Hello everyone.
I’m new to the forums and bonsai in general.
I was at a local nursery with my partner and happened across a nice little bonsai display. After talking to the “sales person” about bonsai I developed half an interest. 6 months later after reading as much as I can and visiting 3 actual bonsai nurseries a few times, that interest has exploded. I have visited many sites and forums on bonsai and this is where my problem starts.
There is so much contradiction from one site to another about the same ideas in all aspect of bonsai. Even the information that I received from the bonsai nurseries was different about the same subjects.
Where do I start?
What do I believe and follow?
One thing that was said to me by all 3 bonsai nurseries was to start off with a cotoneaster. Then all 3 said different things in regards to the cotoneaster size/age.
One pointed to a starter kit, 3-5 inches tall and around $5.
The second said a much larger more developed tree/shrub at around 20 – 25 inches tall. $40.
The third (no surprise) split the difference and recommended one around 10 – 15 inches tall $15 - $20.
I’m a patient person and know that a “finished” bonsai can take many years (if not a life time) to be classed as a finished piece and this does not bother me at all.
I would really love to start and I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks in advance.
Oh, i'm from Sydney, Australia (west).
I’m new to the forums and bonsai in general.
I was at a local nursery with my partner and happened across a nice little bonsai display. After talking to the “sales person” about bonsai I developed half an interest. 6 months later after reading as much as I can and visiting 3 actual bonsai nurseries a few times, that interest has exploded. I have visited many sites and forums on bonsai and this is where my problem starts.
There is so much contradiction from one site to another about the same ideas in all aspect of bonsai. Even the information that I received from the bonsai nurseries was different about the same subjects.
Where do I start?
What do I believe and follow?
One thing that was said to me by all 3 bonsai nurseries was to start off with a cotoneaster. Then all 3 said different things in regards to the cotoneaster size/age.
One pointed to a starter kit, 3-5 inches tall and around $5.
The second said a much larger more developed tree/shrub at around 20 – 25 inches tall. $40.
The third (no surprise) split the difference and recommended one around 10 – 15 inches tall $15 - $20.
I’m a patient person and know that a “finished” bonsai can take many years (if not a life time) to be classed as a finished piece and this does not bother me at all.
I would really love to start and I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks in advance.
Oh, i'm from Sydney, Australia (west).