I live in Santa Cruz, California overlooking the San Lorenzo River, about 1 1/2 miles from the ocean. I know very little about the Pines that grow along the river here, except that they may be Bishop or Pondarosa along with our Redwood Trees, but moreover, I love walking through them and watch how my view of them changes from my third floor window, just about everyday.
2 years ago I gathered several pine cones not minding which pines dropped them. I brought them into my house where they dropped seeds. I planted the seeds and forgot about them on my outdoor balcony. Lo and behold 2 years later, there were three tiny pine trees about a half inch high.
They are now only 3 inches high and I decided I'd like to try and include them in one outdoor Bonsai presentation. Right now they each look like one thin stem with needles growing from the stem, with no branches to speak of.
I can't seem to find a video or photo of pines this young. Most Bonsai info. is dealing with larger trees, which already have branches etc..
I have the basic materials to begin transplanting them into a proper container but is it too early? Is there work to be done when they're this young?
Can someone please tell me how to proceed?
I would appreciate any of your educated comments and suggestions.
Many thanks for the opportunity to learn from your experience-