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The Complete Book of Bonsai: A Practical Guide to Its Art and Cultivation
Presenting a unique blend of information and ideas, The Complete Book of Bonsai is a comprehensive, practical guide to the traditions and artistic principles of growing and maintaining bonsai trees. Over 300 bonsai trees and shrubs are described, over 100 of them in an outstanding full-color photographic catalogue. CLASSIC STYLES EXPLAINED
The origins and development of bonsai are traced, and the underlying principles of this fascinating art clearly explained. The classic styles are listed and illustrated, together with full descriptions of how they were derived from models in the world. Outstanding examples of plantings in all of the various styles are shown. The types of containers are detailed, and the importance of their use for different trees or styles explained. Advice is given on placing and exhibiting your completed bonsai. CLEAR STEP-BY-STEP SEQUENCES
There is comprehensive information on how to create a bonsai from a seedling, cutting, or garden center plant. Clear step-by-step sequences take you from the initial raw material through to the finished bonsai, showing the superb results that can be achieved. All the tools and techniques of bonsai are illustrated and explained, and their use described in detail. Maintenance and propagation sections tell you everything you need to know to keep your bonsai beautiful and healthy, or to create your own trees. DETAILS OF MORE THAN 100 SPECIES
A photographic catalogue of bonsai trees and shrubs lies at the heart of the book, providing the cultivation and styling details of over 100 different species. Each entry is accompanied by an original full-color photograph of at least one outstanding specimen. This section is supplemented by a further compendium of trees and shrubs that can be grown as bonsai, giving a total of over 300 to choose from.
The Complete Book of Bonsai reveals every aspect of the art, with inspirational ideas and practical advice at every turn. Whether you are a beginner who would like to grow just one or two trees, or an experienced enthusiast who wishes to build up a whole collection, it is the essential reference work.
The origins and development of bonsai are traced, and the underlying principles of this fascinating art clearly explained. The classic styles are listed and illustrated, together with full descriptions of how they were derived from models in the world. Outstanding examples of plantings in all of the various styles are shown. The types of containers are detailed, and the importance of their use for different trees or styles explained. Advice is given on placing and exhibiting your completed bonsai. CLEAR STEP-BY-STEP SEQUENCES
There is comprehensive information on how to create a bonsai from a seedling, cutting, or garden center plant. Clear step-by-step sequences take you from the initial raw material through to the finished bonsai, showing the superb results that can be achieved. All the tools and techniques of bonsai are illustrated and explained, and their use described in detail. Maintenance and propagation sections tell you everything you need to know to keep your bonsai beautiful and healthy, or to create your own trees. DETAILS OF MORE THAN 100 SPECIES
A photographic catalogue of bonsai trees and shrubs lies at the heart of the book, providing the cultivation and styling details of over 100 different species. Each entry is accompanied by an original full-color photograph of at least one outstanding specimen. This section is supplemented by a further compendium of trees and shrubs that can be grown as bonsai, giving a total of over 300 to choose from.
The Complete Book of Bonsai reveals every aspect of the art, with inspirational ideas and practical advice at every turn. Whether you are a beginner who would like to grow just one or two trees, or an experienced enthusiast who wishes to build up a whole collection, it is the essential reference work.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 14, 2025
Oopsies 🫢
May 15, 2023
A beautiful book, and great for those wishing to learn the art of bonsai.
March 15, 2019
If you`re interested in learning about bonsai, this book has everything you need to learn in order to master this art. From detailed techniques to examples of bonsai trees, this manual made me a better bonsai grower.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
April 12, 2025
A comprehensive guide to practical Bonsai that will also get beginners excited about the possibilities!
January 24, 2009
Read this back in High School, and it's influence and impression on me were deep. I was glad to find it again in Mom and Dad's garage a few summers ago. The only trouble I've had is that every bonsai tree I've ever had I've killed.
Sigh.
Still, I really liked what Suzie said about gardening being a spiritual activity, and I think Bonsai's symbolism of us as people is beautiful.
Sigh.
Still, I really liked what Suzie said about gardening being a spiritual activity, and I think Bonsai's symbolism of us as people is beautiful.
June 15, 2010
This one of my favorite Bonsai books. Practical and beautiful. Great coffe table book. By now if you are reading all these bonsai reviews you must be thinking, "I bet D owns a copy of The Karate Kid." I don't but I love the movies. I especially love when they go to see a tree growing on a cliff in part one, and the crane move. Here I go again. Anyway great book. Great movies.
August 21, 2011
Pretty good species guide but the rest is pretty generic intro-to-bonsai stuff.
November 4, 2012
Fascinating look into the art of Bonsai
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews