Looking for Bonsai People in Palm Springs Area

[Trojan Phil]

Hello all.

I have recently relocated to Palm Desert, CA and am looking for someone/people that are experienced and can help me learn this wonderful hobby.

Local clubs are a hike, and online videos are not very helpful with the kinds if questions I have.

Thank you for your help.

Bonsai On!

 

[Ruddigger]

Thats a tough area for bonsai. The heat and the wind are legendary. I used to work in Palm Desert, years ago.

 

[Trojan Phil]

yea. Where we are we don't get the wind issue really badly. The heat is inescapable. Crusing local nurseries for outside plants to use. Found a lovely dwarf myrtle that showed promise, but need a "smarter than me" person for the planning of what next.

 

[rodeolthr]

I'm a snowbird and in Palm Desert from December to April. Have spoken with someone there who was able to keep a weeping Japanese maple as a bonsai for 30 years.....before it perished for whatever reason. Lots of options for excellent bonsai material there bougainvillea, portulacaria, ilex vomitoria, Iceberg rose, pomegranate, etc.

 

[BrianBay9]

The closest club may be in Chino ( https://www.chinobonsaiclub.org/ ). A little over an hour away? Not that far once a month.

 

[Trojan Phil]

Thanks all for your responses.

Currently I am starting a couple of Mexican/Key lime cuttings, and have a couple Wisteria seedings and a simpaku juniper on the way.

Looking at soil mixes. Thinking I should add more organic so it doesn't dry out so quickly. I see the succulent mixes and they are as good a place as any to start.

Thoughts?