If you chose plants with leaves, such as Fushsias or bougainvilleas, they tend to drop or lose their leaves in the late fall.
If you would like fruit-bearing bonsai, keep in mind that you will need to give the plant the growing conditions that will encourage them to flower.
Some of the choices for fruit-bearing bonsai would be the natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa), Olea europaea (common olive), the dwarf pomegranate (Punica granatum 'Nana') or the dwarf myrtle (Myrtus communis 'Microphylia').
For leaved plants, some choices available to use for bonsai would be the infamous Boxwood (buxus microphylla), the common Camellia (camellia japonica) or the c.
sasanqua (Camellia), common or English ivy (hedera helix), the Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata), the Heavenly Bamboo or Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica), as well as the Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia).
Conifers are often used, but keep in mind that the conifers are more difficult to grow and therefore many avoid using them for bonsai, but a couple of conifers used are the Cedar of Lebanon, the Buddhist pine and the Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis).
Tropical plants are an all-time favorite as they do not have a distinct dormancy period.
Some tropical plant choices the Orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) and the Grewia occidentalis.
Another winter project to start indoors would be to grow herbs, which can be transplanted outdoors in the springtime.
Most herbs are easy to grow indoors, although the rosemary has been said to be somewhat more difficult to grow.
Your favorite nursery, whether it is a plant nursery, tree nursery or wholesale nursery will have the above plants or shrubs, and be able to start you on your way with your dream project.