Well worth starting with. You coud thin out some of the excess growth, you did not say where you live. The book you have is a good book, Colin Lewis is a well know artist who is English but moved to USA many years ago.
See if you can find a club near you, and there are shows on at this time of year, There is one on 28th in Exmouth, and another on 6th July at Hermitage. As I don't know where you are they may not be anywhere near you. There are others, have a look on the FOBBS web site for a list of shows, and also nurseries.

Gowing wrote: I have found some young conifers and pin plants at my loacl garden center and at a very good price like £3.99 but a good size for a start tree.

What is it? a Chamaecyparis pisifera? Not the best choice for bonsai, certainly not for beginners.

Hey Auk,

Why do you consider this a not-so-suitable species? (I am asking because I rescued one last year from a garden, and would be keen to learn where the pitfalls are; Getting good backbudding now that I have cleaned the old folaige, and moved it into the sun. )

Hello, sorry if not explained that well. I was looking for a low growing shrub for a border in the garden.

Why I was there I was looking what young plants they had for me to plant in the garden, till I'm ready to start my bonsai

I took a shine to the chamaecyparis pisifera and was thinking I could get another for my tree as it grows to 3-4 feet.

I'm in Northampton so if anyone no of any bonsai place near by?

Thanks.
Rob

Gowing wrote: I took a shine to the chamaecyparis pisifera and was thinking I could get another for my tree as it grows to 3-4 feet.

You mean trunk diameter right?

Sorry leatherback I was ment to say it grows 3 to 4 feet in 10years. I have researched it on the RHS before and know it gets to 4-8 meters in 20 to 50 years.
Like I said I have not brought any tress as yet I'm just getting ideas.

Many thanks