Choosing and Growing Bonsai

by Peter Chan

Bonsai are both eye-catching and extremely popular—and this directory of more than 80 trees details their characteristics and explains how to look after them to get the best results. With stunning photography, and detailed instructions for choosing and growing a plant, it’s ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts alike. There’s advice on essential tools and getting started, on maintaining trees throughout the year, and on solving such frequently encountered problems as dropped or browning leaves. Techniques for nurturing and styling your plant will help you make to make the most of this horticultural art form, and guarantee that your tree stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[pennyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book on the art of bonsai written by Peter Chan. Its packed with pictures and practical information on over 80 plants / trees with details on their particular care as well as just general information regarding bonsai.

I watch Peter Chan on his youtube channel, Herons Bonsai, and am mesmerized by his ability to quickly produce Bonsai from even the most common plants. I may never be able to reach his level of expertise but I am inspired to give it a try and torture a couple of small trees this spring. Highly recommend if you are interested in practicing Bonsai or even just interested in looking at some beautiful examples, this is a good one.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is mostly a catalog of different bonsai plants, the species, beautiful photographs nonetheless. The author does discuss growing techniques and styles, but the bulk of this book is dedicated to the species and a brief description of each. I would recommend this book mostly for the pictures as a source of ideas and inspirations on how to craft your plant, and only as a jumping off point for the practice itself.

[ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chan's "bonsai beginners encyclopedia" supersedes this one and makes it irrelevant: it is mostly copied word for word from this earlier edition. Even used many of the same images. It is good for the time it is was printed but is essentially pointless and obsolete now

[KatsLoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this bonsai guide. It’s a great reference and helped me choose trees that suit my climate and interest.

[Emily Vander Ark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers more varieties of bonsai than any other book I have looked at, with very helpful tips and the answers to my questions about my ficus.