Books

Mountains in the Sea: The Vietnamese Miniature Landscape Art of Hon Non Bo

Average customer rating:

The book that we have been waiting for

Mountains in the Sea: The Vietnamese Miniature Landscape Art of Hon Non Bo
Phan Van Lit , and Lew Buller
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Still Life | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

House Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Creating Bonsai Landscapes: 18 Miniature Garden Projects
Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment: A Journey Exploring an Ancient Chinese Art and Its History, Cultural Background, and Aesthetics
Suiseki: The Japanese Art of Miniature Landscape Stones
Bonsai with Japanese Maples
Bonsai Life Histories: The Lives of over 50 Bonsai Trees in Photos and Words

ASIN: 0881925152

Book Description

No one knows when Hòn Non Bô., or Vietnamese miniature landscape art, began, but creating a scenic landscape in miniature has been a special pastime for Vietnamese people for hundreds of years. The duplication of nature in an artfully reduced scale is now appreciated by many Westerners as well. Lít Phan and Buller's unique new book is a comprehensive and exciting introduction to this elaborate natural art form that is akin to—but different in essential ways from—the more familiar art of bonsai.

The book begins with an introduction to the scenic highlights of the landscape and unique geography of Vietnam. Subsequent chapters provide historical details on cultural and philosophical traditions of Hòn Non Bô., followed by in-depth information of both an aesthetic and practical nature on how to create elegant and meaningful examples of miniature landscapes. The detailed text is complemented by fine color photos documenting the creative process and providing excellent samples of finished work. Both inspirational and practical, this handsome book is sure to introduce many new devotees to the art of Hòn Non Bô.

Customer Reviews:

The book that we have been waiting for.......2002-09-14

The amount of work that has gone into this excellent book shows clearly in the clear writing and great images throughout. Not everything is Bonsai now, we are learning about other cultures, and their path to what we find is a mutual interest. This is not a book about Vietnamese Bonsai at all but a book about creating landscape in miniature. Popular for many centuries but little know outside its home, Hon Non Bo is exciting in concept and immensely pleasurable in developing. Not difficult as an art form but does need this book to explain to you how to get started and how to develop your understanding of this ancient art. I enjoyed the book and found myself reaching for it a number of times this year. I recommended it to all my classes, friends and students.

Produced by one of the worlds leading Horticultural publishers, Timber Press, the guiding hand of the editor is apparent in the demand for concise and clear explanation throughout the book that reflects the quality of the rest of their excellent publications. The task was very well achieved by Lew Buller who developed and wrote the book over many years with one of Americas leading exponents in this art, Lit van Phan.

You really do need this on your bookshelf although I have a feeling it will rarely stay there.

Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing

Average customer rating:

A nice overview of a complex art

Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing
Shirley Student , and Larry Student
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Shrubs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving
Totally Bonsai: A Guide to Growing, Shaping, and Caring for Miniature Trees and Shrubs
The Art of Bonsai: Creation, Care and Enjoyment
Bonsai: Grow Your Own Bonsai from Cuttings, Seeds, and Saplings

ASIN: 0804817294

Book Description

Writing for those with no bonsai experience, Larry and Shirley Student cover everything from buying the first plant to creating a miniature landscape of rocks, grasses and trees. In between, they describe different bonsai styles, list important tools, explain pruning and pinching and introduce procedures like defoliation. In short, the authors cover all aspects of bonsai, anticipating common problems and offering practical advice gained from years of working with plants. Kurt Seastrand, past president of the Northeast Bonsai Association raves, "A wonderful book for anyone intrigued by bonsai but hesitant to start. It provides the beginner the excitement and confidence to launch into this fascinating hobby."

Customer Reviews:

A nice overview of a complex art.......1999-08-18

A good book for someone with no bonsai experience. The authors keep the basics of bonsai simple and point the novice in the right direction. Although it would be a good reference to have handy while attempting that first Juniper, the beginner would do well to read other books before going further.

