Product Description
• Plant gallery shows 55 species of trees, shrubs, and woody plants adapted to bonsai culture

• Ideas to display and design bonsai to fit existing home decor and gardens

• Details several bonsai styles as well as techniques for dwarfing and training to bonsai form

• Dozens of tips for seasonal care, including how to maintain, water, fertilize, prune, and shape ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Review: Ortho's "All About Bonsai"
A very good book for anyone with an interest in cultivating bonsai. This book's no non-sense appoach coupled with its "readability" make it a great choice!

A little bit of everything
This book is definitely over-rated by others (my opinion).However, I would agree with a couple of reader's comments that some of the pictures are good, but the discussion on the topics of bonsai are too general (and kind of shallow indeed).If anyone would like to know about or even start a bonsai, I would recommend a better substitute: Bonsai (101 Essential Tips) that costs less than $5.00.

Helped my skills grow as well as my trees....
Of several of the bonsai books I have purchased, this is excellent.Photography is wonderful, line drawings and instructions are excellent.The text is excellent and good reading instruction for novice to more skilled bonsai grower.

Learn Bonsai Techniques
"This book shows step-by-step growing and training techniques, how to choose bonsai styles and tools, and it provides a comprehensive guide to plant selection. 'Learn the secrets of pruning, shaping, watering, and care requirements to ensure success with your miniature landscape in a pot.'" (summary by South Texas Library System)
These miniature landscapes have always fascinated me. They are a work of art. In the plant gallery, it shows 55 species of trees, shrubs, and woody plants suitable for bonsai use. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (14)

Great for novice
This is the perfect book for the novice. The demonstration photos and drawings are the most detailed and relevant I've seen in a 'how-to' bonsai book. Many beginner books are filled with beautiful full page images of show bonsai but lack detailed, step-by-step visuals on to how to create that product. While Gustafson provides a list of bonsai-friendly plants, space in the book is not wasted on 1-2 page synopsis of all the major variety of bonsai plants. If you're computer-savvy enough to be reading this review, you can find plant specific info on the internet. Lastly, I really appreciated the glossary. Few newbie books have this invaluable resource. Even experienced gardeners will benefit from explanation of terms unique to the art of bonsai.

Great Resource
Just getting into the bonsai hobby.This book has an awful lot of information that I am sure I will reference as my skills grow.Geared more to the advanced beginner, I need to step back and will be purchasing some more basic tutorals.

The Bonsai Workshop
Great Book!!I tend to be obsessive compulsive when I start a project and buy every book I can find on the subject.This book gave a very interesting and concise approach to bonsai.The author uses real case studies to show how he approached different bonsai subjects, from nursery grown to collected wildlings.This book and John Naka's book "Bonsai Techniques I" are the two best books to start with.

The Best Bonsai Book!!
I was mostly...unimpressed by the bonsai books you normally find in a book store, so I asked my mentor(world famous) for a good suggestion for a book. He suggested this book. I went out and bought it. It is so easy to understand. It made the hardest stuff seem easy. It put everything that would seem extremely difficult into words even a beginner could understand. I used this book to save a tree that was almost killed by Hurricane Katrina! Using this book I still havn't lost a single tree.

IT I S IRREPLACABLE FOR ME
After many starts which led to complete disasters for me, this book finally gave the information I need to get started in this wonderful art.The instructions are great for a beginner like myself.The combinaiton of written, step by step direcitons along with the wonderful photographs makes this book a joy to work with.I cannot say if this is a good book for the advanced student, as I am far, far from that category, but I can say without a doubt that it is great for beginners.It certainly answered all of my questions.This book was far better than any other I purchased on the subject!Thank you SO much Mr Gustafson! ... Read more

Product Description

Brimming with fascinating and practical details and illustrated with 150 beautiful color photographs, Simon & Schuster's Guide to Bonsai provides everything the plant enthusiast needs to know about this unique and intriguing art.

An informative introduction gives such useful details as plant physiology, the history and philosophy of bonsai, choice of plants, and special tools and products to use in bonsai. The individual entries that follow describe over 125 species to cultivate and offer visual symbols that indicate whether full sun or shade, plentiful or little watering, and indoor or outdoor settings are best for a particular species. Simon & Schuster's Guide to Bonsai is a fascinating and authoritative reference to this exotic ancient art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Beautiful pictures, straightforward advice
I decided to order this book after purchasing a bonsai tree at Walmart (which I have since been told is a bad idea, but my tree is doing wonderfully in spite of its lowly beginnings).I'm a rather visual person, so the fact that the book is full of pictures is immensely helpful to me.It's a very informative little book and I would definitely recommend it to those who are looking to get into bonsai.

