That is a very nice looking tree.
2 Likes
@PumpkinBecki, good topic question! 
For me personally, I started with some smaller nursery stock, and as my horticultural knowledge and confidence grew, I graduated to more quality trees. Also, my wife and I attend yearly workshops where we get excellent material that we get to style with bonsai masters like Peter Warren and Mauro Stemberger. During those workshops, I ask a million questions about the specific species of tree we’re working on, along with anything else that pops into my head. Then we get to bring the trees home with a good plan for aftercare, design, etc. Nowadays, I like to buy better quality raw material and style it myself because that’s where so much of the enjoyment is. Plus, there’s nothing like taking a tree from raw material to refined bonsai over several years. The journey and story of my trees are what’s wonderful to me. We grow and develop together
And that is a nice tree you got!
Good bonsai’ing!
Bishop
3 Likes