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Hi folks, this is my first post so be gentle with me I was walking the dog yesterday in a public park and spotted what I believe are maple trees in a separating hedgerow. They have green seed pods on them and was wondering if it was o.k. to collect some of the pods when ready or are there any ancient by-laws in the UK preventing this.
If it is o.k. any quick tips on getting them to germinate?

My plan is to purchase a small juniper to practice on while I also wish to grow some bonsai from seed and I do have lots of patience (sometimes )

Many thanks for reading this post and what a great forum!!

Yes you can collect the seeds, and it is a good idea to have something to work on while you wait for them to grow. Have a look around your local garden centre or if you are near a bonsai nursery go there. The seed will need to be chilled to get them to germinate so in a fridge or freezer for a couple of weeks. Where do you live?

mickey 060858 wrote: was wondering if it was o.k. to collect some of the pods when ready or are there any ancient by-laws in the UK preventing this.

As long as they are not Monsanto seeds... I wouldn't know why that would not be allowed.

Maples are not considered edible and as such there are no clear rules preventing you from collecting them afaik.

Germination.. Nature knows best. Collect when ripe (That is when the little helicopters start falling from the tree) and clip of the wing. Fill a container with substrate. put the seeds on top. Add a bit of substrate and/or leaves. Then keep moist in a protected are of your garden, ensuring no mice can get to them. Wait for spring and they will/should germinate.

Make sure you do not collect maple seeds fro regular large-leaved european maple. Mostly they are unsuitable for bonsai training.

many thanks for the answers, think they may be european maples so may have to ditch that plan

Rule one: Confirm the species. Rule two, confirm leaves reduce well. Some maples do, others don't.

plan b is kicking in now
I have just received some japanese maple seeds and chinese elm seeds that are currently in soak prior to stratifying in the fridge for 3 months.
I currently have 8 lemon seeds that have germinated in paper towelling and the roots should be ready for potting by the weekend, hopefully in a couple of years I may have some seedlings of a reasonable size, two to be kept for training and 2 to grow in containers as normal, the others will be given away to friends if they all work out.
If the maple and elm seeds are not viable I will just try again with a fresh batch in the autumn, I do not quit easily

In the meantime I have been on various bonsai nursery websites and have seen some 7 year old bonsai trees for quite a reasonable price (approx ?50.00)to start of my collection, I like them all but was wondering if any species were better suited to a novice at this hobby like me.

This leaves me ?100 on my initial budget to get some decent tools to use when required and other items I may need, anyone see any flaws with this plan

Nice going.

Maybe you can share the websites you are looking at, and we may help you select some.

Easy is dificult to tell..

Juniperus is fairly straightforward.
'wild form' Japanese maples are straightforward and make a pleasing image.

thanks for the reply, I have been researching for months now and watched countless vids on bonsai. I do like the junipers and for practising wiring the branches do seem quite flexible plus I love the different styles that I have seen.
Here is one site I have been looking at, not a lot of stock in atm but some coming soon

I don't like their offerings. Most of it is mass-produced 's-shaped' stuff.

I'd rather go for something with a bit more potential like

Of course, you could also consider joining a club and asking around whether people have stock sitting which they would like to sell. 50 quid should get you a decent plant at a club sale.