Encyclopedia Bonsai
The first one hundred or so pages of this book are devoted to the art of Bonsai before it goes into description of the different types of Bonsai. For each listing there is a photo of the tree in Bonsai form, as well as four icons. The icons tell whether or not this is an outdoor bonsai, how much water it needs, how much sun it can get, and how hard it is too grow. The actual description under each listing is divided into five parts: a brief description, repotting information, pruning and wiring information, feeding (fertilizing) information, and additional notes. Ultimately, the descriptions could be more detailed, but provide all of the necessary information.

There are many species covered, but the list is by no means all-inclusive. Coast Redwood, Baobab and Cotoneaster are conspicuously missing from this text. The trees that are included:

Acacia;
Apricot (two kinds);
Bo Tree;
Bougainvillea;
Box;
Camellia;
Carmona;
Cedar Of Lebanon;
Chinese Ash;
Chinese Juniper;
Chinese Persimmon;
Chinese Pistachio;
Common Horse Chestnut;
Common Myrtle;
Crab Apple (two kinds);
Crape Myrtle;
Cypress: Bald, Hinoki, Italian;
Dwarf Lilac;
East Indian Satin Wood;
Elephant Bush;
Elm: Caucasian, Chinese;
European Beech;
European Larch;
European White Birch;
Fig (four kinds);
Frethorn;
Giant Sequoia;
Glossy Privet;
Golden Larch;
Gooseberry;
Hazel;
Hawthorn;
Hemlock: Eastern, Japanese;
Hornbeam: Regular, Hop, Japanese;
Italian Alder;
Jacaranda;
Japanese Blume;
Japanese Larch;
Japanese Privet;
Japanese Red Cedar;
Japanese Sago Palm;
Japanese Wisteria;
Judas Tree (red bud);
Liquidambar;
Maidenhair Tree;
Manna Ash;
Maple: Trident, Field, Montpelier, Japan;
Mastic Tree;
Milkweed;
Narihira Bamboo;
Nebrodi Silver Fur;
Needle Juniper;
Nettle Tree: Southern, Chinese;
Oak: Cork, English, Holly;
Oleaster;
Olive: Wild, Common;
Orange Jasmine;
Pine: Arolla, Black, Japanese Black, Japanese Brocade, Japanese Red, Japanese White, Mountain, Scots;
Peach;
Pink Carnation;
Pomegranate: Regular, Dwarf;
Potentilla;
Queensland Umbrella Tree;
Quince (three kinds);
Rosemary;
Saint Lucie Cherry;
Setsuke Azalea;
Smoke Tree;
Spruce: Nowway, White, Yezo;
Strawberry Tree;
Sweet Chestnut;
Sycamore;
Tamarind;
Tamarisk;
Theezan Tea;
Thyme;
White Mulberry;
White Willow;
Wild Pear;
Winged Spindle;
Winter Jasmine;
Yew: English, Japanese;
Zelkova

A bonsai necessity
Simon and Schuster's book of Bonsai is a classic to use for a bonsai enthusiast. It gives details on conditions, soils, plants and care for numerous plants used for bonsai. They have information that is not available in many other bonsai texts. I have read dozens of bonsai books and have over 15 of my own including this book. I would highly recommend it for all but the novice.

A good guide for identfying your new tree.
More then 100 full-color photographs of 150 species of trees. ... Read more

Product Description
Successful bonsai growing is not simply the technique of growing miniature trees; it is the art of growing them in forms based on the natural growth habit of various species. This is a book on the aesthetics of bonsai. In this revised edition, various additions have been made. It contains photographic updates of those trees featured in the first edition, has a new chart to help clarify the suggested feeding programmes and contains style and refinement sequences, as well as photo-essays on pine prunig, a glass-fibre rock construction sequence, and a selection of photographs of the author's Gold Award-winning bonsai display at the Chelsea Flower Show. ... Read more

Product Description
"This authoritative work covers the techniques and art forms of bonsai. Most medium and large-sized libraries should consider for purchase."--Library Journal. "A book as elegant and precise as its subject....Lush color...itself a work of art"--Publishers Weekly.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Helpful
Great detailed instructions on growing, training and styling bonsai maple trees. Excellent pictures and graphics. He covers several different techniques, some I had never seen discussed anywhere else. Good discussion of the general cultural conditions specific to maples. Suitable for any experience level.

