Synopsis
Bonsai are both eye-catching and extremely popular-and this directory of more than 80 trees details their characteristics and explains how to look after them to get the best results. With stunning photography, and detailed instructions for choosing and growing a plant, it's ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts alike. There's advice on essential tools and getting started, on maintaining trees throughout the year, and on solving such frequently encountered problems as dropped or browning leaves. Techniques for nurturing and styling your plant will help you make to make the most of this horticultural art form, and guarantee that your tree stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Tracy Mohaidheen - Library Journal
Exquisite color photos of enchanting bonsai specimens abound in this attractive, glossy paperback, truly showcasing the art of bonsai. Unfortunately, there's a lack of the kind of informational substance that would have made it a grand-slam winner. Chan is an accomplished British authority on bonsai with several books, 21 Chelsea Flower Show gold medals, and an exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society garden to his credit. Here, he covers how to care for these curiously tiny trees, including their propagation and common problems and descriptions of over 80 species, grouped into "Indoor" or "Outdoor" and accompanied by photos and care instructions. His emphasis on the outdoor bonsai of temperate hardiness zones makes this a poor choice for much of the U.S. North and South, where hardiness zones are not suitable for most of these selections. Thus despite the fabulous photos and inclusion of a nice variety of species, it is not recommended for general public library collections, which may be better served by Colin Lewis's Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving.