名媛直播

Hey guys! I've been into bonsai for a couple months now. I have a few plants, but they are all far from being real bonsai. My real question is this: what is the best way to gain experience, skill, knowledge, etc.? How did you guys do it? Is it all trial and error and studying? Is there any benefit to private instruction?

I really wanna be good at this. I wanna create legit, respectable bonsai in the future. I know there is no shortcut to success, but I wanna make sure i'm following the right path when it comes to bonsai. I really appreciate your advice guys!

Thanks!

I have about 90 trees and most are not"real bonsai". They are work in progress. I joined a club from the start. I found a tutor who did workshops, and this was of great benefit.
There is no substitute to experience, of course, but a good mentor makes all the difference. I would not have the trees or knowledge that I have today without help from other growers. Books are fine, internet is ok, but it is no substitute for hands on and with others. I now am able to help others at workshops that I run at a club I helped form, but I still attend workshops with the same tutor every year.
You will learn from your mistakes, we all make them, but you have started the right way asking these questions.
What country are you in? There may be a nursery near you that can help and a club also. That's what I would do.

Thanks for your reply! I live in northern California, about 90 miles east of San Francisco. I will most likely join the local bonsai club here in Sacramento. There's also a bonsai nursery nearby where the owner offers instruction. It looks like I have the right resources for a good start!

Thanks for your advice! It is encouraging and has helped to clear up some of the inevitable confusion!

Evan

Ok, I have had some great workshops and I usually do about 12 a year. Some cost less than others but it is well worth it and you will not regret it.

Everybody learns differently. But experience by doing is the best way to go. And whether you want an instrcutor watching over your shoulder, or whether you are like me, and prefer to work alone, that is up to you. Become a member of the sacramento club, they are supposed to be pretty good. And start from their. take a beginners class if they offer it, and you feel the need for hands-on assistence. I personally have not taken courses, and will only take my first workshop at the end of this year. 名媛直播 is not rocket science. It is 90% horticulture, and 8% patience and 2% art.

Ok, but I have known several growers who after 20 years have not progressed very far. They were making the same mistakes as they were when they started. A good example from one. He never re potted a tree and never added any fertiliser. I need sau no more.

Welcome! This is my first year with trees and like you, have often wondered what the hell I am doing or supposed to be doing. Joining forums and talking with other knowledgable folks will get you a long way. Read, read, read!! Don't take the first piece of advice you get regarding a specific tree or technique. Reasearch it a couple of different places and you will begin to see where the most reputable information comes from. I wish I had a local club to join but they are all well over an hour and a half away from me. That would be your best local resource.

Let us know how your journey goes. I love seeing progress pictures and hearing how everybody's trees are doing.

reading did a lot,but asking questions from more expierianced people and hands on work has taught me the most.books do not tell the little secrets that people one on one do

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the kind words and insight. I'm going to the club on monday. I'm excited to experience and learn! haha

manofthetrees wrote: reading did a lot,but asking questions from more expierianced people and hands on work has taught me the most.books do not tell the little secrets that people one on one do

That is very true. I have noticed that some literature will contradict each other and it leaves one more confused than they were to start with.

Another thing to consider is your geographical location and when the seasons change. You can't stick to hard times for when to do this and when to do that. Just go with the seasons. For instance, here in SC, it will be warm for at least another month if not longer. I can fertilize a tad bit longer than those in more temperate areas. You will come to pick up stuff like that over time. I wish you the best!