One of the best
I have the 1985 hard back edition of this book. It is one of the mainstays in my library. I have been doing bonsai for about 15 years and refer to this book often. The apendices are extremely helpful. They list a large number of trees and shrubs and tell when each should be repotted, wired, fed, pruned, etc. This is a must for anyone who has a variety of different specimens. You just can't remember it all. The pictures are beautiful and helpful for ideas on how to do your bonsai. I'm ordering this copy for my son-in-law who wants to begin the art of bonsai. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

A very good book. Start here and end here.
Bonsai requires time and patience and

Regular Regular Regular watering. Becuase the pots are so small they dry out fast.

Detailed into in a compact book. This book rocks. No fluff. Just Bonsaiiiii

It hastables-precious precious tables with info info info ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is disappointing
This book is disappointing. Although a lot of Bonsai topics are covered
there is not any real depth to the material. This is too bad as I think
the author of the book has a lot more knowledge on the topic as is coming
through in this work.

Although I bought this book I had to purchase others to get the
answers I was looking for. My favorite book at this point is "The Art of
Natural Bonsai" by Dave Joyce. ... Read more

Product Description
An encyclopedia of two classic and ever-popular horticultural arts combined in one unique volume. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Miniature bonsai made easy...
Absolutely the best book if you want to do miniature bonsai. Very informative and easy to follow!

Worth It.
Great book. Well layed out. Great pics, illustrations, before and after etc.

Not as much on actual mame or minature bonsai as I wished. Now that I have studied book more I am really glad I purchased it.

An absolute treasure!
This is a book that goes into detail, has beautiful pictures and good directions.I consider it a treasure in my library of Bonsai books!

Most disapointing bonsai book ever
Unless you are an absolute beginner, this book will not tell you much you don't already know.Not only is it lacking in specific "how to" info, the pictures aren't even very inspiring.Look at the cover - a little juniper lacking in style and 3 accent plants.That's about as good as it gets.Save your money on this one, folks.

Miniature bonsai from garden stock
Perhaps the above would be a better title. This is not a book about the heights to which miniature bonsai can soar...This is simply a book about how you, or I, or anyone else can make passable minature (mame) bonsai in an hour or so, by pruning and wiring common garden material.

Not that there's anything wrong with that - and indeed I found the book a great inspiration when I was just starting on bonsai. But it really doesn't do justice to the wonderful art that is mame bonsai. ... Read more

Product Description

Adams goes on to offer advice onchoosing and shaping plants and includes a glossary of the mostcommonly available bonsai plants and how they will work within aminiature landscape. The back of the book has a tree-caredirectory. Adams's methodical analysis of 13 projects, withaccompanying line drawings and photographs, makes it easy for anyoneto achieve this novel effect. --Karen Homer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Bonsai Landscapes
Peter Adams has achieved international stature as one of the finest bonsai practitioners alive. Classically trained as a studio artist at the Royal Academy of Arts, Mr. Adams essentially pioneered the art of bonsai in the UK in the 1950s. What distinguishes him both as a bonsai artist and author is his vast knowledge of horticulture combined with his grasp of bonsai aesthetics as expressed through Western art doctrines. His ability to communicate those two integral disciplines clearly and powerfully in his writing and drawing contributes to the value of his work.

Bonsai Landscapes is first and foremost a guide book. It is a reference from which bonsai enthusiasts can draw inspiration and salient information concerning the creation and maintenance of miniature landscapes. As is typical of Mr. Adams, the subjects are examined and discussed using the universal language of aesthetics rather than a culturally-oriented system of artistic ideals. When needed for emphasis or clarity, the author will of course make note of a certain form or composition that evokes an Eastern locale or style. However, he is just as likely to create the image of a British hedgerow or American rainforest when the material and potential allow.

Thirteen plantings of a wide variety of materials are reviewed by the author. A history of each planting is presented and consideration is given to the original artist's intent. Then the landscapes' forms are tuned and adjusted by Mr. Adams to create more harmonious designs. Mr. Adams' pen and ink sketches give a clear sense of the desired refinement for the future. Liberally sprinkled throughout the book, horticultural notes on the species used as well as viable design choice alternatives enrich the text. The reader is left with the notion that beauty in bonsai is not an end goal, but rather a transitory state through which the trees will rise and fall over the course of their lifetime.

