Bonsai

by Peter Warren

Know, grow, and create beautiful bonsai

Step-By-Step Bonsai is the ultimate introduction to bonsai trees, with illustrated step-by-step projects to make bonsai for beginners simple and achievable.

With an A-Z directory of bonsai tree care, you'll learn the key techniques needed to create your own beautiful miniature landscapes. Author and internationally renowned bonsai artist Peter Warren has taught and worked all over the world and brings you the best of Japanese bonsai. His expertise will introduce you to the tools you'll need, tips for bonsai tree care, styling ideas and how to get the best from your bonsai plants. A complete 'how to' on planting, propagation, pruning and training techniques, plant care, and siting.

Bonsai trees will bring serenity to your garden and make your landscape truly unique, even in an urban setting. With traditional techniques, display ideas and 20 contemporary projects for your miniature trees, Step-By-Step Bonsai uses photographic guides to make growing bonsai easy and approachable.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference, Plants

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2014

Reviews

[Am Y]

My friend gave me a bonsai so I picked up this book from the library to learn how to care for it. Before this, I had no idea how bonsais were made, and what they even were. I found it rather annoying that the book only mentions that bonsais are absolutely no different from their normal-sized tree counterparts at the very end, after everything else has been covered. One would think that something so fundamental would be at the start of the book!

That aside, much of the book showcases different bonsai species and shapes. A small section shows you how to create a bonsai from scratch. There is much focus on how to handle the roots in particular. Everything is accompanied by good photos.

Would probably have been a much better read if it had explained what bonsais were in the beginning.

[Juvoni]

A very thorough primer on the art and biology of Bonsai trees filled with images and descriptions of the various types of trees and styles for growing your own or maintaining a Bonsai. The author takes an iterative and foundation based approach for explaining how trees work and the plant chemistry that goes and how you can learn to "feel" the health of your tree. From the various seasonal tasks to choosing a tree, pot and learning how to prune and wiring a tree to recovering an ill tree, I felt much more confident about Bonsai care after reading this book. A plant care directory is also included that lists many variations of trees to learn how to take care of your specific type of Bonsai.

[Danielle]

I originally took this book out from my local library, and I was so glad that I did. This book was really informative about all things bonsai from, which as a budding bonsai enthusiast, prompted me to purchase my own copy of this book. This book explored basic care, choosing the right pot, equipment for bonsai care, types and styles of bonsai trees (which was probably my favorite part of the book), the different species of bonsai trees, and more. There are beautiful color illustrations and photographs.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in bonsai, and learning about bonsai in general. This book is a book I will constantly be referencing as I take care of my bonsai tree.

[Jonatan]

Beautifully made and very easy to follow. Easy and enjoyable path to walk the “way of the bonsai” (bonsai-do)

[David Wilson]

Bonsai is not for the tender hearted (I've killed too many plants to not state that as a disclaimer). However, this book is easy to understand and comprehend on how to successfully grow and care for these wonderful plants for a long time.

Easy to understand and very beneficial for the newby and experienced bonsai enthusiast.

Great diagrams and pictures to help explain what to do and why.

[Basil]

As a beginner to bonsai, this was a pretty interesting read but also really weirdly organized. For instance, the information I wanted was about growing bonsai from seed but that's near the end of the book. Seems like the information about how to acquire a bonsai to begin with would be a good place to start, I would think.

Also, it was frustrating to see terms used without any definition. In that way it reads more like a texbook (with me having to flip to the back to look up the words) than a well written guide.

Also, I have four different kinds of trees that I am using to create bonsai with, found through research from other sources and none were mentioned in this book! They aren't particulrly exotic species (hello mimosa). I question if there is some sort of bonsai culture war going on behind the scenes of this book.

Overall I just found this book a bit fussy and presumptive, both in regards to the knowledge the book imparts as well as how it imparts it.

[Andrew Pender-Smith]

This book is beautifully laid out. It contains an abundance of attractive, full-colour photographs and all the explanations given are clear and concise. Together, the photos and text offer a great deal of what one needs to know about bonsai. The author takes the reader through the early days of bonsai keeping to present-day bonsai development in various countries. From types of trees, bonsai soil, pots, pruning and so much else that one needs to know about bonsai, this is a valuable read for the bonsai enthusiast.

[CleverBaggins]

As far as I can tell this is a great starter book. Answered several of my questions and made me feel more confident about tree choices coming up. Good pictures and doesn't look old and outdated like so many others I found.

[Good]

This book is a MUST READ for anyone delving into bonsai. Very complete and thorough with history, explanation of terms, tool descriptions, tree descriptions, art form, and step by step directions for a variety of types of bonsai creations.

[Laura Gilfillan]

Information on classic bonsai form, methods of wiring, some projects for making your own bonsai, only a few details about how to take care of one. It did have a nice section about different trees that are appropriate to use, and what their characteristics are.

[Alex Neilson]

I feel this is a superb introduction to the basics of bonsai, and includes everything anyone is likely to need in order to get started in this art.

[Kimberlyn]

Really useful reference book. I read a library copy but will pick up my own if I end up getting into bonsai

[Sabrina Seheri]

A very good book on Bonsai. Nice layout. Covered all the basic you need to know to give a start.

[Marilyn]

Pretty comprehensive book on the art of bonsai. The pictures and illustrations are very helpful. All I need now is a small tree and about 20 years.

[Tara]

I wasn't expecting much with this book, figuring it was all shine and no substance. But I ended up really enjoying it. Answered a lot of questions for me.

[Cade]

Excellent guide for beginners and beyond!

[Chloe H]

Very accessible information for beginners. It has enough pictures for you to visualize as well. I get a sense of direction for what to look into more in depth.

[Ietrio]

It looks like a nice beginner bonsai tender book. And the graphics are okay.

[Michelle Smart]

I read the introductory material and then skimmed the project section-the bulk of the book. This gives practical advice on what sort of styling is admired in the bonsai community as well as how to achieve it. Although I borrowed it from the library, this would serve better as a reference book to have on hand.

[Jonathan McWilliams]

Bonsai is a lot like learning a language in that you often have trouble grasping it if you only study from a single source. This book is charming and I have enjoyed the pictures and ideas. It should be used as a supplement to online videos and other books.

[Nuno]

Very informative book and nice selection of pictures. The explanations are quite detailed. The miniprojects idea is interesting though they are not for everyone, for example, groups of trees. Anyway, you can always get some tips.

[John Falenschek]

Outstanding source and reference, it'll be on my bench for handy use.

[Ign33l]

I knew nuthin but now imma make and take care of my first bb. I will call her pamela

[Evan Guerra]

Beautiful photography of Bonsai.