Japanese miniature landscapes and, particularly, dwarf trees-“bonsai,” as they are frequently called even in the West-have long been admired throughout the world. It may come as a surprise to inexperienced gardeners but the creation and care of bonsai is a comparatively simple art which can actually be systematically taught rather than, as in earlier books on the subject, just talked about vaguely. Now, given a reasonably green thumb and a modicum of patience, anyone in any country can create his own bonsai.
The Japanese art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes contains detailed instructions, together with many helpful diagrams and charts and a treasury of photographs, on every phase of the art: propagation and training, with hints for those in a hurry and for small-apartment dwellers; daily and seasonal care, and treatment of pests; how to judge, select, and exhibit bonsai, with emphasis always upon the untold enjoyment they can provide. Included also, for those who want still more detailed information, are invaluable appendices concerning tools and equipment, soil analyses, and precise data on the more than three hundred species of plants used in making bonsai.
One of the first very good technical bonsai books available in English, however be warned… This book is excellent if somewhat dated. It is up there with John Naka’s Bonsai Techniques I & II (which are probably the best books on bonsai available in English). I do have one word of caution to potential buyers, this exact same book was republished in 1996 as “The Art of Bonsai: Creation, Care and Enjoyment”. I didn’t realize until after I received my order that I already owned an exact copy with a different title. Do yourself a favor and make sure you don’t already own this…
great book I first became aware of this book at a Shohin Bonsai show in Santa Nella California in February 2014 and thought to myself I just have to have this book. I came home and log into Amazon and low and behold it was there so I ordered it is exactly like the seller said it would be. It has a very nice looking cover and well taken care of. Some age of course, and the smell of the book reminded me of sitting in the library on weekends consuming knowledge. Once I turned to it pages I soon realize that…