Later chapters discuss topics such as tools and materials and sources for plant materials. In an especially helpful chapter titled `Styling The Plants', the author outlines basic to intermediate pruning and styling techniques and why they are appropriate. Of particular interest is the chapter 'Making a Rock Planter' in which the artificial rock construction developed by Mr. Adams and Bill Jordan is described. Although some detail is offered, it would have been of more use if the descriptions went a step further and provided more in-depth instructions on textures and coloring of the cement. (Bonsai enthusiasts eager to try such a project can look to Chase Rosade of Rosade Bonsai Studio, New Hope, PA who regularly teaches these techniques in classes and workshops.)

The book concludes with a hands-on step by step 'how to' section about recreating each of the thirteen plantings. Each planting is carefully described and materials needs and their sources are fully and clearly presented.

This 128 page volume, a fine addition to any bonsai library, has been illustrated with Bill Jordan's excellent photographs.

One of the top two!
Having been involved in bonsai for about 20 yrs and especially like forests & groves, I feeel that Peter's book is one of the two best on the topic. It is imformative, the photographs are excellent, and he gives you step-by-step details for serveral different projects as shown in the book. This, as well as any other of Peter's books, is a must for a bonsai library.

Great informative material
This book was terrific for me both as a beginner and to my friends, Who are long-time Bonsai enthusiasts.The wonderful photography made the reading very enjoyable and also illustrated the topics well.

review bongsai landscape1
nice arrangement with colourful pictures . easy diagrams with simple explanation . recommended for starters and pro . ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (12)

It does work well when done correctly
A lot of people claim that their bonsai hasn't grown because of the instructions, but I've also noticed that a lot of amateur bonsai enthusiasts go against the instructions in the tiny book by way of cold stratifying beyond suggested time, using techniques too advanced for this particular kit, et cetera.However, it's been a couple of months and my bonsai is thriving.Call it luck, but I planted it during a less than forgiving summer (rather than spring), watered it with tap water, kept it indoors for weeks at a time, and yet it's becoming a little masterpiece on my desktop.

I have actually owned this kit twice; the first being when I was just 11 years old.The first time I threw away the instructions by mistake and planted the seeds without cold stratifying, and it sprouted shortly before wilting to death due to my childhood apathy of growing stuff.Today my desk is graced with the company of a maple bonsai I found (bonsai are everywhere, even if the kit were to fail), and the included pine that, currently, vaguely resembles the unknown variety of pine in my yard.

The kit itself doesn't come with everything for a beginner, however.There are many more tools used in the delicate art of bonsai other than the tiny scissors.Perhaps this the one essential that should have been added would have to be training wire.

Bonsai
I'm an outdoor hobbyist that lives in the extreme heat of Las Vegas, so I figured it would be nice to have a bonsai since it is difficult to cultivate outdoor plants in the extreme heat with water regulations. I bought this kit around the same time I bought a four year old juniper bonsai and my bonsai collection started.

There are several things any bonsai beginner should know:

1.) Any tree acquired through a seed will not become a full fledged bonsai for at least 2-3 years. This meaning, you won't trim it, though it may be easier to train into a desired design.

2.) Conifers, which the Jack Pine is, need to be outdoors to grow properly. This applies even to bonsai.

3.) Pines are not the best beginner bonsai, nor are seedlings. Don't feel discouraged at buying one from a store, many bonsai sensei never grow their own bonsai from seed. I bought a money tree bonsai at the 99 cent store and have been growing it mainly for cuttings for friends to start their own bonsai fetish: money tree bonsai are fairly easy to tend to and are indoor bonsai.

Bonsai Boy is a good place to look for good beginner trees, for semi-cheap prices. In any case do a bit a research into bonsai before deciding; Jack Pines live for a couple hundred years.

For anyone who has purchased this kit, I suggest leaving the seeds in the refrigerator, but changing the paper towel weekly until the seeds have sprouted and become tangled in the towel, then gently place all the seeds about 1/2 inch in the bonsai pot. When the following spring comes and it is time to repot it might be best to repot ALL the seeds either in the same pot separated areas or in separate pots entirely. I suggest this because its nice to experiment with different styles of bonsai. When, in time, pruning is needed forget the scissors- gently pinch/pull off new buds to encourage more compact growth needed for bonsai.

