I first got into Bonsai trees when I was about twelve years old, I remember being fascinated by them when we found a small dedicated bonsai tree hidden around the back of a garden centre. I could not understand why such beautiful, ornamental trees were not placed somewhere for everyone to appreciate. There were a huge number of specimens on show, from the smaller younger bonsai trees, right up to the ancient Japanese palms which were trained to about three foot high with a splendidly decorated bowl.

Since that day I have collected a number of different Bonsai trees, I have attempted to grow them myself and I have traded with other Bonsai enthusiasts. Unfortunately, a number of bonsai trees have also died on my watch. This is always awful when this happens, but the truth is that it is actually very hard to look after and nurture bonsai trees. Which often means that people new to this hobby do not get the most from the experience.

So I though that I would provide a number of tips to newbie bonsai fans about how to enjoy this great way to relax.

Try not to own too many bonsai trees at the same time. If youre anything like me you will fall instantly in love with new trees in shops and snap them up immediately. Unfortunately, this means that you will have more caring and nurturing than before. It is best to concentrate on as few as possible.

Try to buy bonsai plants from specialist stores, during the last few years as the craze for all things bonsai intensified they have popped up in supermarkets, corner shops and DIY stores amongst others, these are never as good quality or as well looked after than from a specialist store. Have a go at growing your own bonsai tree, it is possible to buy special kits which includes all of the seeds and necessary apparatus to do this. If anything, it will give you a sense of exactly how difficult and time consuming it is to grow a bonsai. If you succeed, you will have an enormous amount of satisfaction.