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, a Care Manual

Bonsai, a Care Manual
by Colin Lewis
ISBN 157145988X SC pp.128
Published 1997
Octopus Publishing Group Ltd

Colin Lewis is an acknowledged and respected bonsai expert. He has studied bonsai in Japan, is a member of the Bonsai Kai of the japan Society of London.

A definite must for all beginners, “soft cover” extremely well laid out. The book is tailored to meet the needs of first-time owner and more experienced collector by explaining in detail all the techniques needed to keep bonsai alive and in good shape. It also describes the anatomy of plants/trees and how a tree functions. It contains a comprehensive section on trees (sunlight, care, pruning, feeding etc.) It further explains various soil types, their composition and use, as well as a detailed section on different types and proper use of fertilizers. A good section on proper pot selection and shape for various tree species and shape.

Clear step by step illustrations combined with photographs will help even the most nervous newcomer to grow bonsai with confidence.

Grow your own Bonsai

Grow your own Bonsai
by Colin Lewis & Neil Sutherland
ISBN 1402713584 SC pp.141
Published 2004
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.

A great reference “soft cover”, it demonstrates in-depth styling, has seasonal care tips with an excellent section on first aid. This book was bought late; I wish I had picked it up sooner. This book would probably have been purchased before David Prescott’s book. Please don’t read into my last statement--each book has its own individual merits. I was really impressed with the Seasonal Care Requirements and First Aid section.

One thing I was impressed with was the section at the end of the book, where average garden centre stock is utilized in creating respectable candidates. This latter section demonstrates how plant selection occurs, seeing the tree that is not there. A careful study of this section will equip any newcomer to bonsai with the necessary tools in plant selection.

Pocket Bonsai

Pocket Bonsai
by David Prescott
ISBN 1843305860
Published 2004
New Holland Publishers

Davis Prescott with Colin Lewis as a consultant editor wrote this book. A “soft cover” great all around reference with regards to care, shaping, re-potting, species and style. This was my first book and it is probably the best book a beginner may own. It is well written and covers the majority of what a beginner needs to know. It is easily understood and, combined with pictures, gets the point across nicely. Many folks own this book and still use it, even after years of caring for bonsai.

It delves into the anatomy of plants/trees and how a tree functions. It covers the basic requirements on plant needs and feeding. There is a short list of the most common pests and diseases. Although, it prescribes treatment for the latter, it doesn’t state the length or course of action one should take. I believe this information is invaluable as far as I’m concerned. Having said that I haven’t found a book (outside of a book on pest and disease) that did.

It contains a good section on potting and shaping your tree, as well as basic pot selection. The end of the book includes a short list of the most appropriate bonsai species, along with colour photographs. It describes basic plant and care requirements, a good all around book!