AusBonsai

Hi everyone,

I live in Toowoomba and have become interested in Bonsai and would like to get involved. I don't have much spare time as i work 6 days a week 10 hours a day while i study full time at uni. I enjoy gardening a lot but unfortunately i live in a unit with a small court yard that doesn't allow me to have a garden so i though i would give bonsai a crack. does anyone have any tips that would help me get started? like what would be a good tree to use as my first Bonsai? what soil do i need to use and where to get it from? etc.

Hi Doug

I think there are a few members here from your town. Also I have learned that the best thing you will do for learning about bonsai is to joing a bonsai club. I think there is a Toowoomba bonsai group inc. do a search and good luck!

Adrian

hi Doug

Fellow toowoombaite here

Post me a PM and i'll give you all the local details - we meet right near the Uni in the CEDAR complex. You'll be most welcome at the club and we'll help you out!

Cheers

Stewart

Hey Doug,

As far as species that are good for a beginner to start with, for your climate you can't beat Ficus & Bougainvillea as both are almost unkillable & both will reward good care with stomping fast growth and in a smaller size can be developed into a very showable bonsai in just a few years, even quicker if you start with the right material.

The locals will help with more specific info but in general soil mixes are a personal choice, as long as its well drained yet also retains moisture you should be fine.

Look forward to seeing your first tree & if your anything like many of us here it wont be long before you have too many

Matt

Hi Doug and welcome I would suggest you get a fig from a bonsai nursery - a finished tree and learn how to keep it alive and then how to style it. Then you can start to experiment with soil mixes and other dark arts once you have a bit of experience Read a lot here and join a bonsai club is the best advice.

Tony