Bonsai Garden Forums / BONSAI / General Bonsai / Newcomer? / Latest Posts

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:05:15 GMT

To help, it would be useful to know the variety of tree. Can you get an identification from a local botanical garden or park? A photograph of the tree on here may be enough. Does it lose leaves during winter - what kind of foliage does it have - what medium is it growing in - can you describe the bark? All these things will help plus any other details which occur to you.

RE: Newcomer?

hancock665 — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:33:47 GMT

Yes i can grow plants outside. I have got one tree growing that my friend gave me i don't have a clue what it is and my friend has no clue eather as it was grown from random seeds. Thank you for the help. Shaun

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:39:51 GMT

Hi Shaun.
Growing trees from seed takes so long that hardly anyone does it apart from family businesses where the grandfather may set seed for the grandson.
Are you able to grow plants outside first of all because if not, your choices are extremely limited. The best trees to grow are ones which are native to your area. Nature will do most of the care in that case. Young trees can be obtained from nurseries or bonsai outlets. Another source would be cuttings which give a head start on seed. Try to find a bonsai club in your area for the quickest way to learn the techniques. Books can be borrowed from the library to help and of course there is this forum where specific questions may be asked. Keep in touch and watch what your friend does.

RE: Newcomer?

hancock665 — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:04:18 GMT

Hello i am shaun i am 25 years old and i live in st helens mersyside (zone 8) i have gained an interset in growing bonsai as over the past 2 years as i have watched my friend grow them and he has inspierd me to try and grow them. I dont have a great understanding of growing bonsai or were to aquier the tree seeds so any advice would be greatfully resived (i tryed to ask my friend but he found it hard to explaine to me).

thanks shaun

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:48:19 GMT

Being in accomodation away from home will supply little chance of using a garden or keeping anything outside in pots so something which is native to a subtropical clime is more likely to survive indoors. I would suggest one of the figs. Ficus retusa for preference. Write again when you have settled in and we'll see what is possible.

RE: Newcomer?

BonsaiView — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:52:09 GMT

Hi, I'm Alejandro.

I live in small town Michigan, USA. I don't have a bonsai tree yet; here's my story:

I'm going to Macalester College in Minneapolis, MN, this fall to double major in Music and Media & Cultural Studies, and I want to have something simple from home to take with me. I want it to be reflective of my home, so I was thinking about taking some cuttings with me. We have an apple tree out back (see my post about that elsewhere once I post it), and some hostas growing right near it, so I felt like that would be a very natural thing to mimic in bonsai. Once I get some soil, pots, tools, etc. I'm going to take some cuttings and get started! I appreciate all of the help I can get! :D

Thanks, all!
Alejandro

RE: Newcomer?

hossen — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:32:45 GMT

Hello everyone,

I am Hossen, and i am from Mauritius.

Its a tropical island found in the Indian Ocean.

When i was a kid i always like gardenning.

I have many flowers on the roof of my house and once i was watering my flower i have fallen from the roof.

By god grace i am safe and i still love plants.

I start liking bonsai plant when i see them in chinese film.

I buy my first bonsai book when i start working in the year of 2001.

I have a lot to learn in making bonsai and anyone help will be nice for me.

Thanks,

Hossen

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Where there is a will, there is a way. Where there is a way, there is Bonsai Garden forum for passionate Bonsai hobbyist. Lets share our hobby.

RE: Newcomer?

Titch — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:13:06 GMT

Hi there,

I'm Natalie, I'm 22 and I live in Norwich (UK).
I've always been fascinated by bonsai but never been brave enough to have a go. I bought my first bonsai two weeks ago after consulting some beginner books. I picked a punica granatum because it said it's easy to look after and enjoys being indoors. I hope to learn a lot about bonsai care and maintainence to build my confidence up.

RE: Newcomer?

JonezyAlz — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 18:34:22 GMT

Hi Everyone!

I'm Alexandra, a 27 yr old web developer from Swansea and I'm very very new to all things gardening!
Previously my luck with plants has not been great, I've managed to kill off (totally unintentionally) everything I've ever tried growing - but this time I am determined and am reading lots of books to help.
I find Bonsai gardening very interesting and am really keen to do a couple myself. I have a few questions so Ill post in the appropriate forums!
Just thought Id introduce myself here first :-)

RE: Newcomer?

Andy01 — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:02:01 GMT

Hello everyone!

I've already started posting away before I found this intro thread.. Just eager to get stuck in I guess. :)

I'm Andy, I'm 31 from Suffolk, near Colchester.

I'm a self employed internet marketer and developer, lucky enough to be more or less out of the rat race with plenty of free time to concentrate on living life and enjoying my hobbies. The newest of which is Bonsai.

I have a mature Fuchsia that I am attempting to train, plus a few other potential saplings that I'm hoping will become something resembling a tree.

Look forward to chatting with you all.

Andy

RE: Newcomer?

