The art of Natural Bonsai Replicating natures beauty

The art of Natural Bonsai
Replicating natures beauty
by Dave Joyce
ISBN 1402700555 HC pp.288
Published 2003
Sterling Publishing Co, inc.

I somehow ordered this book by mistake, one I am glad I made. This hard covered book is an absolute gem. I like Dave’s naturalistic approach to bonsai design. The book is well laid out and explained. It has one of the best sections on pests and diseases that I have seen. It is quite explicit with detailed recommended remedies and procedures, listed in a chart where Dave prioritizes his approach to differing ailments.

The book contains the usual basics at the beginning and goes into greater detail as the text evolves. It has recommended species for beginners. The middle of the book covers the design and shaping process of several of his trees, along with timelines between stages, the latter is a good reference for beginners, as they can chart the process. The book also contains a section on making cement slabs, pots and rocks. The end of the book contains an extensive list on trees and their individual needs. This full-coloured book is indeed inspirational, and wears its title well.

Home Gardener’s Problem Solver

Home Gardener’s Problem Solver
by Ortho Books
ISBN 0897215044
Published 2004
Meredith Publishing Group

This book “soft cover” book contains all known diseases and afflictions your plants, flowers, vegetables and trees may be infected with. As previously stated, because it is a book published by “Ortho” the recommended remedies are with the use of “Ortho’s products.” However, they do give the treatment and providing you follow their recommendation as to which chemicals to use for remedy, you should be able to treat your tree to full recovery. The latter is really a problem here in Canada as many pesticides are now banned. In Nova Scotia, outside of organic treatment of pests and diseases or harmless chemicals, there is little alternative. However, the book diagnoses the problem you might have in great detail, including pictures of the possible affliction.

The book is broken down into the following main categories:

a. Houseplants;
b. Lawns;
c. Ground covers;
d. Annuals perennials and bulbs;
e. Trees, shrubs and vines;
f. Vegetables, berries and grapes;
g. Soil, cultural, and climate problems;
h. Gallery of plant diseases;
i. Gallery of insects; and
j. Gallery of weeds, to name a few.