Growing 'collected' trees ("Yamadori") is difficult for people with lots of experience, so I don't recommend your doing it without more knowledge of how to go about it, when to do it and what to do with it once it's dug. It's not going to be easier (and I grow Fukiens too). I suggest you do some reading on bonsai in general, find a local club to join, and look at www.bonsai4me.com, www.evergreengardenworks.com (articles) for good general info. Please don't go digging up a birch tree yet - they don't even make very good bonsai to begin with, and now is not the time to do it anyway.

Thank you. I will take your advice, even though in the future I do want one. Honestly it would have more sentimental value than aesthetic value to me. I grew up in NH and they're by far my favorite here. I have read all of Harry Harrington's articles. He is a very talented man. This is something that I really want to get into and continue for the rest of my life I just dont know where to start. How would I go about finding a club in my area or even someone to talk to person to person? Should I work with the Fujian I have? And if so what would be the best way to train the trunk in such cold weather? Or find something else easier to begin with? I really really appreciate your help Lucy. Thank you.

Hi - the Fukien (Fujian) is very tropical and needs to live indoors (apart from having to deal with insects aquired outside!) under warm, humid and extremely bright conditions - so cold weather should have no bearing on training the trunk (clip 'n grow works well with them), and in fact on any tree really... apples and oranges. Anyhow, if you post your relative location, I can see if there's a club around for you. HH is very good, though based in the UK, where conditions are different, even if he knows about yours. There are tons of books around, many very inexpensive - go to Amazon.com and look under bonsai, then under 'Used' (they even tell you the condition of each one... 'flyleaf missing' (which wouldn't matter for instance), and how to order. Definitely look for more recent pubs. Also go to www.bonsaisite.com and under 'General Discussions' there's a subforum with lists of good books and comments. Paul Lesniewicz is good for books on indoor bonsai (as are sites www.bonsaihunk.us/cultural.html) and www.evergreengardenworks.com and www.bonsai4me.com for others. Bonsaisite.com has a chat forum more active than this one (any are more so!). Also check into www.BonsaiTalk.com.

PS - I should also have said that Fukien tea can be wired, just be careful (practice on twigs/branches from outside) as they can be brittle.