Reviews (3)

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. 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

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. General    6. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    7. Gardening / Japanese Gardens    8. Horticulture    9. Specialized gardening methods   

Subjects:  1. Gardening    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Japanese Gardens - General    6. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY   

Reviews (3)

Great 'how-to'
Put this one in the category of a good 'hands-on' guide to bonsai, almost like having a master looking over your shoulder. The book offeres specific advice on care & pitfalls of ten popular species -- which is great -- but the part I value the most is the author's use of examples in showing how to create and re-design bonsai specimens. Detail oriented and does a great job of explaining all facts
I have read many books on Bonsai from various sources.This one gave me very detailed explanations on specific trees/plants.Lot of details and pictures. This is not one of those books with a bunch of good pictures andlittle details.Well worth the purchase.

Beautifully illustrated and very helpful:4.5 stars
I highly recommend this book to other bonsai-ists. It's worth the price for the illustratons. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Flowering woody plants    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    7. Ornamental Plants    8. Shrubs & trees   

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. 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.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    6. Ornamental Plants    7. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    8. Shrubs & trees   

Reviews (1)

FUNNY!FUNNY!FUNNY!
I recently purchased the "Art of the Bonsai Potato" kit for my husband who enjoys a good laugh now and then, and he loved it.I read the book as well, and we have both began our own "Zen cultivation" operation in an unused cupboard in our kitchen.They're fun, quirky, and great for kids, too.Young and old will appreciate the quick-witted tongue-and-cheek writing in the book included in the kit, and the Bonsai Potatoes are fun and easy to grow and "maintain" with the handy-dandy clippers and tweezers included!This kit makes a superb little gifts or stocking-stuffers at Christmas (or big-money dreidel ante at Chanukah!).Also, in doing a little more research on "Potato Bonsai," I discovered even more information on this new artform on the internet!This kit is very cool, and I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor and an open mind! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gardening    2. Gardening/Plants    3. General    4. Home Gardening    5. Humor    6. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    7. Fruit & vegetables    8. Humour    9. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (1)

The book that we have been waiting for
The amount of work that has gone into this excellent book shows clearly in the clear writing and great images throughout. Not everything is Bonsai now, we are learning about other cultures, and their path to what we find is a mutual interest. This is not a book about Vietnamese Bonsai at all but a book about creating landscape in miniature. Popular for many centuries but little know outside its home, Hon Non Bo is exciting in concept and immensely pleasurable in developing. Not difficult as an art form but does need this book to explain to you how to get started and how to develop your understanding of this ancient art. I enjoyed the book and found myself reaching for it a number of times this year. I recommended it to all my classes, friends and students.Read more

Subjects:  1. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Techniques    4. House plants    5. Individual artists    6. Nature in art, still life, landscapes & seascapes    7. Specialized gardening methods    8. Gardening/Plants    9. Gardening    10. Hon non bo    11. Háon non bòão   

Reviews (3)

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.

Authoritative, yet condescending, and culturally uninformed
Surprisingly enough, this book was written by two Westerners, for Westerners.Upon reading this book, one wonders why Orientals are praised in numerous passages as metaphysical "self-questing" masters, (Yoda?)and in as many places, Europeans and Westerners are referred to as catagorically "ignorant."Once one moves beyond these condescending and culturally myopic statements, the book contains much useful information.By the way, Bonsai is an art that is dying out in Japan, and there are few, if any, young people who care anything about it, much less respect it as an art form.Having lived all over Japan during the ten years that I was there, I am of the opinion that young Japanese people are as ignorant of their own culture as the authors claim Americans and Europeans are.And actually, the Americans and Europeans that I came into contact with knew more about Japanese history, customs and culture than the Japanese themselves.Might I suggest sticking to the topic of Bonsai and leaving your reversed cultural biases out of print ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    6. Techniques    7. BG-HUMOR/GAMES - BG-GAMES/PUZZLES    8. Gardening / Japanese Gardens   

Subjects:  1. Gardening    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Japanese Gardens - General    6. Gardening / Japanese Gardens    7. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (7)

True bonsai
Full of examples of excellent bonsais, the results of techniques which are almost lost in the present profit-basis world of bonsai. This book is an accumulation of true masterpieces which an amateur can never attain. Excellent introduction to true masterpieces
Full of examples of excellent bonsais, the results of techniques which are almost lost in the present profit-basis world of bonsai. This book is an accumulation of true masterpieces which an amateur can never attain. An excellent introduction to true masterpieces
Full of examples of excellent bonsais, the results of techniques which are almost lost in the present profit-basis world of bonsai. This book is an accumulation of true masterpieces which an amateur can never attain.Read more

Subjects:  1. Flowers - General    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    6. Ornamental Plants    7. Bonsai   

Reviews (4)

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)
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Container    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. House Plants & Indoor    7. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    8. Ornamental Plants    9. Gardening / Japanese Gardens   

Reviews (5)

A great book to introduce a beginner to Bonsai
I found this book a wonderful read. Excellent information, not too lengthy in detail but concise and intelligent. No information overload. Just the very thing to get a beginner interested in starting Bonsai. Sound techniques and a very friendly read throughout.The sections are well laid out and in my opinion, the book acts like a teacher of Bonsai was just behind me when I am working on my Bonsai. I have been keeping Bonsai for two years now and this was exactly the kind of book I was looking for-a book to take me from the elements to intermediate. I have seen this excellent teacher twice now and I have been inmpressed with his teaching abilities. This is clear in his writing. Succinct, to the point and no faffle! This beautifully illustrated book must obviously make one or two other Bonsai writers very jealous.

