I want to start a bonsai...

[Nubster]

Im heading into town this weekend to checkout the semi local nurseries, closest being 45 minutes away. I'll probably grab some junipers if they have some at a decent price but my main question is, is it bad for a beginner to start off with a pine variety? I read somewhere it wasn't advisable but no explanation was given. I'd love to have a pine bonsai. I also plan to do some hiking very soon weather permitting to see what I can collect. I have been reading lots here and have found this to be a great place that I look forward to hanging out.

 

[cmeg1]

You should go to a bonsai nursery.Take a day trip.I had to drive four hours away,but you get off to a much better start.If you want pines ,but cannot get guidance I reccomend the pines book from stone lantern.It is tailored to the mid-atlantic growing region.They are outdoor trees ,you need a winter storage plan.I dug a 2.5' deep hole in ground with gravel on bottom and wood on side.Beware of books that say you can stick a tree in the shed.I did that and it approached 15 deg.F.My coldframe keeps it above 29 deg.You need to build them in shade so they do not heat up in winter.I would definately take the jaunt and find that bonsai nursery.Here are pictures of my coldframes,table,bonsai nursery tree(after styling),and seedling black pine.I included the seedlings cause if you do not have time or space ,the pines book shows how to make shohin pines in colander's in about seven years.And if you like the colander idea,you may have to resort to pond baskets or something like that cause 6" colanders are very hard to source.Of course pond baskets may have bigger holes and if you are using a potting soil blend,it may wash through.Potting soil works for me in the colanders.You can always resort to regular pots though with the Pines book method.I had to put a clear polycarb roof on my table since I use potting soil in winter rain.

 

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

It isn't so much inadvisable as it is a matter of learning your material. So get one, do some research, and learn. But remember your success is dictated by your choices. If you go somewhere and get material which has little to offer as a bonsai other than it's small and fluffy, that's about what you'll get out of it. Which isn't saying NOT to do it, just realize that as you progress you'll end up setting it aside, and don't be afraid to move on when it's time.

Pines grow great... but tend to grow in whorls, so be concious of how the taper of a tree has been affected by that growth when selecting. If there's a bad knob at the internodes where those whorls are, that won't be easily solved without some advanced skills. All of which can be learned with research. So don't limit yourself... have fun. But if you can get connected to someone with more experiance, you'll find a lot of the hurdles all of us went over get a lot easier.

Good luck,

Victrinia

 

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

Oh... there is one rule about pines... and you should NEVER break it until you know your stuff... don't do more than one major thing a year... mess with the roots or style it... but not both. Obey that, and you'll be ok.

V

 

[Nubster]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I planned to find something (pine) local, bring it home, plants it and leave it until next year. I will also see if I can find a bonsai nursery within a reasonable driving distance from me. I live near Winchester, VA and Cumberland, MD for a reference in case anyone knows of anything in the general area.

 

[rockm]

If you have a free Saturday, drive down to Ladysmith VA to Gardens Unlimited. Ladysmith is just South of Fredericksburg on I95. Best bonsai nursery in Va...

 

[Nubster]

I'll have to plan a road trip. That would be several hours away from me but may be worth the trip. I went to one of the local nurseries...waste of time unless I wanted to try to do a bonsai pansy...lol

 

[cmeg1]

I got my tree from Meehans Miniatures in Maryland.Just take the long day-trip ,it is much more worth it and usually cheaper,I would stay away from mail order.Check out meehans website for directions.I would definately buy retail from a bonsai nursery,no matter how long it takes to get there..I made my trip in a day and it was very fun.

 

[Nubster]

Awesome!!! Meehans isn't that far from me. Couple hours. That is totally doable. Too bad they are closed until end of the month But at least there is a semi-local place for me to check out. THANKS!!!

 

[cmeg1]

That's great.I had a great time traveling to Meehans.Maybe by the end of this post I will figure how to make a link to the thread I've written about them.Anyway the thread is called Meehans Miniatures.Enjoy!

 

[Nubster]

Found it here. I'm reading it now. Thanks again...I'm excited to get out there to check them out.

 

[Shimpaku]

I buy from Meehan's. Martha is great and they are open now. They were at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

They have great stuff for excellent prices. Now is a good time to buy from them because they started 30 years ago and after so many years, their stock is mature and her offerings are sound and great starter material. She also has some wonderful finished Bonsai and her advice is spot on for your area. She takes the time to educate you which I really love and appreciate from any business. She has my full and undivided loyalty and a big following in Maryland. Check out her Maples and Pines---big head start from her work on those.

 

[Nubster]

Sounds awesome. I am planning a trip over there very soon!

 

[lordy]

Winchester isnt far from DC where the Potomac Bonsai Assn. is having it's annual show at the US National Arboretum. Friday thru Sunday. Vendors sell all kinds of material and trees, pots, soil, tools, and Martha will no doubt be there. Not to mention the great trees by members as well as the Bonsai Museum right there. Make a day of it. You should be glad you did.

 

[rockm]

Meehans is a regular big participant at the PBA show every year. Has been for quite a while. I would be surprised if there is anyone AT the Meehans facility this weekend. They will all probably be working the vendor tent at the Arb...

The PBA show and sale is a can't miss annual event for anyone within a two or three hour drive from D.C.

 

[linlaoboo]

Sounds awesome. I am planning a trip over there very soon!

They charge about $10 shipping for a few starters that I ordered from them. Trees arrived couldn't bee more healthy as they were nicely packed. I've never visited Meehans since they like 4 hrs away from me so I visit their website. Would recommend them!