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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

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Customer Reviews (11)

almost an encyclopedia..........
I may be a bit biased because I got it for $15.00....it has 288 pages of info.Made extremely well with glossy pages and hardback.Covers the most popular species,and a nice section on building artificial rock landscapes.
Not the only book you will want but will be a great addition to your bonsai library.

Just a great read.
To read this book was an interesting journey through the authors many years of bonsai. It is very well set out and is more interesting to read than most of the others books (more like instruction manuals)on bonsai. Covers so many different bases.
Has given me lots of inspiration and lots of 'oh, why didn't i try that' to use in the future.
Was sad to read that the author Dave Joyce past away not so long after the completion of this book. I hope he was happy with the end product because everyone who i meet from now on who has even a little interest in bonsai will be recommended this book as a top pick!

Great book for bonsai beginners
Very good book.Shows through case studies how to create natural looking bonsai from seedlings to nursery stock or plants collected in the wild.All of the plants shown are from his own collection and he shows the progression on each over many years, from rough plant to styled bonsai.

For the Basic Bonsai Library
This is a great basic or beginner's book that is rich in understandable, approachable, usable information. I particularly like the many projects shown over time in pictures with descriptions of what was done and why. Clearly, it was a work done out of love for the art and experience that is bonsai.

Wonderful resource for a beginner
David Joyce's "The Art of Natural Bonsai: Replicating Nature's Beauty" is the most practical and clear-written of 4 bonsai books that this bonsai beginner has read.The author is clearly experienced in his avocation; the citations include decades of work on his bonsai stock.

The late David Joyce is extremely descriptive in showing how to carry out each task necessary to create a vigorous and healthy tree.He is not preachy in adherence to his methods, either, he simply states what he has done and not done, whether or not such practices were successful, and whether he has seen evidence to support differing methods.

A beginner in the bonsia hobby would do well to read this book before any other! ... Read more

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do not waste your time and money with these kits
These kits are a waste of time and money.If you want to start with bonsai.Buy one of the beginning bonsai books offered by amazon.Harry Tomlinson's book is a good start.Then...go to your local nursery and buy a few inexpensive potted shrubs -- far better material then you could ever achieve with the seeds in this kit, and saves you about ten years of work and wait.Please do not support the charlatan peddlers of these little rip off kits. ... Read more

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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

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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

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Simple and Comprehensive
This is the, bar none, best book I've read on pruning. The information is exceptionally comprehensive and yet simple and easy to understand. The chapters are laid out in a logical way that makes finding exactly what you are looking for a breeze. I read many books on pruning before coming across this one but it is the only one I've purchased a copy of. I highly recommend it to anyone from novice gardner to someone just looking for a refresher course. ... Read more

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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

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Customer Reviews (3)

Maybe the wrong title.
The title to this book might suggest that it is a practical guide to technique.Only the last 13 pages, however, are actually about technique.The first 94 pages explore each of the major bonsai styles, with careful attention being given to design considerations based on comparisons to trees in nature.As such, the book is less about "keeping" your bonsai perfectly shaped as it is about planning for its shape in the first place.

My more serious criticism about this book is that the photographs (especially the author's nature shots) are small and, in some cases poorly reproduced.I found it frequently difficult to convince myself that I could see what the author wanted me to see.Many of the photographs are not referenced in the text, and some of the references appear to be wrong.

All in all, however, it is a good book value and provides a detailed examination of bonsai styling.

Helpful Design Strategies
This book focuses on design strategies for bonsai enthusiasts.It is a wonderful, brief read.Photographs of natural-setting trees were poor, however, especially printed as they are in very small format.Photos ofprivate bonsai trees were excellent.A good place to start for strategy indesign.

Not bad for "General Knowledg", but lacking in content
I found this book to fair well in the category of "General Knowledge", but thought it needed a little more content.I now know all the different styles and basic wiring techniques but fail to find manyof the pitfalls to training in some of the harsher styles.

