Hey there. I've been watching your threads with great fondness due to your enthusiasm and curiosity. I hope you don't burn out and leave us too quickly (you guys remember siggie?)
Anywho, I was in your shoes not too long ago. Let me tell you, they didn't fit at all and I may have blown out the toe on the left flat.
I was going to the nursery everyday picking up "practice materials" that wouldn't cost too much and wouldn't break my heart if I killed them. If you'll look through my earliest threads, they look a lot like yours in reference to picking up starter materials at the nursery in fact. Hell, my work shoes are dusty right now from looking through a new-to-me nursery down the road because it's still fun for me and relaxing to be around plants instead of contractors.
So while I still love looking at materials, one of these forum dwellers gave it to me straight. I had to be more selective. I had to be ready to leave without any new purchases. Looking through 100 plants might yield 1 suitable for bonsai. It might leave me with 0 and that's okay too.
What's the best case scenario? You practice subjects work out, your eye for good material sharpens, and you're left with undesirable trees on your bench that you learn will never amount to much. Even with 10, 20 years and countless hours of attention not to mention fertilizer that costs money.
Maybe instead of picking up 5 or 10 plants for $15, pick up 1 or 2 larger trunks that are more suitable to the culture; read, species and character.
Your journey is your own CT. I too was wary about the "naysayers" but when I started listening, I started saving money, time, and disappointment. Most of the plants in that nursery have been sitting there a long time. If you're curious, take some pics, post them and after a consensus from those here that are truly wonderful teachers, mentors, and colleagues; go back and pick them up.
Patience is the hardest lesson perhaps. I'm glad you've joined this forum.
btw, love those sale prices this time of year. these for shohin:
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