How does that work then? I thought Bonsai was about selectively breeding growing smaller and smaller trees, not just lopping a small part off a big tree?
I don't have a garden so I actually quite like the idea of Bonsai, but I've never really read much about it.
Ok then, in a nutshell .... (yeah right who am I kidding
)
You
could if you wished, grow and create an eventual Bonsai from seed. negatives are it takes forever to get something acceptable.
Raw stock. Something small ish in a variety such as for example Pine/Conifer either sold by a nursery (general) or specialist (Bonsai). Negatives? None really but you need to have some experience.
Collecting from the wild. With permissions, much the same as above but you get to have a wider choice and maybe (as I have) be able to find a stunted (naturally, animals, weather etc) Hawthorn/Beech/Horbeam etc. Negatives? None but experience applies during the first two years after collection. Must be at the correct time.
Purchase. If you wish you can just simply buy a 'finished tree.' Negatives? Cost and they won't stay as they are when you buy ... they grow.
Reduction. Identifying suitable species (such as Trident Maple as an example), grow it tall and the trunk naturally thickens quite quickly. By reducing to just a small trunk with no branches you can simply grow all new with a superbly tapered trunk and all at the right height etc. Negatives? Experience and knowledge is legion.
Lots more, but I said in a nutshell
Mozzy
