June 7, 1997
Creating your own Bonsai - A series guide
2. Selecting the Tree Material - Sources
The first and most essential item on the list of "what do I need to create my own Bonsai ?" must surely be a suitable piece of raw tree or shrub material. Within this article I hope to acquaint you with the various sources.
Trees differ from shrubs only in that their natural growth habit is to form a single trunk whereas shrubs tend to form multiple trunks. Both have woody trunks and for Bonsai purposes may be considered equally viable material. In fact many of the most notable, traditional Japanese species used for Bonsai such as Juniper and many of the Rhododendrons are shrubs.
I should point out that with some exceptions almost any woody stemmed plant may be used for Bonsai, if in doubt - try it out! However some species are preferred due to their growth habits and characteristics which lend themselves to the Bonsai process, and some are less suitable. For example, the Sycamore has leaves usually over 20 cm in size, and whilst the leaf size may be reduced through proper husbandry and Bonsai technique its inherent characteristics make it an uphill challenge from the very start. Far better to start with something more conducive to the Bonsai process.
At this stage I would like to include a recommended species list, and if this article was being read solely in the UK I would feel confident about doing so. But due to the very widespread audience of the net I feel a species guide isn�t a practical proposition. Instead, be guided by what grows well in your own region. Look for positive Bonsai characteristics; these include: small leaf or needle size, environmental adaptability (will it grow well in your back yard just because it looks good in the forest?), the readiness to bud-back on older wood and speedy growth (yes, the opposite to what one normally thinks of when selecting Bonsai material).
Having made a short list of potential species one must turn ones attention to where to locate it. Basically there are three source:- propagation, nursery stock and collecting from the wild. Each has their merits and really it is a matter of personal choice and convenience, though I do recommend nursery stock for ones first Bonsai attempts. It is readily available in most countries, offer a wide choice of species, is relatively inexpensive and already has the advantage of being accustomed to a pot environment. As ones skills and expertise in Bonsai advance then one invariably turns ones attention to collecting material from the wild. It is harder work (not least obtaining permission to collect), but offers features not found from other sources such as those that maturity and age bring (textured bark, tapering of the trunk and environmentally sculpted shapes). The third choice of propagating material offers less potential. Whilst it is great fun and fulfilling to germinate seeds, strike cuttings and take air-layers the results are usually too immature to bother with, unless one has the time and patience to bulk up the material in the open ground for several years. There are exceptions, but in general I don't recommend this method. It also has other subtle disadvantages in that it encourages one to work on the material before it is ready - the �seedling in a pot going under the guise of a Bonsai� syndrome. The shaping of a Bonsai from raw material is a matter of subtraction - removing excess material from something well established, then growing on the detail.
In summary, be guided by what is available and what is convenient for you to obtain. If you have the opportunity to visit a Bonsai nursery look at what species are being sold that have been created in your own country (as opposed to imported Bonsai).
Joe Davies
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Bonsai and Suiseki by Joe Davies
My own site rated 'best on the net' by many independent authorities and browsers. Many photos of inspirational Bonsai trees created by the author, pictorial essays of the creation of these trees, FAQs, links, pages for well known Bonsai personalities featuring their works. Plus the only comprehensive coverage of Suiseki (miniature landscape stones) on the net.
Bonsai Web
Bonsai Web is a large site covering many aspects of the art of Bonsai. Gallery of Bonsai and an opportunity to vote for your tree of the month, links, suppliers and much, much more. If you are looking for a comprehensive all-round Bonsai site then check this one out.
Craig Hunt's Bonsai Page
Craig's site has links to all the relevant Bonsai pages on the net, spilt into categories of Bonsai enthusiast, Bonsai Organisations, Bonsai Collections, Bonsai Clubs, Bonsai Supplies, Suiseki, Japanese and Chinese Gardens, Tree links and Gardening sites. A very comprehensive coverage that is fast to navigate, kept meticulously up-to-date and is an invaluable bookmark link. It is where I, myself go to look up information on sites and their URLs.
Granite State Bonsai
A large site with much info. Galleries and many photos of Bonsai with critiques, supplies. A large and comprehensive site. Check it out.
The Toronto Bonsai Society
The Toronto Bonsai Society is hosting the International Bonsai Convention in 1997 (IBC97). Some of the best photos of Bonsai available on the net are at this site, together with other items of interest and the latest news of IBC97, don't miss it. Members trees are featured and the pictures are frequently changed, so worth visiting at regular intervals. Probably the best Society Bonsai site on the net.
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Bonsai