Sharpy — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:25:04 GMT

Hi,
I'm Paul, i live in the UK (Midlands) ive kept bonsai for a few years but still have a lot to learn, I just started taking cuttings this year and to my supprise everyone of them has taken, i even have a shoot from a small fruit i planted from my chinese plum:D

I hope you guys dont get fed up of reading my "HELP!" posts :P

RE: Newcomer?

Mr. First — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:18:28 GMT

Hello :). I am from Connecticut USA. I am new to bonsai. I did some research and look beautiful pictures of bonsai. I like it and would like to grow one my self.

USA-North eastern

Zone not sure

New to bonsai

RE: Newcomer?

GrassHopper — Sun, 30 May 2010 22:57:15 GMT

Hi All. I'm from NW UK. Recently given a Ficus as a birthday present. Totally love it n want to learn about and maybe eventually take cuttings etc.

Looking forward to getting to know some of you guys, been doing a bit of reading already, interesting stuff, lovin it.

RE: Newcomer?

adam_silver_cardiff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:30:40 GMT

hi all. im new here :) the names adam. im 22 from cardiff in sunny Wales. my gf just gave me my 1st bonsai (a 4yr old japanese zelkova )
urrm i work as a pastry chef. and im currenlty off work ill till next year :(

RE: Newcomer?

Kath — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:02:30 GMT

Welcome to Bonsai Garden Mark :)

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:02:46 GMT

Heyup Mark.

I understand geordie language as I used to have a neighbour from South Shields. I've also spent time in digs just outside the gate of Jesmond Dene. Let us see what you have and ask anything at all. The only silly questions are the ones which are not asked.

See yer, =Don.

RE: Newcomer?

geordie mark — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:42:01 GMT

hi im new i have just purchased a bonsai tree which i will get some pictures up of as i am unsure as to which it is :) but my names mark and im from south shields which is on the tyne and wear inbetween newcastle and sunderland :)

RE: Newcomer?

Kath — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:24:48 GMT

Hi Katherine and welcome to Bonsai Garden.

Your zone is 9 :)

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:09:13 GMT

Hello Kath amd welcome.

As long as you stick to native species which grow in your area yiou can't go wrong with the decision. However, I would warn you that they will not be sufficiently developed to be called bonsai for quite a few years. It would be much quicker to buy some temperate trees from a nursery and to train those. It would give you a good start while you are waiting for the seedlings to grow. Borrow some books on the subject from your local library and read a lot meanwhile. Ask any specific questions which arise here and we'll help.

RE: Newcomer?

Ceretrea — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:50:24 GMT

Hey there,

My name is Katherine and I am looking into Bonsai for the first time and intend to start a collection of native trees that I really want to grow from seeds or cuttings.

I see some of you have zones in your signatures but I'm afraid I have no idea what zone I am. I live near Southampton.

My goal is to learn as much as possible before embarking and hopefully end up with a very spiritual space in my garden.

RE: Newcomer?

Kath — Sat, 23 May 2009 07:48:05 GMT

Welcome Kath, nice to have you 'onboard' :)

RE: Newcomer?

Scotkat — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:23:24 GMT

Hello I am another Kath from Scotland and know Kath from another fuchsia sites where she befriened me a few yrs ago.

I have had alove of fuchsias for more than 30yrs .

Building up my collection again as with cold winters have lost all my my fuchsias.

But glad to say both greenhouses are looking helathy with new fuchsias.

I tend to gardens during the day and got hanging basket orders which I will deliver 2nd June when all frosts should be past.

RE: Newcomer?

Kath — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:41:43 GMT

Welcome to Bonsai Garden James :)

RE: Newcomer?

Mr Miyagi — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:43:54 GMT

[quote][b]james1 (5/4/2009)[/b][hr]Hello everybody.

My name is James and I am just starting out as a bonsai grower.

I don't have any fuchsia, but I'm here in the hope of learning techniques for successful bonsai.

Thanks for having me[/quote]Hello and welcome :D

RE: Newcomer?

Tuppence — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:24:34 GMT

Hello, Ben. Welcome to the Bonsai Garden.

Penny :)

RE: Newcomer?

Tuppence — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:22:05 GMT

Happy Easter, everyone. Hope you are able to get on with gardening. Lots of things growing here.

:)
Penny

RE: Newcomer?

Mr Miyagi — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:51:02 GMT

Hello and welcome:D:D post some pics of what you have.always nice to see others collections.

RE: Newcomer?

Kath — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:21:41 GMT

Hi Ben

Welcome to Bonsai Garden and for giving us info about your collection, yes indeed, as years go by it's always a great feeling of satisfaction with further refinement/ramification to improve ones trees.

We are a friendly group and always pleased to give help and advice when needed :)

RE: Newcomer?

