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Japanese Maples: Momiji and Kaede
Among the first titles published in 1978, with more than 150,000 copies in print in three editions, Japanese Maples is a Timber Press classic. Japanese maples are unlike any other tree. They boast a remarkable diversity of color, form, and texture. As a result of hundreds of years of careful breeding, they take the center stage in any garden they are found. In the last decade, the number of Japanese maple cultivars available to gardeners has doubled and there is a pressing need for an up-to-date reference. This new fourth edition offers detailed descriptions of over 150 new introductions, updates to plant nomenclature, and new insights into established favorites. Gardeners will relish the practical advice that puts successful cultivation within everyone's grasp. Accurate identification is made simple with over 600 easy-to-follow descriptions and 500 color photographs.
- GenresGardeningNonfiction
332 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 15, 2008
The authoritative reference "bible" for Japanese Maples. This is basically an encyclopedia of the hundreds of named Japanese maple cultivars (cultivated varieties), so don't go buy this just because I gave it 5 stars. Still, it's one of my most valued books.
I began collecting Japanese maples a few years ago and they've sort of become an analogy for life in addition to being a hobby for me. In short, Japanese maples are analogous to people and how we experience life and growth.
First, like people, Japanese Maples are exquisitely beautiful and unique. Due to their genetic richness, seedlings can differ from the parent tree in color, leaf shape, size, and other characteristics. This variability lends itself to the development of potentially thousands of unique varieties of the same species (Acer Palmatum). I have cultivars that will grow to be 20-foot trees, and dwarf varieties that will be 2 feet tall when I die. Some are red-leaved, others green, and others have very distinct variegated patterns. Some have leaves that are broad and palmate in structure, others have a laceleaf "dissectum" form. Some turn yellow in the fall, but most turn a brilliant crimson red; a couple of mine have bark that turns bright red in the winter providing a beautiful contrast with the snow. Even within the same cultivar, their unique branching structure guarantees a living work of art that becomes more distinctive as the years pass (like our own souls, hopefully).
Another part of the Japanese Maple Life Analogy is that these beautiful specimens take time to grow (especially here in Utah, but that's not supposed to be part of the analogy). There is no quick shortcut to their development - you have to be patient. Interestingly, they don't live well in warmer climates with year-round growing seasons. They need a dormant period each year to consolidate their strength. To me, it's a reminder of the importance of taking time periodically for renewal and "re-creation."
Finally, the key to healthy Japanese maples is consistency. They can grow in a variety of soil types, and don't require artificial fertilizers, but a consistent level of moisture is critical. You can't make up for extended dry periods by overwatering - inconsistent watering can stress the tree to the point that it will drop all its leaves and possibly die. Parenthetically (but still staying with the analogy), most Japanese maples are surprisingly resilient; if appropriately cared for, stressed trees may even begin to re-grow their leaves that same season. But the bottom line: they need a regular watering schedule to be healthy, particularly when they are young. From a spiritual perspective, it's a reminder to me that my own soul will thrive when it is nourished on a consistent basis. The famine-feast-famine approach is risky, unhealthy, and inconsistent with the "natural order" of growth.
Well, who knew you would be getting such a lengthy sermon on Japanese maple trees and their relation to life and spiritual growth? Come visit my backyard and we can further plumb the depths of what my young Japanese maple trees can teach us about life and eternity!
I began collecting Japanese maples a few years ago and they've sort of become an analogy for life in addition to being a hobby for me. In short, Japanese maples are analogous to people and how we experience life and growth.
First, like people, Japanese Maples are exquisitely beautiful and unique. Due to their genetic richness, seedlings can differ from the parent tree in color, leaf shape, size, and other characteristics. This variability lends itself to the development of potentially thousands of unique varieties of the same species (Acer Palmatum). I have cultivars that will grow to be 20-foot trees, and dwarf varieties that will be 2 feet tall when I die. Some are red-leaved, others green, and others have very distinct variegated patterns. Some have leaves that are broad and palmate in structure, others have a laceleaf "dissectum" form. Some turn yellow in the fall, but most turn a brilliant crimson red; a couple of mine have bark that turns bright red in the winter providing a beautiful contrast with the snow. Even within the same cultivar, their unique branching structure guarantees a living work of art that becomes more distinctive as the years pass (like our own souls, hopefully).
Another part of the Japanese Maple Life Analogy is that these beautiful specimens take time to grow (especially here in Utah, but that's not supposed to be part of the analogy). There is no quick shortcut to their development - you have to be patient. Interestingly, they don't live well in warmer climates with year-round growing seasons. They need a dormant period each year to consolidate their strength. To me, it's a reminder of the importance of taking time periodically for renewal and "re-creation."
Finally, the key to healthy Japanese maples is consistency. They can grow in a variety of soil types, and don't require artificial fertilizers, but a consistent level of moisture is critical. You can't make up for extended dry periods by overwatering - inconsistent watering can stress the tree to the point that it will drop all its leaves and possibly die. Parenthetically (but still staying with the analogy), most Japanese maples are surprisingly resilient; if appropriately cared for, stressed trees may even begin to re-grow their leaves that same season. But the bottom line: they need a regular watering schedule to be healthy, particularly when they are young. From a spiritual perspective, it's a reminder to me that my own soul will thrive when it is nourished on a consistent basis. The famine-feast-famine approach is risky, unhealthy, and inconsistent with the "natural order" of growth.
Well, who knew you would be getting such a lengthy sermon on Japanese maple trees and their relation to life and spiritual growth? Come visit my backyard and we can further plumb the depths of what my young Japanese maple trees can teach us about life and eternity!
November 13, 2017
More comprehensive information than I was even searching for. A great book. I'm sure I will return to this many times.
March 29, 2016
I own 3 editions of this one. The definitive souce about japanese maples. A momijigari by itself!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews