Topic: Bonsai knowledge

[Andy H]

I want to learn about Bonsai!
As I understand it they are NORMAL trees but trained.

Are there any GOOD dvd`s out there?

Ideally a workshop would be good but dont think there are any.

I did read that planting and acorn and when it comes up it needs 3 years uninhibited growth needed before you start training!!!! Is that right? Seems a long time.

Our Oak popped up 2 months ago and is already 8" high.

[Tee Gee]

I'm no expert and this is what I do with all the oak and hazlenut seedlings that grow on my allotment.

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Bonsai/Bonsai.htm

[gp.girl]

I heard that oak won't bonsai properly, never tried it though....

Ash and beech work great though, I've got one of each that are 15+years old now.

The ash was found in a broken pot behind the dustbin and the beech was pulled up as a 1 year od seedling just before the leaves came out. They get a root trimming ocasionally (5 years plus) weeding as needed and lots of watering :)

[landimad]

I agree with GP.GIRL, the oak is not the best of trees to train and need expertise to grow.
I would look over some of these sites to get a better understanding of the way to grow and choose trees.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Hc0&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&q=bonsai+tree+care&btnG=Search&meta=cr%3DcountryUK|countryGB&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Good luck and be patient with all you try to grow and train. ;)

[Jeannine]

I have a few books on bonsai, was always going to do it.. there is a man in the UK who is quite the expert who gives seminars, I will try to find his name for you XX Jeannine

Yes I have found him, his web site is great he is in Wakefield

http://johnhanbybonsai.co.uk

I don't think you will find anything better than him, the workshops are surprisingly cheap.Hr does have DVd's by the way,

The book I have is wonderful

[star]

What a fab site Jeanine, I always wanted to try bonsai too. I wouldn't have the patience, and certainly couldn't do justice to the marvelous Japanese art.

Thanks for the link.....stunning stuff. ;D