First yard

[Poink88]

Fancy- the quality over quantity is the first real lesson to learn in bonsai in my opinion. I have really tried my best to follow this but you've got to stay diligent.

True but practice makes perfect...and quantity (esp mediocre materials) gives you lots of practice. Which way to go?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

True but practice makes perfect...and quantity (esp mediocre materials) gives you lots of practice. Which way to go?

When one is new, quantity has some merit. But, mediocre material requires just as much effort (probably more) than quality material, and I'd rather spend the time on better trees.

I have 30 trees on my benches, 5 aren't mine, another 5 I would happily sell for the right price. I do have about 100 in the ground, 10-15 of them have fantastic potential...someday.

 

[tmmason10]

[BOOKS][/BOOKS]

Three words, Tom: Summer Selldown Sale.

Very true. However, I was there last weekend, the sell down tables and all benches are a bit sparse at the moment, Jun is on a west coast swing as we speak.

 

[Dav4]

[BOOKS][/BOOKS]

Very true. However, I was there last weekend, the sell down tables and all benches are a bit sparse at the moment, Jun is on a west coast swing as we speak.

You and I both know that the real sale doesn't start until 60% off. Man, I miss it!

 

[Poink88]

When one is new, quantity has some merit. But, mediocre material requires just as much effort (probably more) than quality material, and I'd rather spend the time on better trees.

Thanks.

Mediocre materials do require lots of time and different type of work. As I said, it offers lots of practice & educational opportunities. Grunt work for sure. In my mind, that is the way to go, then hopefully learn enough to tackle any problem in the future.

Like learning to be a mechanic by working on salvage cars...tuning or souping up new cars should be easier after. That said, if you want to be a race car mechanic (bonsai master equivalent) your approach may be better. I am the road warrior type.

 

[tmmason10]

When one is new, quantity has some merit. But, mediocre material requires just as much effort (probably more) than quality material, and I'd rather spend the time on better trees.

I have 30 trees on my benches, 5 aren't mine, another 5 I would happily sell for the right price. I do have about 100 in the ground, 10-15 of them have fantastic potential...someday.

I am probably most excited about growing ground for material. Especially since you keep posting your developments in a few years time.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Thanks.

Mediocre materials do require lots of time and different type of work. As I said, it offers lots of practice & educational opportunities. Grunt work for sure. In my mind, that is the way to go, then hopefully learn enough to tackle any problem in the future.

Like learning to be a mechanic by working on salvage cars...tuning or souping up new cars should be easier after. That said, if you want to be a race car mechanic (bonsai master equivalent) your approach may be better. I am the road warrior type.

Not sure I completely follow the metaphor, but I'm also not here to convince anyone not to work on mediocre material. Looking at my photos from even 5 years ago shows a lot of change, but to look at the atrocities littering my benches 20 years ago...wow, I have no room to talk! I truly hope I feel that way about my 2013 photos in 2033, then I know I'm still learning.

 

[evmibo]

I don't want to rain on your parade (congratulations by the way!). But, I thought I'd share a picture of what will be my first yard that I own. Here's a view from the door out to the pool and most of the yard. Facing South/Southwest Moving in in early August!

 

[MrFancyPlants]

There will be no raining on this parade. Although it has been raining an awfull lot, that will only make the grass greener in my particular back yard. Congratulations on your new yard. I grew up in Florida (Gainesville) so I recognize the layout. That should give you plenty of space for designing and or experimenting. I am pretty happy with my little slice. I could have traded a longer commute for a bigger yard, but I think my yard is just big enough for my needs and I can still bike to work. Speaking of which, I better get hopping.

 

[evmibo]

I was in Gainesville for 3 years attending SFCC. Absolutely loved it up there.

Maybe in a year or two I'll update this picture - I have some big plans for gardening/landscaping!!