Bonsai Tree Care

Unlike their larger relatives, these palm-size trees can be potted, shaped, and pruned in only an hour or two, are easy to manage, and require little space. “A guide for the novice that explains the preparation, watering, weeding and seasonal care of bonsai as well as which pests and diseases may affect the plants….A list of 200 plants presents specifics.”—The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

About the Author

Hon Non Bo, or the art of creating miniature landscapes, is an important aspect of Vietnamese culture. For centuries Vietnam’s mountainous terrain of caverns and outcrops, sinuous rivers, and verdant plant life has inspired the arrangements of stones, water, and plants set in shallow pots. With this book as a resource, admirers of bonsai and Asian art can obtain an effective historical perspective on a little-known living art form, and formulate a context encompassing the spiritual and aesthetic symbolism of Hon Non Bo. Photographs help explain the association of artistic elements and the meaningful countenance of trees, huts, bridges, and animal and human figures used in the creation of the landscapes; a step-by-step approach to making the concrete container basins is also illustrated. A commendable handbook, introducing technical information along with the fundamental precepts of building a miniature landscape. Alice Joyce
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Large, easy to follow, instructive photographs clearly [define] the Vietnamese art. . . . The book is a pleasure to enjoy. — William N. Valavanis, International Bonsai, No. 1 2002

The explanations of the historical, religious, and philosophical significance of this art are understandable and very informative. — Barbara S. Jones, California Garden, May – June 2002

What a fascinating and hiterto completely unknown field. . . . I can hardly wait. — Stefan Buczacki, Bookseller Buyer’s Guide, Autumn 2001

Stressed out by the upcoming holidays? Invite tranquility into your home or workplace with your own holiday bonsai tree. Based upon a centuries-old tradition, the kit includes a pot, seeds, a peat pellet, and small scissors, plus a 44-page introduction to the beauty of berry bonsai. With a little patience, you’ll enjoy growing a miniature version of this already miniature art!

Writing for those with no bonsai experience, Larry and Shirley Student cover everything from buying the first plant to creating a miniature landscape of rocks, grasses and trees. In between, they describe different bonsai styles, list important tools, explain pruning and pinching and introduce procedures like defoliation. In short, the authors cover all aspects of bonsai, anticipating common problems and offering practical advice gained from years of working with plants. Kurt Seastrand, past president of the Northeast Bonsai Association raves, “A wonderful book for anyone intrigued by bonsai but hesitant to start. It provides the beginner the excitement and confidence to launch into this fascinating hobby.”

PREFACE

The art of bonsai, together with that of ikebana or Japanese flower-arrangement, originated in Japan and is now admired throughout the world. Among the lovers and admirers of bonsai are many who find infinite pleasure in growing their own bonsai? The satisfaction of creating with their own hands the beauty of nature in miniature. Although there are several publications on bonsai, very few books have been published for beginners.

This book is designed to equip those who wish to embark upon growing their own bonsai with the knowledge and skills to do so. To this end, we have included as many photographs and illustrations as possible in the hope of giving the reader a complete and comprehensive explanation of the pleasurable and rewarding art of bonsai growing.

You will find outlined in this book every step, from the basics of how to choose a tree, what fertilizer to use and when to water, to the more skilled techniques such as wiring the branches of your tree into the desired shape. This book will be a practical help and welcome companion to all those who desire to grow bonsai, emphasizing both the growing techniques and the pleasures to be gained from viewing your plant as a work of art.

Bonsai changes with the seasons, so will give the grower enjoyment throughout the year-a pleasure that cannot be obtained from growing flowers in the garden. And, as it grows older, the more your bonsai will come to exhibit the beauty of its full-sized counterpart in nature. This is the pleasure that the authors wish to share with as many people as possible.

KYUZO MURATA was born in 1902 in the historical city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, deep in the mountains of central Japan. Although he entered Tokyo’s elite Keio University, he was forced by illness to leave before graduating. Having always had a great interest in bonsai, after his recovery he decided to devote himself completely to the art of bonsai growing. In 1926 Kyuzo moved to Omiya City, Saitama Prefecture, where he established the Kyuka-en Bonsai Garden. Here he grew many high-quality bonsai. Kyuzo was the Highest Councillor to the Japan Union of Bonsai Growers and also Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Kokufu Bonsai Association until his death in 1993.

ISAMU MURATA, Kyuzo Murata’s son, was born in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture in 1936. In 1959 he began to study the art of bonsai at Kyuka-en and since 1993, following the death of his father, has run Kyuka-en. Today Isamu continues to raise bonsai and to promote the art that he loves, based on a new sense that suits the modern era. His books include Four Seasons of Bonsai (Kodansha), Bonsai of the Imperial Family (Mainichi Shimbunsha), and A Guidebook to Wildflowers (Kodansha).

Kyuka-en was established by Kyuzo Murata between 1926 and 1931 in Bonsai-machi, a section of Omiya City. Even now, the shelves of Kyuka-en display a large variety of bonsai throughout the year, all created with great devotion. The general public is free to visit Kyuka-en and see the bonsai.

A joy to read, with excellent instructions and gorgeous photographs. (Patty Jessome Edmonton Sun 20060924)

Especially helpful graphics and photos. (George Weigel Harrisburg Patriot-News 20060514)

Readers will be surprised to find a number of common indoor plants… can be trained and pruned into exciting bonsai. (Ken Smith London Free Press 20060722)

Lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings so large and clear they seem to leap from the pages… comprehensive… step-by-step instructions. (Marilyn K. Alaimo Chicago Botanic Gardens Current Books on Gardening 20060517)

Clear, illustrated instructions help beginners feel confident about starting, training and caring for bonsai in many different styles. (Mary Fran McQuade Beach Metro Community News 20060813)

A superior book for aficionados and novices alike… turns a complex form of gardening into an easy-to-understand process… exceptional illustrations. (Maureen Gilmer Scripps Howard News Service 200701)

This informative and beautifully illustrated book would be a fantastic addition to any gardener’s library. (Tricia Landry Wallace Country Accents )

An essential reference for growing indoor and outdoor bonsai.

The cultivation of tropical and subtropical species is setting a new trend among bonsai gardeners. This book features a wide range of bonsai styles and shapes, along with step-by-step instructions and illustrations that expertly guide the reader through the pruning and wiring techniques.

This easy-to-use book covers how to grow bonsai both indoors and outdoors, including building a collection, diseases and pests, cultivating, and propagation.

A major feature of Successful Bonsai is the illustrated A-Z list of bonsai species with descriptions of 80 plants, including 15 classic species. Each entry details complementary training styles, ideal sowing conditions for seedlings, tips on how and when to propagate cuttings, how and when to shape an established plant, and detailed cultivation instructions.

Informative and practical, Successful Bonsai is a superb source of inspiration that will instill confidence in the beginner and spark the imagination of the professional.