Fairly new guy from Iowa

[bonsaimarine]

I have been studying bonsai for a little while and finally got started this year. I quickly realized that 95% of anything labeled as a bonsai is in no way even close. Usually just a fig or baby juniper with no work done at all and it urks me when they glue the rocks to the top soil. Anyways, im in Iowa and im having trouble finding any clubs or nurseries or studios that are truly "into" it. I have quickly fell in love with collecting yamodori and wish I could find some collectors to gain some advice or feedback, ect. I cant be the only guy that's into this right?

 

[evmibo]

You're wise to pass by the "mallsai" and get into the woods for some yamadori. Not everyone gets that kind of opportunity. Nonetheless, I would recommend getting into some clubs. I literally know nothing about Iowa bonsai but I imagine you have some nice wild stock out there. Since you're in Des Moines, wouldn't hurt reaching out to this club: (Source: absbonsai.org)

IOWA - Des Moines
Iowa Bonsai Association. Meets at Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 E River Dr., third Tuesday, except December, 7:00 PM. David Lowman, lowman@netins.net, (515) 769-2446 or 800- 528-2827. Bonsai information and supplies offered in a showplace setting! Visitors very welcome.

 

[edprocoat]

Yamadori or collected material gives you the best start towards a finished bonsai, look of age and growth. I would first look into regular nurseries to get cheap material that you could practise on. The most important thing is keeping them healthy and alive, learning the styles would probably be next. Learning things like root pruning and branch removal and wiring. These things would be best experimented on with the $14 home depot juniper. Save that quality one of a kind Yamadori for when you are more experienced.

ed

 

[bonsaimarine]

reply

my thoughts exactly, I have passed on some trees that I would die for because I knew they would die, or it was just too much for me to take on. I made so many mistakes at first that now if I decide to make a huge cut or a dramatic change I like to wait 2 or 3 weeks and see if I don't talk myself out of it. At first I would just pull up[ a tree and pray for the best.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

That was the club I belonged to when we lived in Ames, though we've been gone for 15 years. Some good people are still there...seek out Alan and Helene first; they're friendly, very knowledgable, and do what it takes to have quality bonsai.

Dave Lowman (www.bonsaitrees.com) is the president, and operates a small nursery in Kelley. It's pretty eclectic, so worth the visit.

 

[tropheus]

I am basically in the same boat as you, I live in Des Moines and started going to the Iowa club a few months ago. I have found it informative and a good source of learning. You should come to a meeting and check it out.

 

[Dan W.]

The Des Moines club sounds like the best place to start. Another one to check out would be in Omaha NE. It might be a bit of a drive but not too bad from what I remember. Granted, I drive 4 hours to Denver every once in a while for the RMBS meetings and the nearest bonsai nurseries..

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

And...the Iowa State Fair has a great bonsai display, it's on 8/8 this year, in the Agriculture Center. Say hi to my buddy Ron H., his will be among the best trees there.

Sometimes he reads this forum...wish I could get him to post a photo or two...

 

[bonsaimarine]

reply to desmoines native

Well i will go to the meeting at the botanical center im from dm too , looking forward to meeting with you

 

[amcoffeegirl]

I am in Des Moines also. Haven't been to a club meeting since last year though. Dasu bonsai has a website they are the bonsai studio north of dsm.

 

[Vance Wood]

Des Moines hosted the MABA convention 2006, they do have a decent amount of bonsai activity.

 

[Rheinen]

Iowa Sate Fair bonsai Show

And...the Iowa State Fair has a great bonsai display, it's on 8/8 this year, in the Agriculture Center. Say hi to my buddy Ron H., his will be among the best trees there.

Sometimes he reads this forum...wish I could get him to post a photo or two...

Actually the bonsai show is on the 11th this year in the Agricultural building.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Actually the bonsai show is on the 11th this year in the Agricultural building.

Thanks for the correction, and the preview Ron...looks like you're all set for the show!

 

[Dan W.]

Sometimes he reads this forum...wish I could get him to post a photo or two...

It looks like you got your photo or two Brian!....