Bonsai (101 Essential Tips) (Paperback)

by Harry Tomlinson (Author)
Key Phrases: basic soil mix, anchorage wires, bonsai design (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"... recommended starter text." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Product Description
Breaks down key information on cultivating bonsai into 101 easy-to-grasp tips and gives quick answers to all your questions.

Harry Tomlinson is one of Europe's leading bonsai artists and instructors. He has exhibited and judged bonsai all over the world. He is also the author of several books including DK's The Complete Book of Bonsai.

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (September 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789496879
• ISBN-13: 978-0789496874
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,032 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

154 of 156 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Probably the only book you really need, September 28, 2000

By	J. Sexton (Joplin, Mo USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: 101 Essential Tips: Bonsai (Paperback)

Before I picked up this simple little Tome, I knew absolutely nothing about bonsai. I was studying eastern cultures and thought to myself, "Hey, I'm bored. I'll bet that this could be an interesting side diversion." I did a quick search on Amazon, and decided this book looked the most concise. It is very reasonably priced, who can't spare a meager $5 to decide if a new activity interests you? The book is very clear and has many helpful full color pictures. I believe that all topics essential to Bonsai are covered: potting, trimming, shaping, wiring, feeding, watering. It even explains the basics of more advanced bonsai techniques: growing the roots onto rock, intricate hanging patterns. A complete list of equipment if provided for the `real' bonsai gardener, but I made due with tools that I had lying around the house. After 15 minutes with the book, you've probably absorbed the majority of the information, and you can get started. I think the total cost to get me started was something like: $5 Book, $4 Juniper, $3 Pot. So I'm out $12.00 and a few hours of time before I decide if I enjoy this hobby or not. My cheap little bonsai is six months old now, and it looks just as nice as any picture I can find in the book. So unless you are planning on making bonsai your life's work, 101 Essential Tips is probably the only book you will ever need.

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a beginners point of view, September 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 101 Essential Tips: Bonsai (Paperback)

I am just starting out in this hobby. I went to the bookstore and looked at many books before picking this one out. Most were priced at twenty dollars or more and I just didn't want to spend that much for something I was just getting into. I checked out several books from the library and read them, including another larger book by the same author. After reading them, I looked through this one and felt that most of the really important info in the larger books was in this one as well with less words and pictures. I am really happy with this book. The photos are clear and informative, and the information is just what I need to get started. Sometimes when starting out, it is better not to get too bogged down in details or you will never dive in. I think this book is just the thing to get a beginner started without making the whole bonsai thing seem out of reach and demanding. Eventually, I can see I will want a guide with more info on individual plants and their care, but this will get me started, and at a great price.

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of info, but not lots of pages! Must have!, February 7, 2001

By	phdezra (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 101 Essential Tips: Bonsai (Paperback)

If you like Bonsai, or received one as a gift, this is the book to get. Filled with 101 (literally) facts and tips, it is concise, streamlined and offers excellent pictures.

All critical areas are covered in the book: potting, trimming, shaping, wiring, feeding, watering (the most important perhaps!). If you want to take a crack at an advanced level of Bonsai care, it even guides and discusses growing the roots onto rock, and hanging patterns. There's also a few great tips that clears up the confusion about what sort of tools you *really* need.

This is a MUST to add to your Bonsai book collection.