A very good Bonsai Book
This book is excellent when it comes to giving beginners to Intermediate growers information on basic techniques. I am a Bonsai grower of nearly ten years and I wanted to review this book after reading some of the other reviews. Its clear that Craig Coussins has worked to keep such information at the introduction level and he succeeds extremely well. His section on watering, for example, does not cover bad, old fashioned techniques such as full pot immersion, which, on most trees, disturb the soil and cause damage to the fine feeder roots that need to develop in a Bonsai. He discusses proper soil requirements for most types of Bonsai. And their various needs. In a simple way and not a complicated way, unless you find such things complicated of course. He uses clear and well-tried techniques to explain the best way forward. He can not cover all species in such a book of course, after all who can, but he goes a long way towards this by explaining the general techniques for most popular species in many climates. His understanding of techniques can be applied to both indoor and outdoor trees and he discusses that in some detail. His second book, Totally Bonsai is very much a beginner's book and works well, in addition to Bonsai for Beginners which is designed to take the beginner from start to intermediate standard. Apart from being a reference book it is also a very will planned book and easy to follow and easy to read. I can not wait for his next book, Bonsai School, that he mentions on his web site.

Somewhat disappointing at best.
I found this book to be somewhat disappointing at best. The positive reviews that other people wrote were misleading. This book should certainly not receive 5 out of 5 stars! I myself am a beginner to bonsai, and found this book to be quite unacceptable in terms of actually instructing the beginner. In fact, after purchasing this book I was immediately inclined to go purchase another book that had more explicit instructions for different bonsai. Read more

Subjects:  1. Gardening    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Japanese Gardens - General    6. Gardening / Japanese Gardens    7. SCI FI/FANTASY - FANTASY TRD HC   

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Ornamental Plants    6. Gardening: plants    7. Horticulture   

Reviews (6)

Good Picture Reference
Very nice photographs.Good intro to the craft...but lacking a bit. (There is no mention on `stump chopping' at all.)Has a good tree reference/care at the end.It was my first bonsai book...It's a keeper.

This book was great and answered all of my questions!
I highly recomend this book to any one who wants to become serious about bonsai.Great photos and explanitions.

A quick reference at a glance book
I have read this book and have looked at the pictures many times.I use it as a picture reference as to how my creations should look more so than as how to do it.I have a web site that goes more in depth in this subject... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    6. Japanese Gardens - General    7. House plants    8. Shrubs & trees   

Reviews (11)

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!

Excellent Resource for Beginners
Interested in bonsai but clueless on where to begin?This book makes an excellent starting point.It clearly and concisely explains the basic "rules" - which the author advises the reader to learn, practice, then feel free to ignore as their confidence and creativity take over.Every basic area, from tools to pots, from soil to common plant choices, are explained and illustrated with hundreds of drawings and color photographs.If you decide to truly pursue the art of bonsai this book alone will not be enough - you will need to draw upon other books and build a resource library.But, for your first introduction to the hobby, I highly recommend this "workshop". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gardening    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Ornamental Plants    6. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY PRESCHOOL    7. Bonsai    8. Gardening / Japanese Gardens    9. Shrubs & trees   

Reviews (2)

Beginners only
I ordered this book after receiving and reviewing a number of others, so while I'm still fairly new to bonsai, I have done a good bit of reading on the subject. Lang's work is very general and makes a reasonable starting point, but I don't recommend it to anyone with some experience and background. More satisfying are Harry Tomlinson's "Bonsai" and Colin Lewis' "Bonsai Survival Manual," although I found the latter also rather limited. Of the books I've read to date, Tomlinson is the one I would recommend most and whose other books I'm likely to look at or purchase.

Comprehensive First Timer Bonsai Book
Distilled knowledge from prior editions dating to the 1960s, arranged by level of expertise, including recommended tools, soils, pots, plants according to one's past experience with bonsai. Inspiring and informative photos, best of the "get to know about bonsai" books; encourages development of skills and techniques. A must have for the budding bonsaist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Japanese Gardens - General   

Subjects:  1. Arboriculture    2. Bonsai    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai   

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Ornamental Plants    6. Personal & Practical Guides    7. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    8. Gardening / Trees   

Reviews (3)

Very informative and helpful
As a bonsai beginner, I found this book contained very good answers to most of my questions. It is more helpful than my other 3 bonsai books, combined. Ok Beginners book
This is a good general basics book -- it has beautiful color plates and some good diagramming on prunning and training. A must for for indoor Bonsai newcomers.
This is an excellent book for newcomers and pros alike.It encourages oneto break with many of the old traditions and grow your Bonsai indoors!Itcovers all aspects of tropical and sub-tropical tree cultivation and giveshints and tips on every page. Excellent value for money at any price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gardening    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    5. Japanese Gardens - General    6. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    7. Gardening / Japanese Gardens   

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    6. Japanese Gardens - General    7. Gardening / House Plants   

Reviews (1)

A very small world
The writer presents 18 miniature landscapes which, she says, "represent a very personal synthesis of the bonsai and penjing traditions". These landscape are made up of the usual tiny trees, moss and gravel, but they also contain intricate rocky "outcrops" which form the basis of the entire landscape. Her creations combine the delicacy of the tiny landscape with the ruggedness of rock and tree to unique effect.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bonsai    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Japanese Gardens - Bonsai    6. Japanese Gardens - General    7. Specialized gardening methods