Good luck, may your soil stay moist, but not rot the roots.

i heard these kits are a waste of time
These kits are a waste of time please don't buy these kits save yourself the trouble and just buy a pre grown bonsai you can find those on amazon over time it's much cheaper then these so called kits

Not terrible, but not really a bonsai
I was bored one day and spotted this in a bookstore at the mall, and figured I'd try it. After purchasing, I've realized there is little to no research on Jack Pine bonsai, because they really don't make great bonsai. Growing a tree from a seed is very difficult, but I have patience and hope it will work. First bit of advice--cold stratify the seeds longer than a week. Remember that this process is supposed to simulate winter, and 7 days is not enough to "trick" the seeds. I left all five seeds that came with the kit in the fridge for about a month, and 3 more weeks or so after planting them in the peat pellet, I have two sprouts. They are only about half an inch tall so far, but it is encouraging. We'll see how it goes.

A waste of money
My sister received this as a gift, and she in turn passed it on to me.The seeds do not seem viable; I have not gotten a single sprout.The information in the book is not very helpful in terms of getting the seeds to grow.It would have been nice if they had selected a better variety for beginners.

Yes, I followed all of the directions carefully.The problem is that there's really no telling how old the seeds are inside the package, and no commitment from the manufacturer to replace bad seeds. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

very informative, especially for beginners
i got this book and spent and hour or so reading it. i feel like now i have enough information to select and start my first bonsai. i am looking forward to it being a relaxing new hobby. i know if i have a problem come up i can refer to this book. it has specific information on care and maintenance for many listed varieties. i would highly reccomend. i am glad i purchased it and i think it would be a good buy for anyone considering starting bonsai. highly reccomend!

Great for indoor bonsais
The greatest thing about this book is that it is just about indoor bonsais!

There are a lot of bonsai books.Many of the books tell you about shaping and creating, planting and repotting, the different types of soil, the tools you will need, pruning, cutting, and trimming, how to wire or bend the branches and all of those necessary things that it takes to make a tree or plant a bonsai.This book has all of this information and it presents it very well.I am sure there are some bonsai books that do this better, but this book is totally devoted to indoor bonsais and there are not many books on indoor bonsais.

An indoor bonsai does not mean that it lives indoors all year.All bonsais grow better if they are outside as long as your area will permit.An indoor bonsai is one that can live in the house during the winter without a dramatic set back.Outdoor bonsais on the other hand must spend the winter out doors.If you try to keep them in the house for the winter they will eventually die. Most bonsai books include many of the indoor bonsais, but they don't label them as indoor bonsais and they don't tell you how to keep them thriving in the house for the winter.

In this book there are over 40 indoor bonsais that are presented on a two-page format. One page has a beautiful large picture of each bonsai, plus a small picture on the next page. The second page has general information about the bonsai; it's origin, size, flower and fruit information, and other interesting information about this bonsai.Then the rest of the page has the following sections: Location, Watering, Feeding, Transplanting, Soil, Pruning, Wiring and Propagation.It also has symbols for light, water and temperature during the winter, so you can see that information at a glance.

A smaller version of this book is "Indoor Bonsai" written by the same author.It is similar, but there are fewer trees with the two-page format. It does have a section in the back listing many more indoor trees with a paragraph on each of them.

Great for the novice
This book, of the 3 I purchased, is the one I refer to most often. It has detailed descirptions of each tree along wiht detailed instructions on care for the tree including maintenance, repotting, propagation, etc. Very easy to understand and has answered the vast majority of my questions.

Great How To Manual for Beginners
Paul Lesniewicz describes the bonsai art with simplicist and skill.Thisbook is full of wonderful photos and great advise.

Good book
This book says everything from how to care for your bonsai, to how to growbonsai from cuttings and seeds.This is a great book for beginners as wellas the experinced grower. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical, beautifully illustrated step-by-step guide is packed with ideas for creating superb bonsai. By undertaking 15 complete projects, you will learn how to achieve the most popular shapes, including formal and informal upright, slanting, cascade, windswept, twin and triple trunk, and root-in-rock planting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A rehash of other Bonsai books
While this book does have some useful information in it, it is primarily a re-hash of other projects in larger books.The pictures are the same as several other books I own and I was pretty disappointed with this purchase.I will most likely be donating it to my local library since I already have read this material in a different book.

