New to Bonsai - Love Conifers!

[dtkabardin]

Hello,

I'm new to the hobby. I grow mostly tropical carnivorous plants. I've had bonsai on the back burner for years but really want to dive in and get started. I love conifers like redwoods, cypress, larch specifically in the upright styles. What is my best bet for getting ahold of a tree? Should I look at home depot nursery stock as the first stop? Should I look at collecting?

Also, I live in Sacramento, CA zone 9b. Its very hot here. How do I find out which species will do well here? I'd hate to try growing certain species only for them to struggle all their life in the climate.

Any advice to point me in the right direction would be very appreciated! Looking forward to getting to know you all.

 

[Paradox]

Welcome.

Look for a local bonsai nursery and club. You'll get the best advice on what you can grow from those folks.

I think larch is probably out because it's too hot in your location.

@Bonsai Nut
Used to live in California, he can probably give you some tips

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Welcome to the site!

Make sure you see the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo. This year it will be held in Oakland. You'll have more trees to look at (and buy) than you can handle.

Pacific Bonsai Expo

Pacific Bonsai Expo

pacificbonsaiexpo.org

Also, make sure you hit up Maruyama Bonsai Nursery in Sacramento. They will definitely point you in the right direction for conifers that do well up there.

Maruyama Bonsai Nursery

A retail bonsai nursery in Sacramento, CA

maruyamabonsainursery.wordpress.com

 

[dtkabardin]

Thanks guys, very helpful! I didn't even know about Maruyama. Stopping by tomorrow!

 

[MMJNICE]

Thanks guys, very helpful! I didn't even know about Maruyama. Stopping by tomorrow!

Lucky

 

[Colorado]

Thanks guys, very helpful! I didn't even know about Maruyama. Stopping by tomorrow!

So, what did you get?!

I think the advice above is spot on - much better to get material from a bonsai specific nursery rather than a home-depot type.