How to Choose Your First Bonsai

[Drew]

I have been interested in Bonsai for about a year now and I am seriously considering getting my first. I would like to know if anyone has advice on a particular variety of tree based on the area I live in (Oregon) and also if there is a particular variety that is heartier than another for the climate around here. I tend to like the looks of the Junipers the best.... would that be suitable for this area and climate conditions?
Thanks in advance!
Drew

[ynot]

I have been interested in Bonsai for about a year now and I am seriously considering getting my first. I would like to know if anyone has advice on a particular variety of tree based on the area I live in (Oregon) and also if there is a particular variety that is heartier than another for the climate around here. I tend to like the looks of the Junipers the best.... would that be suitable for this area and climate conditions?
Thanks in advance!
Drew

Drew, Welcome .

By your species selection I presume that you intend to keep this outside [Year round] Correct?

I think a juniper would be a fine choice provided you have well draining soil considering your climate. [They grow outside there naturally right? ]

Have you have been actively researching for a year? Or just toying with the idea?... .

There are several RE site we often direct people to but you may have seen them already.

Please ask further questions if you have them.

ynot

[Drew]

Thanks for the feedback, and yes, it's been more of a toying around with the idea for the last year than actual research. I have however been reading a lot of the suggested sites recommended in other threads.

Are there any books that you would recommend getting for the beginner? Not necessarily general information but a little more indepth explanation of techniques?

This is a wonderful site and I appreciate how generous you all are with your info!
Drew

[ynot]

Thanks for the feedback, and yes, it's been more of a toying around with the idea for the last year than actual research.

Your welcome, .

I respect the 'lurking around for a while and seeing if the need to have one [Or 10 ] of those little trees persists' approach .

So many just jump in and are completely clueless as to what it entails [That approach is not inherently bad or anything but the learning curve can be exceptionally steep that way unless one is really devoted.]

I have however been reading a lot of the suggested sites recommended in other threads.

[img]https://www.xsltblog.com/archives/The-Simpsons-Mr-Burns-Excel.jpg[/img]... I cannot disagree w/ Mr. Burns on that assessment .

Are there any books that you would recommend getting for the beginner?

Absolutely!

Not necessarily general information but a little more indepth explanation of techniques?

See, Here is the thing.... There is kind of a catch there because it is really [Add a few more 'reallys' for emphasis] important to have the fundamentals down before you go and add a entire new level of complexity to it.

So, I have to ask which techniques {horticultural or artistic}/Species{Tropical-Deciduous-Evergreen}/methods you refer to.

Sorry to be so vague with that answer, Some questions tend to lead to more questions ... On to the actual books ~

Here is a thread with reading suggestions: https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4139&highlight=hinoki

You will see my two favorite bonsai books listed in that thread:

My # 1 & 2 are by [1] Koreshoff and [2] Liang. Both are easy to understand and cover a broad range but also have enough depth that you do not outgrow them quickly.

Koreshoff can be a bit hard to come by [But worth it], The Liang book is usually available at larger bookstores [Borders, B&N - Both are places with great coffee so grab an 8$ coffee and sit down with the Liang book {Or the entire bonsai section } until they kick you out - Or you buy it.]

The bonsai bibles [Also called: 'The Nakas' I & II] are also mentioned as they are really more of a collection of notes on techniques than an actual coherent 'book'. This could be good, But in some respects you may need a more linear read to start with [Still, A worthwhile pair of books really]

This is a wonderful site and I appreciate how generous you all are with your info!
Drew

Thanks, Actually we just repeat ourselves a lot though your welcome. Thanks, Actually we just repeat ourselves a lot though your welcome.

ynot