This is however a good first book for someone looking to try out some projects.The steps are easy to follow and the pictures are descriptive.

ANOTHER GREAT BOOK AT ANOTHER GREAT PRICE.
I LOVE AMAZONS BOOKS THEY ALWAYS HAVE WHAT I WANT AND AT GREAT PRICES. IF YOU ARE A BONSAI LOVER LIKE ME, THAN YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK. BIG COLORFUL PICTURES, STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS, LOTS OF USEFULL INFO. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

Detailed book easily understood by beguiners
Book depicts and explains theories and practices in handling a bonsai tree. It is written in really nice and easily understandable language. Definitive must have

Muddled Explanations Spoil an Informative Book
As a complete beginner I thought that this book would be the perfect way to get into bonsai.While it does seem to have been written by a couple of very experienced people, I had trouble finding any real step-by-step descriptions.They seem to bounce around too much and even after several passes through the book, I still don't feel like I have a firm grasp of the full process (which they advertise as the point of the book).I would suggest looking elsewhere.The book may be a complete source of bonsai information, but I was left confused as I found myself repeatedly flipping back and fourth looking for information that should have been grouped together.

Excellent for beginners and as a resource guide
This is a very well written guide to starting and caring for your Bonsai.Once I get this mastered I would like to get the Master School Books.

Just the basics
This book is great for beginners.It is explains different styles and has illustrations as well as descriptions.The techniques it uses are valid.My only concern was that this book tends to over simplify things.Taking cuttings is one example.The book suggests that this is the best way to get stock.Anyone that has ever tried to take cuttings realizes the falacy in that.

Bonsai Basics
As a bonsai enthusiast (NOT master!), I have been designing bonsai for several years, and have acquired a few dozen books on the subject. Personally, I was unimpressed with this book. While it had some valid information, I noticed incorrect techniques photographed (trees with wire cutting in to the bark, or having wire scars). I didn't find the book particularly helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Enter the fascinating world of bonsai, the centuries-old gardening art form of cultivating trees as potted plants. Refined to a high art in Japan, bonsai offers not only the familiar gardening delights but also, at its highest levels, a philosophical and aesthetic communion with nature.

Here in CLASSIC BONSAI OF JAPAN, the Nippon Bonsai Association, Japan's preeminent voice of the bonsai tradition, introduces a collection of the finest bonsai pieces to be found in Japan today-some of them presented to a Western audience for the first time. Over 130 full color and 48 black-and-white plates of priceless specimens with informative commentary provide a definitive tour of the bonsai world-from a 15-year-old flowering cherry to a majestic 1,000-year-old Yezo spruce. The notes for each piece offer insights into the balance, style, harmony, and overall aesthetic effect along with comments on the history of its cultivation at the hands of several generations of bonsai masters.

John Bester brings his intimate knowledge of Japanese culture and sensibility to an elegant interpretation of bonsai art specifically adapted to Western readers. Essays on appreciation, history, and aesthetics further invite readers to enjoy this "natural" art on an informed level.

A feast for the eyes as well as a lasting monument to the history of an artistic tradition, this deluxe volume is sure to delight the bonsai enthusiast, garden hobbyist, lover of things Japanese-indeed anyone with an interest in looking at art and nature in unison. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The best bonsai's I'ever seen
Without doubts this book is a collection of photos of the most amazing bonsais in the world. Some have more than 300 years.

A collection of very old beauties
Outstanding book. I got to know it from my bonsai master in Brazil, and it really happened to be one of the best on my bonsai library. Concerning bonsai books, I think good pictures are the most important aspect, and this books takes this to the top. Quite technical photographs, amazing trees, and a section at the end gives information about each and every tree shown. Absolutely recommended for everyone interested in bonsai and nature.

Classic Bonsai Of Japan
Beautiful book with pictures of the most increadible Bonsai Trees.I love it and it is now my favourite Bonssai book.

Classic Bonsai of Japan
Wow! This is what a Bonsai book should look like! The photos are superb. The story on each tree is very helpful I didn't even mind that they were in the back. I could more of this type of book because the photos were high enough quality to be able to see forms. Anyone interested in seeing quality trees should own this.

