AusBonsai

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum here, and am just after some advise/suggestions. I'm looking at getting a bonsai, and like the look of the European beech, English elm, Japanese hornbeam, trident maple and Japanese grey bark elm. Are these suitable for beginners? I'm currently reading 'Growing Bonsai: a practical encyclopedia' by Ken Norman just to get an idea of the basics.

I really like the broom style, and would want to end up with mine looking something like this:
http://www.bonsai4me.com/Images/BasicsS ... 20forms%20(19" ).jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ernjo_ftZr8/T ... i-pall.jpg

I currently have a Japanese maple which I bought a few years ago, I replanted it last year and I'm letting it grow out a bit to bulk up. So I'm after a tree I can practice pruning and wiring on for the time being. I'm from Victoria, however there are no bonsai clubs close to where I live unfortunately. I was thinking of travelling to Garden World to purchase my bonsai, probably going to spend about $30-$40 on one (I've read about not purchasing a $10 starter!). I guess I'll have to see what they have in stock once I get there. In regards to tools, I only own some pruning shears and fine point scissors.


So... any tips/suggestions/advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi Len
I am just starting as well 1 year on I have lots of English elm and found they are great trees , grow fast , very forgiving and hard to kill and look great as bonsai.
I would have a look of a few threads on here there is heaps of information on them
Good luck and have fun !

Hi lenlen , welcome to Ausbonsai . All of the plants you have listed here are good for anyone to tango with . Like all bonsai they take time and spending a little more is better than buying more for less and loosing interest because the haven't grown quick enough or you have hacked them back to nothing . If you have a look around Melbourne there is quite a few Bonsai nurseries , dont just visit one as the vary in price from good to ridiculous , like car yards get around and compare the material and price range .

As for tools well i hacked and chopped for a decade or more with secateurs and scissors before purchasing a set of bonsai branch cutters , i still use secateurs and scissors today . There are many different manufacturers of tools but again you only get what you pay for check around bonsai tool suppliers .

Don't be in too much of a hurry to part with your cash , like Bonsai research is just as important if not moreso than the first purchase .

All the best . Cheers Alpineart .

Thanks meagi and alpineart, glad the ones I like the look of are suitable for a beginner.
I live about an hour and a half from Melbourne, but I will definitely have a look around at a few before I buy. Will keep you updated once I purchase one (or two).

Hi Lenlen,
Elms and tridents are much easier than beech and hornbeam.
If you are travelling an hour and a half to visit garden world you should look at Bonsai Art which is nearby.
Look out for bonsai shows and sale days at clubs where you can pick up some great stock.
(Bonsai Society of Victoria sale day is Sun June 1st 2014 in Kew)
(Bonsai Society of Victoria annual show is Oct 4th & 5th 2014 at the Box Hill Town Hall)

Welcome Ausbonsai.
Check out this page in the wiki for a list of good starter trees.
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... ter_Bonsai

Ken

Thanks Gerard, I'll make sure I pop in to Bonsai Art too. And try make it to the Bonsai Society of Victoria sale day/annual show in 2014 and any meetings if I can find the time.
Thanks Ken, I'll take a look now. Will read up as much as I can before purchasing... Really looking forward to getting started!

Hi Lenlen,

I agree with Gerard's suggestions - however, depending on which side of Melbourne you're, the Yarra Valley Bonsai Society http://www.yarravalleybonsai.org.au/ is located in Mt Evelyn - check out our website! Visitors are always welcome to our monthly meetings and Saturday workshops!!!
YVBS has got their Show on Saturday 17th May in Montrose at the Town Hall, coinciding with a market day on the same site. At the show will be a sale area as well catering for everything bonsai related!

Hope to see you one day and good luck?!

Cheers, Rudi

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update,have purchased a Japanese maple and Trident maple not long ago, and also just got a European beech on the weekend.

Trident maple...


European beech…


Any tips/suggestions would be great! I was thinking something like this for the beech…?

And then with the Trident, maybe broom style? Not too sure on what size I'd like to keep this one, I love the look of the very large bonsai's (really loving Walter Pall's work…. so amazing!). Also keen to get a hornbeam at some stage later on but I'll see how I go with the maples and beech at the moment.

the easiest bonsai for a beginner s a native fig.

You might get something like that in abotu 15 - 20 years

Realistic tree from starter stock is a 5 - 10 year process. Bonsai is all about the 4th dimension which is time!

Grow them on and learn how to keep alive, Read up on developing trunks and taper.

Ken

Thanks Ken! Yeah I was expecting something around the 15 year mark… which is fine I have plenty of time. Yeah I'll definitely look up some more information, thanks.