I will mention a few things then I will shut up unless asked to elaborate. I am not sure what you think a bonsai is and how it is obtained. That is probably the moat significant question because everything else will hinge off of that answer.
Very often what a person thinks and or believes is as critical as what a person does. Are you aware that the majority of world class, make you want to sell your children, beautiful bonsai are made from cutting down a larger tree into a smaller bonsai? Almost never is a"World Class" bonsai the product of a seedling grown from beginning to end as a bonsai within the span of 50 years.
I have seen many bonsai and have an idea of what they are. My goals are to have a nice looking little tree that looks a lot like a big tree that has been shrunk. But it's art. It can be a little different. As for this tree, if it lives it may just be a potted pine. Nothing special. Or maybe it will recover from my mistakes, past and future, and become something to post on Facebook. It's not the last tree I will try to bonsai. I don't mind if some take longer than my lifetime to "finish" I also like the faster way. I do not feel restricted to one way. I will try to find a large trunk tree after researching a bit on what it should look like when I find it before I do anything to it.
Also, if I mess up I'll just try again. It is not wasted if I learn from it.
One day I will probably find a style and technique I prefer but right now I am exploring. The end goal is at least one good bonsai about 18 inches high and looking like an ancient tree from a fairy tale, before I die. One to pass on to someone. If the rest look like a witches work then at least I will have enjoyed the ride.
What I think of as bonsai is a small tree that looks like a large tree and is or looks old. Also it is the artwork of the caretakers. And takes time. Is often passed on for generations.
Except chili pepper bonsai, they are quick thrills. Fast food. Instant meditation. Then they die.
I have much to learn before I reach my goals. That is part of the journey.
As for how it is obtained, they come from Walmart.
No, I believe they are carefully and skillfully grown. But how it's done?
I found out that I have no idea. I thought I knew. But now I see it's not just trimming a little stick in a pot until eventually it's cool looking.
I also see the point of those I thought were being rude. Although the bit someone said about the bonsai of a 5 year old is still bugging me, because it's true.
Honestly it's been a crash course. I didn't know how much I didn't know.
BTW I have more hope for the elm. All I have to do is plant it near a concrete wall or a sewer pipe or anywhere its not wanted and it will grow. Ask anyone who has had one rip up the foundation of their home. Really though, I'll stick them both in the ground and see what can be done. Meanwhile I'll look for better starts.
