Noob questions!!!

Hi, Im new here, and also new to bonsai. I'm in the UK, near Nottingham/Derby and I want to know if there are any shops that would that take me in to show me the ropes as it were! Im really keen to get to grips with all aspects of bonsai. I think I am a bit too eager as I have killed off a few trees I have had because of being over zealous. I like the idea of buying saplings (the ones sold in normal pots, with nothing done to them) and growing them up myself. I have a few questions about this. How long should I leave them in this original pot before transplanting to a bonsai pot? when I do transfer do I have to get rid of all the compost on the roots? How do I know when to trim/cut the roots? Should I leave wiring until I am more experienced with bonsai? Is it okay to trim and cut branches off, or should I know exactly what Im doing before attempting this too?

Many thanks, Ben

Hi Ben,

Greenwood Bonsai Studio are near Nottingham is a specialist bonsai nursery that also runs courses. This was opened by Harry Tomlinson and is now operated by his sons. It's a real treat and should definitely be visited. If you can get permission to view Harrys trees you are in for a real treat. Visit http://www.bonsai.co.uk/

Sadly I have have tried to contact these people on a number of times, each of these times I was asking them about something to buy from them! I never heard anything back so I sent them a snotty email. They mat be good, but if they have no courtesy, then Im sorry, they're not for me. The Japanese culture is big on respect you know! Thanks for your advice, I will look elsewhere for courses. Ben

Hi Ben, this is a BIG plug for an event that I am holding in a few weeks time... some folk are coming from your area too, visit www.bonsaischool.co.uk it is aimed at beginners with big ambitions take a look around this forum, the evnt is at Burrs in Bury, Lancashire... you can PM me for more info