I wouldrecommend this book to anyone who is a novice and lacks general knowledge,but would warn that there is much more to learn before attempting to traina bonsai tree. ... Read more

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How to train and care for them; Bonsai styles for house plants; Dictionary of plants for indoor plants; Regional favorites in America ... Read more

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Special printing of PLANTS & GARDENS with photographs by Kan Yashiroda. ... Read more

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PREFACE

The art of bonsai, together with that of ikebana or Japanese flower-arrangement, originated in Japan and is now admired throughout the world. Among the lovers and admirers of bonsai are many who find infinite pleasure in growing their own bonsai? The satisfaction of creating with their own hands the beauty of nature in miniature. Although there are several publications on bonsai, very few books have been published for beginners.

This book is designed to equip those who wish to embark upon growing their own bonsai with the knowledge and skills to do so. To this end, we have included as many photographs and illustrations as possible in the hope of giving the reader a complete and comprehensive explanation of the pleasurable and rewarding art of bonsai growing.

You will find outlined in this book every step, from the basics of how to choose a tree, what fertilizer to use and when to water, to the more skilled techniques such as wiring the branches of your tree into the desired shape. This book will be a practical help and welcome companion to all those who desire to grow bonsai, emphasizing both the growing techniques and the pleasures to be gained from viewing your plant as a work of art.

Bonsai changes with the seasons, so will give the grower enjoyment throughout the year-a pleasure that cannot be obtained from growing flowers in the garden. And, as it grows older, the more your bonsai will come to exhibit the beauty of its full-sized counterpart in nature. This is the pleasure that the authors wish to share with as many people as possible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Translated from Japanese
This book has been translated from Japanese.There are some really great tips, but it is very hard to follow.The text does not appear to line up with the pictures in some cases and most of the book is in black and white.It also does not seem to be sequenced well. It jumps from one topic to the next and then back again.

An Excellent Introduction To Growth And Care Of Bonsai Trees
I recently bought a Juniper bonsai and have become very interested in these exquisite miniature plants. Bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature which increase in beauty and value as they mature over the years. I am now thinking about purchasing another and want to learn as much as possible about the growth and proper care for these Japanese-style miniature plantings. I browsed through bookstores and also asked a friend, who has numerous healthy bonsais, for some book suggestions. I finally purchased "Bonsai: Nature in Miniature." A few people recommended it as a bonsai book that is especially designed for beginners. It is also an excellent book to accompany a bonsai given as a present.

Kyuzo Murata and Isamu Murata have created a book filled with beautiful color photographs and drawings which provides specific, step-by-step instructions for: how to select a tree; what fertilizer to use; lighting; watering; trimming; wiring branches to form tree into desired shape, etc.. The text also emphasizes the pleasures of viewing the trees as works of art.

The selection of subjects, photography, illustrations, the writing style, all present the subject - an introduction to bonsai - in a clear and interesting fashion. Highly recommended.
JANA ... Read more

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"Bonsai Tree Trimming, Sculpting and Pruning" briefly describes the bonsai art form and goes into many aspects, including:* Planting your bonsai* Pruning and trimming your bonsai into any style* When and how to water and fertilize* Repotting the plant* Where and how to display your bonsai* Taking care of outdoor bonsai in cold weather* And much, much more! Please read the following small excerpt from "Bonsai Tree Trimming, Sculpting And Pruning":-"Bonsai is the art of dwarfing trees or plants and developing them into an aesthetically appealing shape by growing, pruning and training the trees into containers according to prescribed techniques.Overall, bonsai is a great interest, hobby or even profession to undertake. Although famous theologians have claimed that it is actually 90% art to a meager 10% of horticulture, it has to be said that a successful bonsai is most definitely a horticultural masterpiece.Once arriving in the Western world, this enjoyable and rewarding pastime has never turned back, and has gained a magnificently diverse range of plant material and techniques.Given proper care, bonsai can live for hundreds of years, with prized specimens being passed from generation to generation, admired for their age, and revered as a reminder of those who have cared for them over the centuries."Order today and start enjoying one of these wonderful trees in your home. ... Read more