Inspired in Perth...now what??

[eddieperth]

Hello all!

I read the following excellent post over at Nichigo Bonsai:
http://nichigobonsai.com/2013/02/12/the ... s-greener/

(I've read at least one similar thread here, but couldn't find it in my hurried search.)

and I'm in!! Now here is the question for you familiar with Perth conditions.....What should I grow?

I'm in a bit of a unique position in that I have a close friend who owns/operates a nursery specializing in natives. His father, now retired, is a renowned seed collector in WA. So I potentially have access to just about any native I'd like to work with...but I'm very new to bonsai and don't know much about what are some of the best local natives to use?

I don't know about availability of seeds of more 'traditional' bonsai species, but would be happy to give some a crack. But the question remains:

If I was going to raise stock from seed, IN PERTH, what would make the most sense? Am thinking of aiming to raise about 20-25 of two or maybe three species.

[Pup]

Hello Eddie,
There are many natives available in Perth Metro area. If you go along to WA Bonsai exhibition on the 4th and 5th of May at the Morley Recreation centre.

Opposite the Coventry markets you will see plenty of Natives.

Melaleucas Casaurinas Ficus Caltrix Kunzeas Callitris.

You can start from established trees, as there will be some for sale.

Cheers Pup

[eddieperth]

I am definitely planning on being there Pup. Have been wanting to come along for a WA Bonsai Society meeting, but Monday nights are pretty packed for me, so far haven't managed it.

I am really looking forward to seeing what is offered for sale at the show.

I'd still enjoy having a crack at starting some of my own stock. might have a look and a chat at the show to get ideas of what I want to start with. Thanks for the feedback!

[Rory]

Hello Eddie,
There are many natives available in Perth Metro area. If you go along to WA Bonsai exhibition on the 4th and 5th of May at the Morley Recreation centre.

Opposite the Coventry markets you will see plenty of Natives.

Melaleucas Casaurinas Ficus Caltrix Kunzeas Callitris.

You can start from established trees, as there will be some for sale.

Cheers Pup

Yeah, this is the best advice. However, if you have patience, it is still fun to grow some from starters. I wouldn't recommend from seed, because it can take a loooong time to get anywhere, but on the plus side, it is fun to finally see them shoot up and then start the training process off for little seedlings. My advice would be to do all of these options. After all, seed is cheap like you say, then seedlings are relatively cheap too, bonsai starters are still cheap, and you can buy a few established trees so you can trial all types. Essentially, you get what you pay for, but at the end of the day, it requires a lot of patience, thus it can be of greater reward to start with established trees, or solid bonsai stock about 5 years or more old. This is what I did when I started in about 1997. That way you have the instant gratification of having older trees, young trees, young seedlings and trialling seed. Best tip, is to ask a lot of questions from the sellers of the established trees before doing anything to the established trees first.

[thoglette]

If I was going to raise stock from seed, IN PERTH, what would make the most sense? Am thinking of aiming to raise about 20-25 of two or maybe three species.

Listen to Pup. Have a read of his post on meleluca for starters.

Personally, I like the small leafed paperbarks. They have a track record of producing delightful trees.

The other thing to ponder is : what exactly do you mean by "native"?

Eg. I don't think you can consider the lemon scented gum (Corymbia citriodora) a "native" in a WA context. Tuarts, yes. Jarrah, yes. Blue gum, No.

[Bretts]

I would definatly recomend getting into some of the established native Bonsai in WA I have and am so happy I did. But don't discount starting from scratch, even seed or cuttings.
There is a guy, can't find the pics at the moment, that has done some incredible work with maple seedlings. He wired and twisted then let the wire cut in to the bark. This created some amazing compositions that would usually be left for the conifer type trees. I would be keen to try this on our natives. Imagine little shohin twisty junipers or pines but they are paperbarks or bottle brush. There are a few smaller leaf variety bottle brush that would be best suited. So the point is don't be afraid to try something totally different.
I will once I make some more room, Anyone want to buy a tree

[eddieperth]

Thanks for all the input!

BBman- That is definitely the tack I'm taking. I've got some young 'in training' trees (between 3-6 years). I've got some starters(1-2yo). I'd like to get some seedlings going, and would also like to pick up one or two more established trees.

thoglette- I have read that excellent post and am keen to work with some mels. That will def be one of the trees I'll be looking for at the show in May. fyi, I was referring to WA natives in my post, should've clarified.

