Starting out would love to get some variety

[StruggleBus]

Hi All,

I am just starting out with my Bonsai journey. I have a small willow leaf ficus and a weeping fig that I have had for a couple of months now. At the end of winter I plan on going out and trying to find some small native plants that I can develop.

In the meantime I would love to buy a variety of clippings to get some other projects started. I am on a budget to get started into this so any suggestions on how to get a some variety would be great.

 

[Wulfskaar]

When I started, I planted a ton of seeds. I still have quite a few of those 4 years later. I also got some seedlings as a gift. Then I got some nursery stock to play with. I eventually got 2 small bonsai to work on as well.

Basically, there's a ton of options to get started. Most people would advise getting trees in multiple stages of development. You'll have enough to be busy and learn a lot that way.

 

[StruggleBus]

When I started, I planted a ton of seeds. I still have quite a few of those 4 years later. I also got some seedlings as a gift. Then I got some nursery stock to play with. I eventually got 2 small bonsai to work on as well.

Basically, there's a ton of options to get started. Most people would advise getting trees in multiple stages of development. You'll have enough to be busy and learn a lot that way.

Is there a website that you can suggest to get seeds? I am also hoping to get some cuttings to start.

 

[Wulfskaar]

Is there a website that you can suggest to get seeds? I am also hoping to get some cuttings to start.

Lots of people order from Sheffields.
https://sheffields.com/?gad_source=...USQamaC_y9t1OUVoYwS3HkStYqOg260waAhJcEALw_wcB

I got some trees as a gift from The Jonsteen company. They are all still growing well.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/TheJo...ef_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto

The seedlings are cheap, will save you a couple years compared to growing from seeds, and they are fully rooted and ready to pot.

Getting larger stock in the form of nursery trees will save you a few more years of growth, but growing from young seedlings gives you complete control over where to take the trees. That's why I recommend getting trees in different stages.

 

[Carol 83]

I am also hoping to get some cuttings to start.

What kind of cuttings are you interested in?

 

[StruggleBus]

Well I would love to try a maple, I love a trident but any would be great or a western larch open to any other recommended species for beginners, ideally that can winter in an unheated garage in MT.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

In spring look for seedlings of native trees that pop up around your house/residence.

Collect seeds from local trees or buy them online. Native species to your area are ideal for outdoor trees.

 

[Gabler]

There are people who would tell you not to waste your time planting seeds or rooting cuttings, because it will take "decades" to turn a seed into a great bonsai. That's silly. First of all, it only takes six years to grow a black pine seed into a great shohin bonsai.

https://www.bonsainut.com/forums/the-2018-six-year-japanese-black-pine-contest.73/

Secondly, even for species that do take time to develop, we need someone to plant seeds. If no one planted seeds (or struck cuttings), then we'd run out of material to work with. Leave some trees for the next generation.

I'm also tempted to rant about generational theft and the social security administration, but we don't need this thread to devolve into a political argument.

 

[plant_dr]

Youcould try this... https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/234/P...ivision accepts,be planted the following year.

Or try the Arbor Day Foundation, you can get 10 tree seedlings for a donation.

Membership

Join our vibrant network of individuals empowering meaningful planting projects around the world.

www.arborday.org

Or go to the local forest ranger station and get a permit to find some out in the wild..

Or if you know someone who has a big ranch or something, you could ask to go out on their property to find some trees.

Definitely go to the local park and collect seeds/ cones from the trees there.

There's Facebook marketplace, Facebook gardening groups that do seed/plant swaps all the time. Online want-ads, Craig's list, etc.

Basically, there are tons of options to get started. Be resourceful and creative and welcome to the 'Nut house!

 

[Carol 83]

Well I would love to try a maple, I love a trident but any would be great or a western larch open to any other recommended species for beginners, ideally that can winter in an unheated garage in MT.

I mostly only have tropical's, so that's not going to work in an unheated garage in MT. You've received some good suggestions from others though.

 

[SilverCeder]

Buy a lemon and plant the seeds. I had a 90 plus percent success rate. Take cuttings from your willow leaf ficus. Super easy to root! There’s always the ol’ $12 junipers from the big box stores that they should be stocking in the next few months.

 

[Gabler]

Stick with species hardy to zone 5 and colder. You have plenty of options.

 

[StruggleBus]

A donation to the arbor day foundation currently gets you shipped

1. 5ea flowering trees (does not specify species)
2. 5ea Norway Spruce
3. 2 Lilac

The wont ship to my location until April. Just incase anyone else is looking for some seedlings.