Ficus The Exotic Bonsai

Ficus The Exotic Bonsai
by Jerry Meislik
ISBN 0974952400 HC pp.144
Published in 2004
Devonshire Gardens Ltd

Jerry is a well known bonsai lecturer, writer and teacher. He has written many articles for many of the popular bonsai magazines. Most importantly Jerry has a 25 year long love affair with Ficus for bonsai. Jerry is affectionately known as “Ficus Jerry or Mr. Ficus, need I say more.

What can I say about this book? If you are going to grow ficus, then I believe this is a requirement in your reference library. A limited edition, hard covered, full-coloured book, signed by the author.

This is what David DeGroot had to say:

Ficus, The Exotic Bonsai is clear, detailed, and comprehensive. It covers the cultural relevance of figs, their physical characteristics, and their place and function in the natural environment, indoor growing requirements and techniques, and plant problems.

It discusses the aesthetics of various fig styles and the techniques required to achieved the desired effects. It deals with propagation, show preparation, and finally, detailed infromation on specific popular varieties.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples

Bonsai with Japanese Maples
by Peter Adams
ISBN 0881928097 HC pp.156
Published 2006
Timber Press Inc.

With all the books related to Bonsai out there, I find myself being a little more particular/selective of what I add to my growing library these days. I find myself only acquiring what I categorize as "specialty books", and Peter's latest creation on Japanese Maples is just that.

The book is broken down into five Chapters. Peter commences with care and selection of Japanese Maples, discussing: potting, watering, feeding, pruning, along with an invaluable list of suitable cultivars and their characteristics. He moves on to discussing developmental methods, both in ground and in boxes in Chapter two. He explains in detail the necessary pruning and trimming details along with the time lines in achieving a suitable silhouette.

Chapter three deals with refinement techniques both above and below the soil line, including but not limited to grafting, whilst Chapter four is dedicated in developing shohin size trees.

Chapter five discusses in detail 23 case studies of actual trees of varying cultivars, the methods used in their establishment, development, training etc... along with future possibilities.

The text and illustrations flow well and is easy to follow. A definite asset to ones library who raises Japanese Maples as Bonsai.

Masters Series “Junipers”

Masters Series “Junipers”
Compiled and edited by Wayne Schoech
and the Staff of Bonsai Today
ISBN 9780976755036 SC pp174
Published 2007
Stone Lantern Publishing

Having previously received and read “Pines” the Master Series, I looked forward in not only reading but adding this book to my reference library. This volume as with the former, is targeted towards the intermediate to advanced enthusiast. Having said that, the layout and descriptions are easily understood by any audience.

“Junipers” as with “Pines”, is a compilation of former articles that appeared in “Bonsai Today” magazine. To some, this avenue seems redundant. For others, who do not have the luxury of possessing every back issue of the periodical, it is indeed refreshing to see the forethought in the compilation of previously published articles under one binder. However, it is my understanding that the book does include information not previously published or found in former articles.

The book is divided into 18 comprehensive chapters from care basics to re-designing established bonsais, while displaying the talents of some of the best enthusiast in the world like, Kimura, Kobayashi and Hirao to name a few.

Chapter one begins with a comprehensive species guide suitable to bonsai cultivation, followed by the usual basic care and maintenance section. Once, one has begun compiling an extensive library, these basic sections become redundant. However, as always I did find fresh information to wit, an exquisite section on ramification. Of special note would be the seasonal chart found at the end of Chapter 2. This chart not only compiles monthly maintenance requirements but shows the different maintenance requirements between: cold, temperate and tropical climates, in an easily understood spreadsheet.

As we continue through the book we find a comprehensive section on various grafting and layering techniques, including a section on emergency treatment. As with “Pines” this work features many re-styling and transformation plates. What is readily seen, these transformation are more descriptive in comparison to what is commonly found in the limited available space of a magazine.



In my opinion as with “Pines” this is definitely a worthy addition to any reference library. Although the layout and photographs are easily followed in the re-styling section, in my opinion what stands out the most would be the comprehensive maintenance chart which includes the delta between climates. Far too often we have seen seasonal care described from the author's perspective only, Stone Lantern went one step further and, in doing so have gained my full endorsement. In my opinion, this chart alone outweighs the reasonable purchase price of this magnificent work. Once again I look forward in seeing their next volume.

If I was to criticize this book would be the binding method used. As with “Pines” it is poorly done in my opinion, and will fail over time.

Masters Series “Pines”

Masters Series “Pines”
By Michael Persiano
ISBN 0976755009 SC pp183
Published 2005
Stone Lantern Publishing

“Pines”, is a compilation of former articles that appeared in “Bonsai Today” magazine. To some, this avenue seems redundant. For others, who do not have the luxury of possessing every back issue of the periodical, it is indeed refreshing to see the forethought in the compilation of previously published articles under one binder. However, it is my understanding that the book does include information not previously published or found in former articles. This volume is targeted towards the intermediate to advanced enthusiast. Having said that, the layout and descriptions are easily understood by any audience.

The book is divided into 16 comprehensive chapters dealing specifically with Japanese white and black pines. It is the first in a series of intended futures. The “Masters' Series” is intended as a compendium of information on specifics, in this case “Pines”.

Chapter one presents an overview of the basics, including but not limited to: growth habit, hardiness, diseases, insects etc... of the Japanese White Pine. An extremely informative and interesting section can be found in Chapter 3 that deals specifically with energy balance from: proper candling and pinching techniques to bud removal, branch and needle pruning. Chapter 3 also contains Michael's “Superfeeding” program. Although to many this program is tagged as “superfeeding”, to most, just a good feeding regimen to use with free draining almost totally inorganic potting mediums which is the trend these days.

The book continues with several demos and aesthetic considerations, to finish of the JWP section with a gallery of White Pines. A good introduction follows on the Japanese Black Pine (the pride of the Orient).

A comprehensive look at needle reduction is found and explains the difference between the two main species of pines (JWP and JBP). Probably the jewel of this work is the comprehensive easily understood article of growing JBPs from seed. This article is well written and the accompanying photographs greatly assist in teaching the basics of raising seedlings into a respectable bonsai (shohin) in 7-10 year.

Unlike many books that only dabble in certain areas, this reference is a must for anyone growing or interested in adding pines to their collection. Pines have unique requirements and this book explains in detail these unique requirements.