James W.
Chumono
I was recently made aware of my lack of wiring skills, due to a lack of training and practice. Up until now the only wiring I have done has been structural for developing potential pre-bonsai, which is pretty much what I have. My 'wiring' was good enough for me, but not to be seen in public. I have the possible chance to attend a wiring demonstration and workshop and wonder if anyone has a recommendation for something I could grab to take with me to practice on. None of my current trees are anything I think are ready for wire or that I want to be seen with in public. Also in the back of my mind is the thought of getting someone to come to my local club to do a similar workshop.
I thought about a throw-away tree like maybe a dwarf Alberta spruce? I would prefer something that has a better chance at becoming an actual bonsai, if possible, and appropriate to give to newbies. Any nursery junipers need so much cut off that they don't really have anything left to wire (in my experience). Everything I can think of from nurseries needs a couple of years of work before it needs real wiring.
With planning ahead (for the club) perhaps we might be able to get a hand full junipers that have been grown for bonsai but I am afraid our club members are not ready to drop $100 each for something with some potential. Almost no one in the club has enough experience to recognize the value and/or can get it into his or her budget.
Any ideas?
I thought about a throw-away tree like maybe a dwarf Alberta spruce? I would prefer something that has a better chance at becoming an actual bonsai, if possible, and appropriate to give to newbies. Any nursery junipers need so much cut off that they don't really have anything left to wire (in my experience). Everything I can think of from nurseries needs a couple of years of work before it needs real wiring.
With planning ahead (for the club) perhaps we might be able to get a hand full junipers that have been grown for bonsai but I am afraid our club members are not ready to drop $100 each for something with some potential. Almost no one in the club has enough experience to recognize the value and/or can get it into his or her budget.
Any ideas?