Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Jake Hobson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2007

Over the years, Japanese gardeners have fine-tuned a distinctive set of pruning techniques that coax out the essential characters of their garden trees, or niwaki. In this highly practical book, Western gardeners are encouraged to draw upon the techniques and sculpt their own garden trees to unique effect. After first discussing the principles that underpin the techniques, the author offers in-depth guidelines for shaping pines, azaleas, conifers, broadleaved evergreens, bamboos and deciduous trees. Throughout the text, step-by-step illustrations accompany the instructions, while abundant photographs and anecdotes bring the ideas surrounding niwaki vividly to life.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Hobson illuminates the practice known as niwaki in a fascinating, long overdue guide to shaping trees in ways that reflect the aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Hobson's regard for elements of garden design inspired by nature, and at times, derived literally from iconic features in Japan, shapes his writing. Possessing a sculptor's eye, Hobson ably opens the eyes of readers to the nuanced tree and shrub forms achieved by clipping or heavy pruning. Offering sound advice--do not imitate, but rather incorporate, a Japanese approach--Hobson elucidates principles and techniques with step-by-step line drawings accompanied by clearly defined descriptions of naturalistic and formal shapes. Instructions cover approaches to dealing with side branching, how to alter the line of the trunk, and how to sculpt pine trees, azaleas, conifers, broad-leaved evergreens, and deciduous trees. More than a pruning manual, Hobson's guide encompasses the cultural implications of niwaki, an artistic custom integral to the gardening legacy of Japan. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"While Niwaki definitely has what it takes to impress serious garden nerds, there’s also plenty here for the rest of us … Niwaki is [Hobson’s] first book; let’s hope it’s not his last." (Asian Reporter )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (April 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881928356
• ISBN-13: 978-0881928358
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #388,340 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book On Japanese Pruning, December 16, 2007

By 

SKooLBoY jiM (Eugene, OR) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way (Hardcover)

There is a lot of information out there on bonsai but I have always been more interested in the Japanese garden trees and until this book there has been very little information out there on how to care for and prune Japanese garden trees and shrubs. As far as I know the author even translated/invented the English name for them, "Niwaki" for which there previously was none. The best part of the book though is how the author urges the reader to apply the techniques he presents in the book to his or her own style of gardening transcending the idea of Japanese Gardens in the traditional sense. Get this book and "Get Stuck In".

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Niwaki, August 31, 2007

By 

Paul Paquin "Paul" (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way (Hardcover)

I have a very nice Japanese maple and a few other ornamentals and have been looking for a book that describes ways to prune to achieve alternative desirable effects. I have some excellent books on pruning of trees and shrubs, but this one is clearly different from the pack, and very good as well. If you are looking for guidance on how to achieve the look and feel of Japanese ornamentals, this book is the one you need.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!, June 10, 2007

By 

M. Chilton "emdash1" (Reston, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way (Hardcover)

Very good book for those of us who love our Japanese gardens and want to incoporate Niwaki techniques. Highly recommended book to add to your collection of books on Japanese gardens and their care. There's not another one like it on the market today.

I love that the author is a sculptor and realized that his art could be translated into a living form of trees.