4 comments about Bonsai Landscapes.

1. nice arrangement with colourful pictures . easy diagrams with simple explanation . recommended for starters and pro .



2. This book was terrific for me both as a beginner and to my friends, Who are long-time Bonsai enthusiasts. The wonderful photography made the reading very enjoyable and also illustrated the topics well.



3. Having been involved in bonsai for about 20 yrs and especially like forests & groves, I feeel that Peter's book is one of the two best on the topic. It is imformative, the photographs are excellent, and he gives you step-by-step details for serveral different projects as shown in the book. This, as well as any other of Peter's books, is a must for a bonsai library.



4. Peter Adams has achieved international stature as one of the finest bonsai practitioners alive. Classically trained as a studio artist at the Royal Academy of Arts, Mr. Adams essentially pioneered the art of bonsai in the UK in the 1950s. What distinguishes him both as a bonsai artist and author is his vast knowledge of horticulture combined with his grasp of bonsai aesthetics as expressed through Western art doctrines. His ability to communicate those two integral disciplines clearly and powerfully in his writing and drawing contributes to the value of his work.
   
   Bonsai Landscapes is first and foremost a guide book. It is a reference from which bonsai enthusiasts can draw inspiration and salient information concerning the creation and maintenance of miniature landscapes. As is typical of Mr. Adams, the subjects are examined and discussed using the universal language of aesthetics rather than a culturally-oriented system of artistic ideals. When needed for emphasis or clarity, the author will of course make note of a certain form or composition that evokes an Eastern locale or style. However, he is just as likely to create the image of a British hedgerow or American rainforest when the material and potential allow.
   
   Thirteen plantings of a wide variety of materials are reviewed by the author. A history of each planting is presented and consideration is given to the original artist's intent. Then the landscapes' forms are tuned and adjusted by Mr. Adams to create more harmonious designs. Mr. Adams' pen and ink sketches give a clear sense of the desired refinement for the future. Liberally sprinkled throughout the book, horticultural notes on the species used as well as viable design choice alternatives enrich the text. The reader is left with the notion that beauty in bonsai is not an end goal, but rather a transitory state through which the trees will rise and fall over the course of their lifetime.
   
   Later chapters discuss topics such as tools and materials and sources for plant materials. In an especially helpful chapter titled `Styling The Plants', the author outlines basic to intermediate pruning and styling techniques and why they are appropriate. Of particular interest is the chapter 'Making a Rock Planter' in which the artificial rock construction developed by Mr. Adams and Bill Jordan is described. Although some detail is offered, it would have been of more use if the descriptions went a step further and provided more in-depth instructions on textures and coloring of the cement. (Bonsai enthusiasts eager to try such a project can look to Chase Rosade of Rosade Bonsai Studio, New Hope, PA who regularly teaches these techniques in classes and workshops.)
   
   The book concludes with a hands-on step by step 'how to' section about recreating each of the thirteen plantings. Each planting is carefully described and materials needs and their sources are fully and clearly presented.
   
   This 128 page volume, a fine addition to any bonsai library, has been illustrated with Bill Jordan's excellent photographs.

2 comments about Miniature Living Bonsai Landscapes: The Art of Saikei.

1. This is a nicely illustrated introduction to bonsai landscapes known as Saikei. Discussion of the different basic concepts of perspective and form is clear and enjoyable. This is a great guide to expand your enthusiasm for bonsai related art



2. This is a must book for people interested in creating a personalised landscape on a pot. Never have i come across a book that allowed me to look at rocks in a different manner and arranging them so that there is balance and harmony. The author has managed to explain in simple terms and clear instructions on how to see a rock and arrange it in such a way that it becomes alive. There is more to it than just rocks...plants, pebbles, moss are all use to make scenaries that you wish you could be inside it. The author also shares his imagination with each of his creation. He shows us as well in step wise manner how he builds his creation. Best of all the hobby is not expansive and can be appreciated by all people.

1 comments about Bonsai Masterclass/All You Need to Know About Creating Bonsai from One of the World's Top Experts.

1. Peter Chan provides a means of getting the results of hundreds of years of growth through the recycling of older plant materials. His concepts work, I have spent the past years working the ideas in this book.

No comments about The MacMillan Book of Bonsai.

3 comments about The Art of Flowering Bonsai.

1. I highly recommend this book to other bonsai-ists. It's worth the price for the illustratons.



2. I have read many books on Bonsai from various sources. This one gave me very detailed explanations on specific trees/plants. Lot of details and pictures. This is not one of those books with a bunch of good pictures and little details. Well worth the purchase.



3. Put this one in the category of a good 'hands-on' guide to bonsai, almost like having a master looking over your shoulder. The book offeres specific advice on care & pitfalls of ten popular species -- which is great -- but the part I value the most is the author's use of examples in showing how to create and re-design bonsai specimens.

   He often begins either with carefully-selected nursery trees or with commercially produced pre-bonsai trees. This way, he tends to start with mature trunks and roots, and some branching. This is probably the best way to go when seeking to create a truly good bonsai specimen within a few years.

   If you like this book, you'll probably also like Gustafson's "Bonsai Workshop," which has been particularly helpful to me with conifers, and which uses a similar project-related approach.

   I'd put this book on my short list for any bonsai library, and would have given it five stars had it been longer and more detailed with general bonsai information. But fortunately, the information not found in "The Art of Flowering Bonsai" can easily be found elsewhere.

No comments about Masterpieces of Bonsai.

1 comments about Practical Bonsai (Practical Gardening).

1. Bonsai requires time and patience and

   Regular Regular Regular watering. Becuase the pots are so small they dry out fast.

   Detailed into in a compact book. This book rocks. No fluff. Just Bonsaiiiii

   It has tables-precious precious tables with info info info

No comments about Choosing and Growing Bonsai.

No comments about Bonsai Masterclass.

3 comments about The Creative Art of Bonsai.

1. There are numerous books on the subject of bonsai that are SO much better... This book has pictures of trees that look like the works of a dead drunk gardener. But if u want to relax from the "perfect" trees seen in many other good books, and relieve the tension from your own "mistakes" this could very well be the book to get ;-) The Art of Subtlety is in no way revealed in this book. However, there are very nice DRAWINGS of how the different styles can be percieved. There are some more or less useless techniques on display in the book. And the focus seems to be more on technique rather than on aiming for something beautiful. The most "shocking" of all mis-facts in the book is: The Siberian Pea Bush (Caragana sp.) is listed as an indoor species... It is not. It DEFINITELY needs a good winter-freeze to go on living. It is an extremely hardy bugger



2. A very good first bonsai book. Very clear pictures Lots of suggestions and ideas.



3. I agree some of the trees leave you scratching your head but the book covers all the common bonsai species and is very comforting on the horticulture of bonsai, species by species. The reader needs to be aware that the book assumes you're growing your trees in the south of France and adjustments need to be made for your own climate.