Ben — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:30:45 GMT

Regards to all from Plymouth :)

My name is Ben and I bought my first bonsai about 4 years ago. It was a serissa and looked rather neglected. I saw potential in the tree and thought it deserved to be saved from the garden centre and cared for in the correct manner. I was intrested in bonsai for a couple years before my first purchase and spent alot of time researching techniques and the basics of bonsai. So this seemed like the perfect oppertunity to start my bonsai adventures..

After a few months new shoots appeared and it generally looked healthyer. It was a great feeling. Since then Ive never looked back and continued collecting and caring for bonsai. I now have 7 including a couple nice ficus, a money tree and a few others..

Personally I prefer to buy bonsai that are a bit wild and require work so I can make something beautiful myself rather than have something that is 'finished' shape wise and only require mantanence. (if that makes sence?)

Over the years ive learnt many techniques and have a small collection that I love to care for, growing up in the countryside, around nature gave me this passion I think. It's hard to explain.

I am by no means an expert and im always learning new things, and when problems arise I have no one to ask. So hopefully you can help me with any of my problems/enquires and I can learn many new things.

Cheers

RE: Newcomer?

HeliFella — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:26:41 GMT

OK, I'm away flying with work at the mo, so I will take some photos at the weekend and see what you think.

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:22:35 GMT

When we re-pot bonsai or for that matter any container grown plant, we aim for good drainage. This can be achieved by adding 20% by volume of coarse grit to a bought compost. This allows water to drain right through and out of the drainage holes within a few seconds, avoiding the danger of root rot. As Kath advised above, it would be best to allow your tree to settle into its new home first before disturbing its roots.

Photographs are always useful and one showing the planting medium as well as the tree would be helpful.

RE: Newcomer?

HeliFella — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:15:02 GMT

Thank you both for your warm welcome & advice.

I wasn't sure if sitting the pot on wet gravel would be still too much moisture for it as the soil was very sodden when I bought it. As you say, making sure it doesn't touch the under tray will be fine.

I have also noticed there are visible roots at the base of the trunk, which I know is good, but there are some very small creamy white capilary roots poking through, all over the surface - is this a concern?

Would it be a help if I took a photo or two?

What is the correct soil I should get for it when it's due for replacement?

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:18:27 GMT

Hello Matti and welcome.

In addition to good light, we've found the Serissa likes to live in a relatively humid environment. You can provide this by setting the pot on a larger tray holding coarse grit or small pebbles, which can be kept wet. The evaporation around the tree ensures that the air in its immediate vicinity is always moist. Guard against allowing the bottom of the pot to touch the water or wicked up moisture could cause root rot. A light misting is another dodge to employ but don't wet the leaves last thing at night because they would stay wet for too long. Avoid draughts of any kind and heat sources, don't keep moving it as they don't like that. Just moist planting medium will be right and I repeat not to try feeding it until it is well settled in its new home and growing away strongly.

RE: Newcomer?

Kath — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:44:30 GMT

Hello and welcome to Bonsai Garden Matti.

You are not the first to be mesmerised by Serissa Foetida :), a lovely little bonsai but a bit 'finnicky'.

If I were you I would leave it in it's existing pot for a while, it has already had a shock by being moved from the nursery to your conservatory.

It doesn't like a change of conditions, doesn't like draughts or overwatering - now please don't be put off by all this. Be prepared, it might loose all it's leaves :w00t:, but when used to your conditions they will probably come back. Do not feed at the moment because it is under stress and that would be the worst thing to do, fingers crossed it will survive, Good Luck :)

RE: Newcomer?

HeliFella — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:38:05 GMT

Hi I am Matti,

I bought my first Bonsai - a Serissa Foetida on Saturday (26/4/08) at the Harrogate Flower Show. After being mesmurised by the tranquility surrounding the specimens on display.

On reflection I realise I should've done some homework first. As i've already found some yellowing of the leaves and some wire scaring on the bark. Well I aim to persist and see if I can resurect it.

Should I aim to repot it now or let it settle in for a few weeks in my conservatory and just concentrate on the watering?

RE: Newcomer?

keithmart — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:03:54 GMT

an Easter present for you if you want it. look at these videos

http://www.bonsaifocus.com/pages/Video.html

enjoy

RE: Newcomer?

Tuppence — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:30:43 GMT

Wish you a Happy Easter, too, Stymie, and all here.

Thanks for the advice. I'll try again with my location.

:)

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:09:58 GMT

A happy and fruitful Easter to all

Long life and short internodes

RE: Newcomer?

Stymie — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:47:25 GMT

The member level box is next below date of birth. If you can't find it there perhaps you could edit the AVATAR box. If you are still unable, try adding your location in your signature.

Another useful thing is under options/forum settings. You can specify how many posts to the page. I found the standard option far too small because I had to keep nipping back to a previous page to see what I was talking about.:P

RE: Newcomer?

Tuppence — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:26:15 GMT

I tried that but I'm still not sure where to put the information so it will show. I couldn't see "Genius" anywhere! :(

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