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The Complete Book of Bonsai: A Practical Guide to Its Art and Cultivation

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Description

Presenting a unique blend of information and ideas, The Complete Book of Bonsai is a comprehensive, practical guide to the traditions and artistic principles of growing and maintaining bonsai trees. Over 300 bonsai trees and shrubs are described, over 100 of them in an outstanding full-color photographic catalogue.CLASSIC STYLES EXPLAINED The origins and development of bonsai are traced, and the underlying principles of this fascinating art clearly explained. The classic styles are listed and illustrated, together with full descriptions of how they were derived from models in the world. Outstanding examples of plantings in all of the various styles are shown. The types of containers are detailed, and the importance of their use for different trees or styles explained. Advice is given on placing and exhibiting your completed bonsai.CLEAR STEP-BY-STEP SEQUENCES There is comprehensive information on how to create a bonsai from a seedling, cutting, or garden center plant. Clear step-by-step sequences take you from the initial raw material through to the finished bonsai, showing the superb results that can be achieved. All the tools and techniques of bonsai are illustrated and explained, and their use described in detail. Maintenance and propagation sections tell you everything you need to know to keep your bonsai beautiful and healthy, or to create your own trees.DETAILS OF MORE THAN 100 SPECIES A photographic catalogue of bonsai trees and shrubs lies at the heart of the book, providing the cultivation and styling details of over 100 different species. Each entry is accompanied by an original full-color photograph of at least one outstanding specimen. This section is supplemented by a further compendium of trees and shrubs that can be grown as bonsai, giving a total of over 300 to choose from. The Complete Book of Bonsai reveals every aspect of the art, with inspirational ideas and practical advice at every turn. Whether you are a beginner who would like to grow just one or two trees, or an experienced enthusiast who wishes to build up a whole collection, it is the essential reference work. Read more Read less

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Abbeville Press; First Edition (March 1, 1990)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1558591184


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 89


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.81 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.5 x 0.8 x 11.4 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #41,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #9 in Japanese Garden (Books) #47 in Gardening & Horticulture Reference (Books) #63 in Gardening Encyclopedias


#9 in Japanese Garden (Books):


#47 in Gardening & Horticulture Reference (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • An Essential Guide to Bonsai Mastery
The Complete Book of Bonsai: A Practical Guide to Its Art and Cultivation” is a must-have for anyone passionate about the art of bonsai. Authored by renowned bonsai expert Harry Tomlinson, this comprehensive guide offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. The book covers every aspect of bonsai cultivation, from selecting the right tree species and containers to mastering pruning techniques and achieving aesthetic harmony. What sets this guide apart is its clear and concise instructions, accompanied by stunning photographs that illustrate each step of the bonsai journey. Tomlinson’s expertise shines through in his meticulous explanations of bonsai styling principles, including shaping, wiring, and repotting. His insights into bonsai care, including watering, fertilizing, and pest management, are invaluable for maintaining healthy and thriving bonsai specimens. What I appreciate most about this book is its emphasis on the artistic aspect of bonsai. Tomlinson encourages readers to express their creativity and individuality through their bonsai creations, while also respecting the traditions and principles of this ancient art form. Overall, “The Complete Book of Bonsai” is an indispensable resource that will inspire and empower bonsai enthusiasts of all levels to cultivate and cherish their own miniature masterpieces. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned practitioner, this book belongs on your shelf as the ultimate guide to bonsai mastery. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024 by Natasha Kolev

  • Great for beginners
This book is a great "starter" book as it covers many of the techniques of bonsai, has lots of info on the various plants used in the art and has lots of beautiful pictures which make for enjoyable viewing as well as giving the reader ideas and ramping up enthusiasm. It is the closest book I've found to the book that got me started 35 years ago. Its wealth of information and lovely pictures also make it a nice book for the experienced bonsai gardener. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024 by Steven A. Lomba

  • Great beginner bonsai book
This book is clear, concise and goes over each element of bonsai so someone new to the practice can understand and move forward in their understanding. Highly recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023 by HJ

  • Good, but
You need Peter Chan’s Master Bonsai book. Until you are an expert, it is all you need.
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024 by RJC

  • Best Bonsai Book On the Market
I have used and bought numerous copies of this book for friends and family. Beyond “Bonsai”…. This book at a full listing of trees and types with zone tolerance, propagation, trimming and other care for instructions. This covers thousands of trees and shrubs which is applicable to those in your yard as well. Great book all around from beginner to experts. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023 by Jody

  • Hardy and beautiful
The media could not be loaded. It was packed beautifully. In a ceramic pot. Honestly, it is hardy. I have pushed it to its limit by twisting and turning, and it still is strong and beautiful. For the price it was an awesome awesome buy. Your money won’t be wasted on this one.
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023 by Linda

  • Very useful guide!
I've wanted to get into bonsai for many years now, but was always afraid by how daunting it seemed. I finally decided 2020 was the perfect year for it and after looking around figured this would be a good starting book. I've now read this book cover to cover and think it is a great guide that covers any topic you could think of! It touches on the horticultural aspects as well as the artistic styling of bonsai. The many illustrations and pictures helped me understand exactly what the author was talking about. There's even a pretty extensive species guide that helps you pick the right bonsai species for you. I'd highly recommend this book for both beginners and advanced bonsai enthusiasts! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2020 by eleshazar

  • A decent book as far as info goes, a bit outdated as far as soil mixtures and some techniques, still a good book for us newbs!
This book has almost everything from beginner to advanced bonsai techniques but it was written in the seventies and has not been updated since. Western Bonsai practitioners back in the 70s and early 80s really did not have any idea as to what the best soil substrate mixture for rhizome or root development and many of the trees pictured in this book use non porous stone mixed with topsoil and not once in the book does it mention using a all or mostly grit substrate such as Boons mix (akadama, lava stone, and pumice). While it is lacking in certain areas, what it does lack stems from the fact that Western knowledge on the art of bonsai has developed much further then when this book was last updated. That being said I do not regret purchasing this book and would suggest it for any beginners 2 Intermediate area practitioners but fall time practitioners and experts may not gain very much other than possibly to be reminded of things they have forgotten here and there. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2018 by Charles Lynch

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