Your first tree...

I thought it might be interesting to see and learn about members first trees. I know there are many variables here, eg. length of time doing bonsai, source of the tree, etc. For me my first tree (pictured here, a Key Lime, Citrus aurantifolia acquired in 1985) ) has given me confidence over the years in that I realized I could keep bonsai trees alive and healthy over the long term for the most part. Of course I have also killed many trees during that time as well. I also have come to the realization that my initial choice was probably not the best one in that citrus cultivars (at least in my experience) do not present great options for bonsai; however, this may also be a relfection of my ability. The bottom line is that I know that this tree is far from an "ideal" bonsai although I remain fond of it. I look forward to reading about others "first tree" experiences.

Regards,
Tom

Tom, I wish I could show a picture of my first tree, but alas, it has long ago gone to it's reward. In fact, I must confess that I am responsible for the demise of many innocent little trees. I guess that's part of the long term learning process.
The link is to a post on this site of the current state of a tree I acquired back in 1980. In spite of all my attacks, it still survives to this day, and with luck, for many more days.
https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/bonsai-f1/juniper-on-rock-t2305.htm

I have a California Juniper I acquired back in 1979/80 which is alive and healthy to this day. I'll look through my files and find a picture of it to post later.

Regards

Mike

OK, here's the Cal Juni in it's present configuration. It's awaiting a special pot being made at this time by Dale Cochoy. As soon as the pot arrives, I'll repot the Juni and post the result here.

Thanks for the link Mike, and I look forward to your other image as well....I definitely think that I have continued to learn from the death of trees - definitely harsh, but overall a positive experience...and it would seem that things have levelled off a bit (i.e. I don't seem to be killing too many these days). It brings to mind what Martin Klein used to say at ABS meetings years ago when asked how he was doing. He would always reply "I'm still killing trees."

Regards,
Tom

I love this thread. I'm still a total noobie myself and all my trees are still scraggly beasts in grow boxes, but I would love to see pictures of others' first trees (or even stories of how they met their end).

What did you do wrong to your first tree? What lessons did it teach you?

Thanks for sharing!

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was recruited to do the job of removal with my crude and heavy tools. A twisted tree at first inspection seemed imposible to remove as it was encased in solid rock that made a bone shaking clang with every blow of the steel bar. One wrong strike could have marred and disfigured the ancient tree or worse bounced off the toe of my boot. I had a audience of two young totaly focused bonsai hunters that spurred me on with their silent stares. I kept thinking as the sweat started to sting my eyes, why were they so restrained to give encouraging advise.

Q

I initially was attracted to the Key Lime because of the lower portion of the trunk...I would do better with Citrus cultivars if I lived in a more southern climate. Currently I am in Zone 6. The leaves tend not to reduce in size very well and branch ramification and taper are somewhat difficult to achieve....this has been my experience.

Tom

BEFORE I started to study bonsai

AFTER 3 YEARS of study )


Now it's looks similar

My first good tree is a itoigawa shimpaku. The pic is last year right after I styled it in a workshop.




Regards,
Shimsuki

This bonsai on the right, which i was told was a celtis was my first bonsai . it was about 13 years ago. I kept it alive for a few years but it died one winter.This was taken 7 years ago.


This Ash is the first tree i pulled out the ground of my garden about 13 years ago. It was a one year seedling at the time and i was just learning about horticulture. I had just a few trees for years and only dabbled for years as i was growing allsorts of things as well. In the last 6 years it has taken over and the flowers and veg have fallen by the wayside.

This was taken 2 years ago and has been chopped about like mad over the years. I only keep it as its sentimental.

Didn't think I had any pics left from the "old days" but came across these two from my original assortment of trees. Over the past six years or so I have offloaded them as it became apparent they were not partcularly good - not that Ir egret them for a minute as they did however allow me to learn a lot about bonsai. The larch was one of the better ones from a batch I acquired. The juniper was my first purchased tree and again it was a good learning ground. I realised that there was little to be gained in hanging on to them for sentimental reasons as they were taking up time I needed to devote to other trees. Their new owners are looking after them well though and restoring them to a decent condition after my neglecting them for a year!

Bolas wrote:BEFORE I started to study bonsai

AFTER 3 YEARS of study )


Now it's looks similar

Cool Tree!! Shes a Doll!!!

My first tree was a kingsville boxwood that I got about 8 months ago. I didnt water it enough and kept it inside most of the time.Yep,, it died.I have since joined the San Antonio Bonsai Society and am its new librarian. I have learned so much these past few months. Just got through my first winter and now getting ready for spring. Thanks to all of you here in the forum for all of your help and encouragement.

My first tree was nearly twenty years ago, so far back that I don't recall the name of it!! Have had several since, and loved them all. When 'numero uno' passed on, my husband took me to a dealer in Milwaukee area (in Franklin??) where we replaced it with a Narrow Leaf Willow. At least I believe that is what it was/is called. It is the only thing that has survived for me, and as I was just watering it, I was thinking of the old IBC of which I had been a member for a few years. So I googled for 'yous guys' successfully (only really knew it was you when I saw Jim Lewis' name!!!). I hope to relearn a little more bonsai specific info. I have several pots and other supplies out in the garage, and come spring, when I finish cleaning out there, may be able to put some of that stuff into use. Heck, if I'm successful, I may even be able to drag out a couple of the IBC tee-shirts I've got stashed away and wear them with confidence!

this was my first tree had it for about 7 years