A Bonsai Guide - Starting Technique - 2. Collecting Wild Plants

“Collecting a tree from the wild is best done in early spring and with the
explicit permission of the landowner. When collecting a tree it is important
that you dig up a large amount of soil surrounding it, in order to avoid
shocking your the tree and then immediately transplant it into your growing
garden or a large, deep training box. Collected trees usually require a couple
of seasons to recover, so don't attempt collecting your first tree, until you
feel you are skilled enough to care for it during this extended time of
rehabilitation. Collected trees hold a special place in the world of bonsai and
are, by virtue of their unadulterated form, highly venerated.”
By Tom Regan

Creating a bonsai tree by collecting wild plant is definitely the most
stimulating method of starting bonsai experience. Finding a plant in its
natural surroundings that has been shaped by Mother Nature is very
exciting. It is one of the few experiences that is beyond description and
must appreciate the splendor of nature.

You can use almost any plant to make a bonsai. However it takes a great
amount of time and effort to complete a single bonsai. Sometimes there can
even be irreparable flaws in the process. To avoid such situation, whenever
you find your favorite plant you should inspect it using the following
procedure. These guidelines also apply when you shop in garden centers,
nursery, or online stores.
Roots
As it takes time and effort to correct the shape of a Nebari (root spread) of a
bonsai tree, so trees that do not need much work in this are preferable.
When making traditional bonsai forms, you should avoid plants whose roots
Shakan (slanting form) or Yose-ue (group planting). In general, if a tree's
Nebari spreads evenly in all directions, then the tree can be easily adapted to
making a bonsai.
Trunk
Young trees with thin trunks can be pruned into desired shapes. However,
you cannot do so to a grown tree for its trunk is thick. You should keep this
in mind when choosing your plant. When making traditional bonsai forms, the
trunk of the tree should narrow as it grows up, which is known as Kokejun
(taper). Also, the tree is good if its Tachiagari (initial rise), the part between
its roots and Ichi-no-eda (first branch), displays the tree's unique
characteristics with atmosphere. You should avoid trees whose trunks have
swelling parts. If the trunk has injuries, it may take a really long time for
them to heal and they may leave scars. On the other hand, the injured parts
can be made into Sharimiki or Sabamiki. So trees with injured trunks are
desirable if you want to make Sharimiki. Otherwise, you should avoid such
trees.
Branch
Branch pruning is easy. New branches will not grow in expected ways,
furthermore this takes time. If there are many branches, it allows greater
freedom in imagination and you can make the bonsai according to your
vision. Thus it is a good idea to choose a tree with abundant branches.
Moreover, it is better if the branches are alternate and gradually grow thinner
and shorter bottom-up.
Leaf
Leaf quality is generally hereditary. If you do not like curly or withering leaves,
you should avoid trees with such leaves.
Pests & Disease
If the tree has yellow leaves in the wrong season or has abnormalities on the
bark, then it may be infested by pests. You should pay special attention to
choosing trees with healthy leaves and barks.

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1. Trained Bonsai

2. Collecting Wild Plants

3. Air Layering