Hi all! I have a small decision that may or may not lead to a debate : what would be/is your favourite bonsai to train and look at, and think what a beautiful tree? My answer to my own question isthis: Chinese elm.
To me the species is not the relevance. It is whether it is a good bonsai or not first and species second. Every species used for bonsai can be good, it depends on the design and styling as well as age of tree and condition. My favourite species is Larch, my best tree is a White Pine.
Aie Aie cap'n, so, reframing the question, what is your favourite style of bonsai? And if not, "what is your favourite tree species" then what is you favourite tree species to train With?
I have too many trees of various species to have a favourite, but informal is my preferred style for most, I like the idea of a miniature of a full size (warts & all!) tree more than something overly styled and manicured into what sometimes seems like a caricature. Don't get me wrong - I admire the time, skill and devotion which goes into that, but I prefer something a bit more realistic
I´d say my favorite species would be Acer Palmatum, because there is an immense variety of cultivars, and each and everyone of them provide beautiful different colors and tones. As for my favorite tree to train... I´d go with my ficus. The thing about them it´s that since they are so hardy, they will forgive so many learning mistakes...
For Me Style = Informal Favorite Tree = Japanese White Pine (although very rare to get where I'm from and when we get its from China Train = Wild Olive we have plenty here and can dig them easily and they are hardy :)and then of course the Acacia`s