r4kq92