The Bonsai Kit: Perfect The Ancient Art Of Miniature Gardening [Hardcover]

Robert W. King (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 23, 2001

This kit is a splendid introduction to the ancient art of growing mature, reduced-scale trees in small spaces. An engrossing horticultural project sure to captivate any level of gardening enthusiast, bonsai involves training and trimming trees over time to simulate weathering, age, twisting, cascading, and other natural conditions. Bonsai expert Robert W. King discusses all the basics, from root health to branch pattern and placement, in a 96page book. Includes two pots, peat pellet, scissors, potting stones, seeds, and flexible wire used to shape, position, and train branches -- everything needed to nurture a tree that, whether sensually windswept or formally upright, is a beautiful work of living art. Robert W. King lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He has been president of the Brandywine Bonsai Society since 1998, and has taught bonsai extensively, including an introductory course at Longwood Gardens. King received the American Bonsai Society's Ben Oki Award for excellence in dedication, education, and leadership.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert W King has been the President of the Brandywine Bonsai Society since 1998. In 2000 he received the American Bonsai Society's Bon Oki award for excellence in dedication, education and leadership in the art of bonsai.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Running Press; Book and Access edition (August 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762410426
• ISBN-13: 978-0762410422
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 6.7 x 2.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,806,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars do not waste your time and money with these kits, February 11, 2004

By 

Jonathan Espalin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bonsai Kit: Perfect The Ancient Art Of Miniature Gardening (Hardcover)

These kits are a waste of time and money. If you want to start with bonsai. Buy one of the beginning bonsai books offered by amazon. Harry Tomlinson's book is a good start. Then...go to your local nursery and buy a few inexpensive potted shrubs -- far better material then you could ever achieve with the seeds in this kit, and saves you about ten years of work and wait. Please do not support the charlatan peddlers of these little rip off kits.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Lack of starting guidance., February 21, 2011

By 

Rauel' - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bonsai Kit: Perfect The Ancient Art Of Miniature Gardening (Hardcover)

Purchased this kit with a gift certificate, and although there is a somewhat interesting 68 page little book, the kit was totally lacking any specific guidance and instruction on how to actually plant, water and nurture for a starting sapling tree. The pruning scissors that come with the kit are very cheap as well. We've set the seeds provided on the "peat pellet" provided, and used other sources to attempt to properly water and nurture; we'll see if we get a sapling. (?) The first reviewer's comments may well be on the mark.