Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way

by Jake Hobson

Over the years, Japanese gardeners have fine-tuned a distinctive set of pruning techniques that coax out the essential characters of their garden trees, or niwaki . In this highly practical book, Western gardeners are encouraged to draw upon the techniques and sculpt their own garden trees to unique effect. After first discussing the principles that underpin the techniques, the author offers in-depth guidelines for shaping pines, azaleas, conifers, broadleaved evergreens, bamboos and deciduous trees. Throughout the text, step-by-step illustrations accompany the instructions, while abundant photographs and anecdotes bring the ideas surrounding niwaki vividly to life.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference, Plants, Japan, Horticulture, How To

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful, beautiful, and well written guide to why and how trees in Japanese gardens may be shaped to appear more mature and suggest a larger landscape. I'm not very educated in the art history of Japanese gardens, but have recently begun a minor volunteer role in helping to keep one up. What I was looking for out of this book: some understanding of how the "look" of a garden is created, so that I could support that rather than undermining it with my efforts, and what horticultural techniques are used to create that effect. The clear diagrams of pruning and regrowth over years were particularly helpful in that department; I feel a little more confident that I have not been making some 50 year mistakes in my clippings, haha. The book also gives you suggestions on which types of trees are known to respond well to hard pruning and which just die, which is also appreciated. Excellent work.

[George G · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite quote from this book is in the last chapter. It is a brilliant piece of ancient Japanese wisdom. "You have to make friends with your tree... you will be able to talk to each tree... you should love nature from your heart, otherwise you cannot make good trees... but most of all you should love your wife."

[Luke Mulligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a love of Japanese style pruning and Japanese gardens in general. Jake Hobson is an authority on pruning, training and shaping trees the Japanese way. Quite possibly one of the most knowledgeable Westerners to cover this specific topic. The book is incredible, covering a wide range of different plants commonly used in not only Japanese gardens, but gardens all over the world. Any gardener creating a Japanese garden or woh a love of Japanese gardens and pruning should have this manual. I’m yet to find a better resource !

[Robert Blumenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-have book for any gardener who would like to have a thorough understanding of Japanese garden styling and maintenance. The book contains an abundance of illustrations that lead the gardener step-by-step through all phases of garden tree care. The author has included his own photos as examples of his subject, which only serves to connect his text and concepts more effectively. The book is well-written and easy to comprehend. My only beef was that he made a disparaging remark about bonsai, which is an art that I personally practice, so that was hurtful to me. But, no need to trash the whole book out (or the author) because of a single offense. He's entitled to his opinion. In any event, a delightful and highly educational book that I recommend.

[Eivind Lindbråten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Niwaki. Still some mysteries left, but it's a good start.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little out of my league. More like something to aspire to.

[Matty-Swytla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of various styles and techniques for shaping trees and shrubs, good photographs of finished gardens and work on young trees, very nice introduction to the philosophy behind the aesthetic of particular styles of gardens, some examples of modern work or just people's ways of adapting more formal garden styles into their own homes.

Useful guide, good overview of various species of trees and shurbs, their particular demands and styling schedule.

[Stan Pedzick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect reference book for pruning your flowing trees and shrubs, as well as ornamental trees like a Japanese garden.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niwaki is a fascinating look at the techniques of Japanese gardening in a manner that can be adapted to all gardens. As Bonsai is to cultivating trees in containers, Niwaki is about trees and their cultivation in the Japanese garden. The relatively short, but succicent, book is on garden maintenance and associated techniques and a very readable and informative introduction to the practice of Japanese gardening.

Creating a Japanese garden is not just a matter of design and use of prescribed plants and ornaments, but more importantly how the trees are maintained to encapsulate elements of culture, religion and landscape. Trees and particular techniques of pruning to shape them to particular forms are described succulently with the use of excellent photographs and line drawings.

The author began his career in Niwaki from the perspective of an artist which brings freshness to this gardening book viewing trees for shape and form rather than as horticultural subjects, and introduces the Japanese reverence for the natural world.

Definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in gardening.

[Ruhegeist]

Having a hard time getting into this book. The beginning history is largely taken from better books I've already read. Since I've moved on to other books and not picked this one up for some time, I'm moving it to my to-read list.

[Emily]

Alright, I started this, but have to move it back to the "to-read" shelf because I have not picked it up again. but I will! ..... soon.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not easily rate a book 5 stars. So yes, I definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in Japanese gardening/gardens.
The best book on Niwaki Pruning in English.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

very time consuming to prune a tree to look casually windswept and interestingly natural