Back into Bonsai, and trying to get some stock together...

[TamworthSteve]

Hi All,
Being rather new to this site, and just starting to get back into building a collection after I lost quite a lot of trees a number of years ago, I have nothing to call "bonsai" as yet, but am wanting to get involved with this site so people can start to get to know me and vice versa.

Now I will offer advice on posts, however I fear that without a tree to show as proof that I have experience and some knowledge of Bonsai, some may doubt my credibility, and the validity of such advice, which I guess can be expected. At the same time, however, others will hopefully offer similar advice.

Over the last couple of months, I have been trying to find suitable stock for the purpose of growing on, and hopefully one day becoming bonsai... however I am not really interested in the "mallsai" type trees, or even making my own "mallsai" from say a juniper which would be presentable within an afternoon. Although I might, simply so I have something which resembles a Bonsai to look at and admire while my stock grows and matures.

So my first few digs thus far have resulted in my acquisition of quite a few small to medium pieces, all in much need of much training, but will have nothing done until next season.

Thought I might post up some of what I have been able to obtain so far... Just be aware these are newly collected, and are very bare and basic at this stage.

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And then there are these which I was able to collect from a fellow bonsai enthusiast's yard as he is moving and will not be able to use them..

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I also have a bunch of other starter type stock, but will need to find something more advanced if I am to have a "real Bonsai" anytime soon. Anyway, that's just a quick look at what I am re-starting with, and will try to have something a little more exciting for you soon.

Cheers,
Steve.

[Damian Bee]

I like the elm with deadwood Steve.

[MattA]

Hey Steve,
Welcome to AB & welcome back to bonsai... How many chinese elms are needed to make a forest? I would say about 37

Your mystery tree is Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain), very fast growing but not the most suited to bonsai (large compound leaves & coarse branch structure)...

Look forward to watching your new collects progress into bonsai.
Matt

[TamworthSteve]

Cheers guys, and thanks Matt, guess those two Golden Rain trees can go, no space in my yard for non-bonsai-able flora these days..

[Isitangus]

Hi Steve I'm acquiring two rather large ( height of house) figs tomorrow - one moreton bay and one benji. The mrs gave me the look so I'd more than happily swap or sell if that's the sort of thing your interested in? They are both currently In Pots, and if your interested I could post pics and cut according to where you like etc???
I am in sydney though.

[Gerard]

Welcome back to bonsai Steve, looking forward to your input.
It is easy to tell that you collected those elms on the golf course

[TamworthSteve]

Thanks Isitangus, great offer mate, only problem is, I rarely get to Sydney, most of my trips south seem to only go as far as my folks place in Newcastle, or I head in the opposite direction and end up in Brisbane...

And yes, they all came with complimentary golf ball Now I just need to find some time to dust off the old clubs and have a swing

Looks like they are all shooting too, except the one with the deadwood, which is one of my favorites and one I was really hoping would survive. Oh well, lets just hope the others are actually growing some roots down there and it isn't just stored energy in the trunks causing the new shoots.

Cheers,
Steve.