Bretts- The main thing I'm trying to learn is what grows best here in Perth....then I might see what's possible along the lines you are talking about. Most of our natives seem to be seriously brittle, so contortionist bonsai might be out...not sure. Could probably do that with some non native ficus that grow quite well here.

[Bretts]

Bretts- The main thing I'm trying to learn is what grows best here in Perth....then I might see what's possible along the lines you are talking about. Most of our natives seem to be seriously brittle, so contortionist bonsai might be out...not sure. Could probably do that with some non native ficus that grow quite well here.

Think about it Eddie, what grows best is what is Native and growing around you, but I also told you paper bark and bottle brush. I gather your friend that owns the nursery has already worked out what grows well in the area. The whole idea of twisting when young is that's when they are not brittle
So it is just the funnest part left, \what can you do with them.

[Meegs]

Hi Eddie,
I also love natives, I would suggest a trip to Lullfitz nursury (north or south) they have a good range of natives and established trees to experiment on.
Zanthorea is good if you are happy to wait for them to develop as their plants tend to be younger. I got my Nuytsia from there.
If you are looking for unusual and rare WA natives Friends of Kings Park have native plant sales. They even list the plants for sale the week before so you can know beforehand. These are usually small too, but I have come across some very unusual local plants there. Next one is 19 may, but I'm not sure if they are at garden week next weekend. Garden week might be worth a look, and you can drop in and say hi at the BSWA table.
Wildflower Society also have local plant sales for plants from your immediate area.
Oh, and don't forget suburban yamadori
Goodluck.
Meegs.

[eddieperth]

haha! Good point Bretts! I'm a genius!

Meegs, thanks for the info. May try to check out garden week. Didn't know BSWA would be there. and yeah, my friend I was referring to is in the Lullfitz family!

[thoglette]

Bretts- The main thing I'm trying to learn is what grows best here in Perth........ Could probably do that with some non native ficus that grow quite well here.

Look at the weeds and tough old survivors: olive, ficus, pomegranate, Schinus, chinese elm, p. radiata (& friends), almond & plum. You'll see most of these represesented at the next Bonsai show.

I believe Liquidambar and silver birch would make good bonsai here but they are not popular subjects.

[Jason]

Hi Eddie,
I also love natives, I would suggest a trip to Lullfitz nursury (north or south) they have a good range of natives and established trees to experiment on.
Zanthorea is good if you are happy to wait for them to develop as their plants tend to be younger. I got my Nuytsia from there.
If you are looking for unusual and rare WA natives Friends of Kings Park have native plant sales. They even list the plants for sale the week before so you can know beforehand. These are usually small too, but I have come across some very unusual local plants there. Next one is 19 may, but I'm not sure if they are at garden week next weekend. Garden week might be worth a look, and you can drop in and say hi at the BSWA table.
Wildflower Society also have local plant sales for plants from your immediate area.
Oh, and don't forget suburban yamadori
Goodluck.
Meegs.

I'm definatley going to have to check some of these out myself! thanks Meegs

[thoglette]

Oh, and don't forget suburban yamadori

There's definitely an opportunity for someone with spare time; space and commitment to establish working relationships with demolition companies and civil contractors operating in older urban areas.

[Jason]

Oh, and don't forget suburban yamadori

There's definitely an opportunity for someone with spare time; space and commitment to establish working relationships with demolition companies and civil contractors operating in older urban areas.

I've actually put out a few emails in regards to this, but have not heard very much back Its tough, as I beleive they want quite a massive commitment to be able to even contemplate it... which is fair enough. Would be a dream to set up a business doing this

[Meegs]

You are welcome, its nice to be able to contribute something to the forum rather than just lurking

As for suburban yamadori, I have had great luck with replying to ads in gumtree and just keeping an eye out when there is a kerbside collection. I think it would be hard to get a partnership going with demolition companies, as it would probably have something to do with their insurance and allowing non-employees on the site.

There are several websites dedicated to recycling (or freecycling) that keep tabs on kerbside collections. The general rule with that is keep smiling and ask if they are there, more importantly don't make a mess of their pile. Most people say yes with a disbelieving laugh and I have never had someone say no if approached nicely. Ive even had a few offer to load it into my car A few weeks ago I managed to score some very nice dwarf bougies with 10 and 15 cm trunks. Still a long way away from a bonsai, but lots of potential, and 100% recycled they are leafing out now and I cant wait to start on branches

Happy hunting