The Art of Natural Bonsai
by Dave Joyce
Book Review by Thomas J.
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I decided to do a book review
once again for this months newsletter. If your
one of those people who like to do bonsai from
scratch, meaning from seed or seedling, or young
nursery stock this book is for you. The title is
a bit misleading in a way, as I thought when I
started thumbing through it, that I would find
trees styled more or less in whats being called
lately the "natural
style", a leaning away from the traditional Japanese style.
This book
does have some of those, but it mainly refers to the natural upbringing of the
bonsai from seed or seedling,and starting the
training with the plan of years before
something is finally accomplished. For many though,
this is a very uplifting way to do bonsai. |
As you go through the book, the author has it laid
out in a nice way whereas he first does
an overview of the species, and then does a case history
of one or more trees in that select species.
Take for instance this Wisteria started from young
nursery stock and trained for many years before
finally having an appearence that's pleasing to the
eye.
Early on in the book, the author gives some preseason
tips and general cultivating ideas to help
gain a foothold for those who are new to bonsai, or
just interested in learning some possible
new techniques.
The book is by no means limited to just work on trees.
The author also has chapters on such
things as "how to make your own concrete pots",
a chapter on "deadwood" , and even" bonsai
garden ideas".
And if you just like looking at some nice pictures
of the authors work on some of his trees, just look
at
some of these.
This twin trunk Larch,
Or how about this beautiful Maple in Fall colors.
This juniperus virginiana is the result from a piece
of stock that most people wouldn't even have
considered using. You'll have to go back and read the
case history on this one, but after you do,
you just might have enough nerve to go out and try
something like this yourself.
In addition to all this, I think the one thing I liked
most, was while thumbing through the book and seeing
some of the detailed work the author did, gave me some
pretty good ideas for future work also.
The book is by no means small, both in size and thickness.
If your new to bonsai, or are just looking
for some fresh ideas, I would highly recommend this
book
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