The Complete Practical Encyclopedia of Bonsai: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Creating, Growing, and Displaying Bonsai with Over 800 Photographs

Description

Bonsai, an ancient tradition with its origins in China, is a fascinating 'living art' that captures the beauty and strength of trees and shrubs in miniature. Developed as a fine art form in Japan, it inspires and intrigues gardeners the world over. , Starting with a fascinating introduction to bonsai, the book defines and describes this ancient craft, explaining the best trees and shrubs to use as well as the importance of bonsai size, proportion and aesthetics. The art of displaying bonsai is also examined in some detail, with useful advice on pots and containers, display stands, accessories and accent planting, as well as how to display bonsai indoors and outdoors. A beautifully illustrated section on the bonsai year looks at growing seasonal bonsai, from the glory of cerise azaleas in spring to the flaming colours of autumn acers, while a photographic gallery provides stunning images of over 40 mature bonsai specimens, with statistical information on their age and the method of training. , The essential techniques of this precise art form are clearly described, and there is practical guidance on tools and equipment, propagation, and soil types, as well as on basic pruning, shaping and wiring. There is also advice on advanced bonsai techniques for creating beautiful flowering and fruiting bonsai, including azaleas and rhododendrons, chrysanthemum, fuchsia, prunus and wisteria. An invaluable bonsai directory provides horticultural information on a variety of popular species for both indoors and outside, while a chapter on caring for bonsai gives advice on watering, feeding and general maintenance regimes, as well as coping with pests and diseases. , A unique inspirational and practical section on bonsai styles describes 15 of the most popular methods of cultivation, from formal and informal upright to slanting and windswept, and includes how-to instruction on how to achieve each example. , Written by one of the foremost bonsai specialists, the book is beautifully illustrated with over 600 specially commissioned photographs featuring stunning portraits of excellent bonsai specimens and practical, informative step-by-step sequences. , The essential practical guide to a classic art with techniques, step-by-step projects and over 800 photographs , Contains useful guidelines for choosing the best trees and shrubs, as well as understanding bonsai proportions and aesthetics , Gives expert step-by-step advice on all the basic techniques, such as defoliating and wiring, as well as how-to sequences for designing and styling 15 classic bonsai styles from formal and informal upright to slanting and windswept , Provides helpful suggestions for displaying bonsai successfully, with expert guidance on containers, display stands and accessories , Includes an invaluable visual directory of over 40 of the most suitable bonsai plants, as well as advice on seasonal care and maintenance , A stunning and fully comprehensive reference that is ideal for the beginner as well as the more experienced bonsai artist , 'A masterly account for beginner and expert alike written with enthusiasm and authority.' Roy Lancaster, OBE. , Review: 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! Review: Perfect for Beginners! - This book is perfect for any beginner who wants to master Bonsai tree growing. The pictures are detailed, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. If you want to start your own bonsai garden, this book is a great place to start.