Bonsai Secrets

Bonsai Secrets
by Peter Chan
ISBN 0762106247 SC pp.176
Published March 2006
Reader's Digest

I recently acquired this book and a complete review will soon follow

The Japanese Art of miniature Trees and Landscape

The Japanese Art of miniature
Trees and Landscape
By Yuji Yoshimura
ISBN 0-8048-0282-3 SC pp.220
Published 1957
Charles E. Tuttle Company Inc.

Although this book is dated, it definitely owns a place on your book shelf. The depth of detail Yuji imparts in this book is just short of his passion for bonsai. You will not find pretty photographs in this book, well at least not the ones you have been accustomed to, but what you will find is extremely well detailed procedures and sketches. With the exception of soil components, it is refreshing to see that the techniques of yesteryear are still very much the norm today.

This book, beyond a doubt, has all of the information the serious bonsai artist needs to know. The authors provide very thorough details about creating bonsai, and take it to the level of science rather than art. However, it is because of this high degree of detail that I was struck with how serious the art really can be. I would tend to recommend Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes to the person who is quite dedicated to pursuing the art, and would not recommend it to a person with a more casual interest.

All about creating Japanese Gardens

All about creating
Japanese Gardens
By Marilyn Rogers
ISBN 0897211480 HC pp176
Published 2003
Meredith Publishing Group

I wasn't going to review this book as it is dwarfed when compared to Peter Chan's reference on the same subject.

However, I decided to give my perspective on this volume regardless. Although, the fundamentals of good design are present, this book is more of a quick reference when compared with Peter's work which goes into much greater detail. When comparing cost, it rings in at half the price of Peter's book, but is also a soft covered publication.

The Art of Bonsai Design

The Art of Bonsai Design
by Colin Lewis
ISBN 1402700709 HC pp.160
Published 2001
Sterling Publishing Co, Inc.

This book is out of print but several avenues exist where one can acquire this work second hand. I acquired a used copy that was in excellent shape (slight wear on jacket) at a fraction of the original cost.

As the title evokes this book is about the artistic side of bonsai. It is not a primer and although intended for all audiences, newly introduced enthusiast should have a basic foundation in place to fully grasp the information imparted by Colin.

The book is broken down into four main sections:

- Elms;
- Junipers;
- Pines; and
- Larches.

A great review was previously carried out on this book. Although I fully intended in providing an in depth look into this volume, it would have paled in comparison with this review.

Bonsai Wonders is about my fascination with Bonsai, but more important to me is sharing information with fellow enthusiast. In doing so, I feel no need to re-invent the wheel so to speak. If good information can be found elsewhere, I have no reservations in pointing this out on this site.

Totally Bonsai

Totally Bonsai
by Craig Coussins
ISBN 0804834202 HC pp.192
Published 2001
Qunitet Publishing Ltd

A well-written “hard cover” book with a lot of attention to detail; this book is Craig’s preamble to Bonsai School. It includes a great section on monthly care for both indoor and outdoor trees. The section on pests and diseases is better than most. His book also contains an “easy species” guide, which in my opinion is a great asset for a beginner

Bonsai Landscapes

Bonsai Landscapes
by Peter Adams
ISBN 0706377672 HC pp 128
Published 1999
Ward Lock Wellington House

A “hard cover” book on creating bonsai landscape. This is by no means an equivalent to Qingquan Zhao’s book, but Peter provides some beautiful landscapes that one can create/duplicate with detailed plan(s) that are included in this book.

Mountains in the Sea (Ho Non Bo)

Mountains in the Sea
by Phan Van Lit
ISBN 0881925152 HC pp.232
Published 2001
Timber Press Inc.

Connaisseurs of miniature landscapes have long studied and appreciated the arts of Bonsai from Japan and Penjing from China. Until very recently, however a few outside of Vietnam have known of an equally distinguished and vibrant art form known as "Hon Non Bo", mountainous island in the sea.

While bearing some similarities to Bonsai and Penjing in its use of stone and trees, Hon Non Bo is a unique discipline influenced by the landscape of Vietnam with its mountains, coastal scenery, and lush vegetation.

A “hard cover” book depicting the methods of re-creating miniature landscapes. It goes on to describe the tools necessary to work with rocks and stones, amazingly these are not expensive or “really” specialized items. It contains a good description on how to create waterproof concrete slabs/pots, as in this particular book the use of water in the landscapes is predominant. One is not to worry; water and trees are kept separate.

Mountains in the Sea will appeal to readers of many backgrounds. Bonsai and Penjing enthusiasts will be inspired by a fresh approach to miniature landscapes presented by a master artist.