I would like to start a bonsai or two just for fun.

I picked up a couple of starter trees from the bonsai section of the nursery in 3" square pots.

a new zealand tea tree,

a shrubby cinquefoil.

I didn't know about the NZ tea tree after research it appears it is hard to grow. Some leaves are turning brown and it might be dead? even though I only pruned it a bit and kept it moist. After reading the horror stories of this tree maybe it will go to compost pile.

But the cinquefoil is alive, with a shredding bark

Please give me some advice on what to do in the immediate future, as a newbie. Maybe recommend a site or book that isn't too expensive. Maybe I should start with a kind of evergreen if it is easier.

Thanks