Bonsai Basics: A Step-By-Step Guide To Growing, Training & General Care (Paperback)

~ (Author), Remy Samson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This simple guide for first-time bonsai growers, with easy instructions and more than 200 full-color photos and drawings, covers selecting a hardy specimen; the essentials of pruning, wiring, and aging; and keeping your bonsai healthy. Learn the many styles of bonsai shaping, important tree forms, forest groupings, and more.

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 28, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806903279
• ISBN-13: 978-0806903279
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #438,081 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Bonsai Basics, November 15, 2001

By	Beth (Mobile, AL USA) - See all my reviews

As a bonsai enthusiast (NOT master!), I have been designing bonsai for several years, and have acquired a few dozen books on the subject. Personally, I was unimpressed with this book. While it had some valid information, I noticed incorrect techniques photographed (trees with wire cutting in to the bark, or having wire scars). I didn't find the book particularly helpful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Just the basics, May 12, 2005

By	William Black "buddman921" (La Vergne, TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is great for beginners. It is explains different styles and has illustrations as well as descriptions. The techniques it uses are valid. My only concern was that this book tends to over simplify things. Taking cuttings is one example. The book suggests that this is the best way to get stock. Anyone that has ever tried to take cuttings realizes the falacy in that.

2.0 out of 5 stars Muddled Explanations Spoil an Informative Book, June 30, 2008

By	B. Kuehl - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a complete beginner I thought that this book would be the perfect way to get into bonsai. While it does seem to have been written by a couple of very experienced people, I had trouble finding any real step-by-step descriptions. They seem to bounce around too much and even after several passes through the book, I still don't feel like I have a firm grasp of the full process (which they advertise as the point of the book). I would suggest looking elsewhere. The book may be a complete source of bonsai information, but I was left confused as I found myself repeatedly flipping back and fourth looking for information that should have been grouped together.