A very good book
This book has many great pictures to give the beginners inspirations to pursue this great hobby. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent first reference
I agree some of the trees leave you scratching your head but the book covers all the common bonsai species and is very comforting on the horticulture of bonsai, species by species.The reader needs to be awarethat the book assumes you're growing your trees in the south of France andadjustments need to be made for your own climate.

A Very Good first Bonsai book. Packed with helpfull tips
A very good first bonsai book. Very clear picturesLots of suggestions and ideas.

Only recommended as a curiosity...
There are numerous books on the subject of bonsai that are SO much better... This book has pictures of trees that look like the works of a dead drunk gardener. But if u want to relax from the "perfect" trees seen in many other good books, and relieve the tension from your own "mistakes" this could very well be the book to get ;-) The Art of Subtlety is in no way revealed in this book. However, there are very nice DRAWINGS of how the different styles can be percieved. There are some more or less useless techniques on display in the book. And the focus seems to be more on technique rather than on aiming for something beautiful. The most "shocking" of all mis-facts in the book is: The Siberian Pea Bush (Caragana sp.) is listed as an indoor species... It is not. It DEFINITELY needs a good winter-freeze to go on living. It is an extremely hardy bugger ... Read more

Product Description
Writing for those with no bonsai experience, Larry and Shirley Student cover everything from buying the first plant to creating a miniature landscape of rocks, grasses and trees.In between, they describe different bonsai styles, list important tools, explain pruning and pinching and introduce procedures like defoliation.In short, the authors cover all aspects of bonsai, anticipating common problems and offering practical advice gained from years of working with plants.Kurt Seastrand, past president of the Northeast Bonsai Association raves, "A wonderful book for anyone intrigued by bonsai but hesitant to start.It provides the beginner the excitement and confidence to launch into this fascinating hobby." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A nice overview of a complex art
A good book for someone with no bonsai experience.The authors keep the basics of bonsai simple and point the novice in the right direction.Although it would be a good reference to have handy while attempting thatfirst Juniper, the beginner would do well to read other books before goingfurther. ... Read more

Product Description
This book defines and describes the ancient craft of bonsai. The techniques of this precise art form are clearly described, and provides a stunning and fully comprehensive reference that is ideal for the beginner as well as the more experienced bonsai artist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

This exquisitely well written and illustrated encyclopedic text on bonsai will thrill everyone from the novice to the master!
This fully illustrated volume is ideal for everyone from the rank novice to those who already have a strong foothold in this art form.The layout of this book is extremely appealing, informational, and just begs to be browsed.I purchased this book along with "101 Essential Tips: Bonsai" for a family member who is very interested in this hobby.This encyclopedic volume is much more involved, but is very complimentary to the other one.There are 800 photographs in this book and those alone are a real plus.

The introductory pages discuss bonsai and exactly what it is and isn't.The reader is urged to "not become too ambitious too soon in the process" and "move forward in logical steps, proceeding with caution."There is a brief, but enlightening section on the history of bonsai before the book launches full force into a magnificent treatise on varying aspects of this art form.This "encyclopedia" is not laid out in an A to Z manner, but rather unfolds in a leisurely one, one that the reader can feel comfortable with and enjoy.For example, when discussing how to create a cascade bonsai, you will read a bit about what the plant represents, its style, design, and how one goes about creating such a plant.Equipment you will need is listed followed by instructions and nine small, but detailed photographs.

This highly detailed book covers so much ground I would almost say this would be the only book one would ever need, but exploring other books can be just as exciting as searching though a greenhouse looking for the perfect starter plant.In this book you will learn about different types of plants, plants suitable for inside and/or outside bonsai, the sizes of plants, the aesthetics of your bonsai, the proportions of the plants, what to look for if you want to purchase bonsai, you will see photographs of numerous magnificent plants, you learn about tools and equipment, how to collect plants from the wild, how to propagate bonsai in several different manners (seed, cuttings, grafting, air layering, the types of soil you need, pruning techniques, shaping, creating jin, creating Sharimiki, re-potting, displaying, and much more!

This exquisitely well written and illustrated encyclopedic text on bonsai will thrill everyone from the novice to the master.If you are sick of spider plants overtaking your home you just might want to express yourself and learn about bonsai.There are many books to choose from, but I'd say this is one of the better ones, especially for the beginner to an intermediate level bonsai aficionado.This book will be not only a learning experience, but a book that is a pleasure to browse.In the back of the book there is an index, a glossary, a list of suppliers (worldwide), where you can find bonsai collections, a list of organizations (worldwide), and a U.S. and Canadian plant hardiness map and zone chart.This book is very impressive and well worth adding to your library or giving it as a gift!

