potential bonsai trees

[baturb]

as I am new to bonsai, (I have admired them for a long time, and as a new owner of a beautiful tree) I am looking to create my own tree designs, my question is,
What do I look for in selecting a potential candidate?
for example, what size tree, branch placement, etc
any advice would be greatly appreciated, and sorry if this has been asked before, but I am very enthusiastic and eager to learn

[Elias]

Hi,

The questions you have asked is quite general.
Are you looking at an evergreen, deciduous, native or a flowering tree...?
Also in the art of bonsai there are quite a few different categories which nominate the max height of the tree.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai#Siz ... ifications

So I guess do you want to create a tree that will take 4 man to pick up or do you want a lil tree that can fit in your hand...Lotta options, but hopefully we will be able to direct you in the right way

Elias

[baturb]

looking towards an evergreen, I guess something that will eventually be 400mm-500mm tall or so,
a couple of examples, Juniper, maple, olive, something along those lines

[Pup]

looking towards an evergreen, I guess something that will eventually be 400mm-500mm tall or so,
a couple of examples, Juniper, maple, olive, something along those lines

Join the SA bonsai club then you will have the help you need. Plus you will have the opportunity to get hold of some of the best olives available.

Pup

[Elias]

All the species that you've mentioned are good to use for bonsai purposes, generally speaking the more you spend the better the material.
If this is your first bonsai I would get something like a hardy Juniper perhaps something in an 8" Pot to a 12" Pot, don't go with anything too small it'll take too long to develop into something substantial.
I would also recommend purchasing stock from a good bonsai nursery, perhaps with a some good movement in the trunk and plenty of branches and healthy foliage.

You a member of a club...? They may also be able to help you out with advise on acquiring stock and help in styling.

[baturb]

I am going to join the SA bonsai club at their next meeting on the 20th, just trying to get some tips in the mean time, and all the advice I can get is always helpful and appreciated