Nice topic. I started trying to keep trees in pots as a boy... Seriously I've been dealing with bonsai for 20 years. Last year I lost 20 years old scots pine that I dug up when 'hunting' mushrooms with my father for the last time. I've lost most of my collection twice, during holiday madness and when I had to undergo some training in the states lasting few months. The survivors are up to 15 years old. Ext and Int species. So some ups and downs. 5 years back I breathed in deeply and gained the strength to continue. But in a mad expensive way, buying lots of species, starters, pre-bonsais, books, tools... building up sth like the Noem Arch, haha... At least I have got a chance to learn how to take care of different species, see them growing and try to develop sth by my hands. I understand if I wanted better trees I would have to spend much more money...or? Right, I've started collecting the trees from my surroundings, preferable from sites under construction works, garden yamadori... and create sth own. I will add some pics to share them or ask for help later.