Perfect Bonsai Guide
An excellent Bonsai guide for beginners and experienced Bonsai fans.Great instructions and photo selection. All you really need to know to grow and take care for Bonsais.

Bonsaiby Ken Norman
BONSAI by KEN NORMAN This is the best publication I have found on the subject of Bonsai and I have many many books. It will be invaluable to me. ... Read more

Product Description
Creating your own bonsai is simple, calming, and serene, and best of all, it lets you bring the outdoors inside, even if you don’t have a lot of space.
Learn everything you need to know to become accompished at the art of bonsai growing--how to pick a plant, what tools you’ll need, and how to trim and style your plant.At the heart of the book is a species directory with 10 easy-to-grow plants that are great for getting started, as well as another 40 species that need a little more care. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Bonsai
I bought this as a gift for my friend and he specifically requested this book because she looked at others and thought this to be the best out of the selection.

Good beginners title
This is a good beginners book with information about all phases of the art and some of the science.It is accessable to anyone.I would recommend it to serious beginners.

Good basics, but no real step by step for beginners
This book provides excellent background and general information for someone starting out in bonsai.The photos are excellent and a wide variety of types are shown.However, I was expecting more of a guide on how to actually start growing a bonsai.There are a lot of references to finding "a local club" which would of course be helpful, but if you're just starting out (like me) and don't have a nearby bonsai club, you'll probably want additional books to guide you through getting started.

A wonderful beginners book
"What else would I need than this book when learning about Bonsai? I recommend it fully and suggest that it should be on everyone's bookshelf, or at least in his or her hands"

When you start growing Bonsai, it is hard to work your way through all the titles available. I first bought a book called Bonsai for Beginners by the same author and while this was a very nice book, it was not only geared to beginners but also to more advanced growers. This new book is a revelation. Beautifully laid out, the practical guide to Growing Bonsai is the first book I have read that truly spells it out. It is lavishly illustrated and very well written that it is more than a reference book. It has become a `read'.
The Practical Guide is just that. It covers all the basic information that you, as a Bonsai Grower in the early stages of this wonderful hobby, need to learn to understand what is to be done. A real beginners book but written by someone who understands what a real teacher needs to speak about when speaking to a newcomer. Craig Coussins writes in a very one to one style and I really felt that he was with me every step of 'his' way. This is a great book!
Clear instructions filled with some gorgeous photographs looks at all the techniques that I need to know. Charts explain the right times of the year to do the work and completed by a species list of all the most popular Bonsai that beginners should try.
Therefore, what else would I need than this book when learning about Bonsai? I recommend it fully and suggest that it should be on everyone's bookshelf, or at least in his or her hands.

Bonsai inforamtiopn for the complete beginner
What is vastly different about this book and most other Bonsai books is one simple premise. It is this. When you start Bonsai you are afraid that growing such a plant will take many years. Most folk can be put off by the fact that they believe they will need 30 years to produce a Bonsai that looks old. Craig Coussins new book explodes that myth.

In his first book, Bonsai for Beginners, Craig Coussins covered a vast range of subjects up to intermediate but in Totally Bonsai, the title used in North America, ('Growing Bonsai' elsewhere)he uses Bonsai throughout the book that are rarely over five years old. But what Bonsai. Some of these trees are wonderful and extremely beautiful. Gone are the seedlings in a plastic pot, Craig Coussins really shows you what you are capable of. This shows the newcomer exactly how much they can achieve in a short period of time. Many of the trees are also shown in winter so that you can really see the branch structure and shape under the leaves. Most of the trees are easily available as shrubs or garden centre material which makes life a lot simpler for the complete novice.

The unique section written by his friend Salvatore Liporace and his student Luigi Maggione, highly respected Bonsai Masters from Italy, also shows how you can, within Craig's five year period, take basic raw material and turn it into a masterpiece when you have understood the basics and focussed on the techniques.

This well liked Bonsai International Teacher has kept to his remit in writing a book that is truly for the beginner and it is recommended as a very good read. A great present for a friend just starting out.

One interesting thing is also his sensitive dedication to his mentor, John Yoshio Naka, the respected American Bonsai Master and one of the top five Bonsai Masters in the world. ... Read more