All too often the attractive bonsai tree bought with such enthusiasm fails to thrive, or even withers and dies after a few short weeks. Bonsai Survival Manual is a one-stop source of vital information to help you avoid those key mistakes and ensure your bonsai survives and stays healthy. From advice on evaluating and selecting plants, to assessing plant health and troubleshooting, here is the clear, comprehensive every bonsai gardener needs for success.

Colin Lewis writes regularly for several international bonsai magazines and is the founder and consulting editor of the US magazine Bonsai. A design consultant, Lewis has spent the last 20 years creating bonsai. He has participated in demonstrations and workshops throughout Europe, and exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show and the Annual Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibition in Osaka, Japan. He lives in the UK

Survival is the key word here, for these delicate plants are difficult to care for. Lewis, founder of Bonsai magazine, has written a guide to buying and maintaining a bonsai. There are instructions on shaping, pruning, repotting, and pests and diseases. Lewis lists 50 popular species, with specific information on growing each tree–maple, bamboo, hornbeam, hackberry, quince, cypress, cotoneaster, cedar, beech, ficus, juniper, myrtle, pine, etc. Four-color photographs throughout, primarily for beginners. George Cohen

From advice on evaluating and selecting plants, to assessing plant health and troubleshooting, the BONSAI SURVIVAL MANUAL provides the comprehensive information every bonsai gardener needs for success. Includes detailed horticultural profiles of 50 popular commercial varieties, with at-a-glance information on their specific requirements.