Totally Bonsai: A Guide to Growing, Shaping, and Caring for Miniature Trees and Shrubs

Average customer rating:

Good beginners title
Good basics, but no real step by step for beginners
A wonderful beginners book
Bonsai inforamtiopn for the complete beginner

Totally Bonsai: A Guide to Growing, Shaping, and Caring for Miniature Trees and Shrubs
Craig Coussins
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Ornamental Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Shrubs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Trees | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
The Complete Book of Bonsai
Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving
Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing
Creating Bonsai Landscapes: 18 Miniature Garden Projects

ASIN: 0804834202

Book Description

Creating your own bonsai is simple, calming, and serene, and best of all, it lets you bring the outdoors inside, even if you don't have a lot of space.
Learn everything you need to know to become accompished at the art of bonsai growing--how to pick a plant, what tools you'll need, and how to trim and style your plant. At the heart of the book is a species directory with 10 easy-to-grow plants that are great for getting started, as well as another 40 species that need a little more care.

Customer Reviews:

Good beginners title.......2005-08-09

This is a good beginners book with information about all phases of the art and some of the science. It is accessable to anyone. I would recommend it to serious beginners.

Good basics, but no real step by step for beginners.......2004-10-17

This book provides excellent background and general information for someone starting out in bonsai. The photos are excellent and a wide variety of types are shown. However, I was expecting more of a guide on how to actually start growing a bonsai. There are a lot of references to finding "a local club" which would of course be helpful, but if you're just starting out (like me) and don't have a nearby bonsai club, you'll probably want additional books to guide you through getting started.

A wonderful beginners book.......2002-01-31

"What else would I need than this book when learning about Bonsai? I recommend it fully and suggest that it should be on everyone's bookshelf, or at least in his or her hands"

When you start growing Bonsai, it is hard to work your way through all the titles available. I first bought a book called Bonsai for Beginners by the same author and while this was a very nice book, it was not only geared to beginners but also to more advanced growers. This new book is a revelation. Beautifully laid out, the practical guide to Growing Bonsai is the first book I have read that truly spells it out. It is lavishly illustrated and very well written that it is more than a reference book. It has become a `read'.
The Practical Guide is just that. It covers all the basic information that you, as a Bonsai Grower in the early stages of this wonderful hobby, need to learn to understand what is to be done. A real beginners book but written by someone who understands what a real teacher needs to speak about when speaking to a newcomer. Craig Coussins writes in a very one to one style and I really felt that he was with me every step of 'his' way. This is a great book!
Clear instructions filled with some gorgeous photographs looks at all the techniques that I need to know. Charts explain the right times of the year to do the work and completed by a species list of all the most popular Bonsai that beginners should try.
Therefore, what else would I need than this book when learning about Bonsai? I recommend it fully and suggest that it should be on everyone's bookshelf, or at least in his or her hands.

Bonsai inforamtiopn for the complete beginner.......2001-11-27

What is vastly different about this book and most other Bonsai books is one simple premise. It is this. When you start Bonsai you are afraid that growing such a plant will take many years. Most folk can be put off by the fact that they believe they will need 30 years to produce a Bonsai that looks old. Craig Coussins new book explodes that myth.

In his first book, Bonsai for Beginners, Craig Coussins covered a vast range of subjects up to intermediate but in Totally Bonsai, the title used in North America, ('Growing Bonsai' elsewhere)he uses Bonsai throughout the book that are rarely over five years old. But what Bonsai. Some of these trees are wonderful and extremely beautiful. Gone are the seedlings in a plastic pot, Craig Coussins really shows you what you are capable of. This shows the newcomer exactly how much they can achieve in a short period of time. Many of the trees are also shown in winter so that you can really see the branch structure and shape under the leaves. Most of the trees are easily available as shrubs or garden centre material which makes life a lot simpler for the complete novice.

The unique section written by his friend Salvatore Liporace and his student Luigi Maggione, highly respected Bonsai Masters from Italy, also shows how you can, within Craig's five year period, take basic raw material and turn it into a masterpiece when you have understood the basics and focussed on the techniques.

This well liked Bonsai International Teacher has kept to his remit in writing a book that is truly for the beginner and it is recommended as a very good read. A great present for a friend just starting out.

One interesting thing is also his sensitive dedication to his mentor, John Yoshio Naka, the respected American Bonsai Master and one of the top five Bonsai Masters in the world.

Bonsai: The Art of Growing and Keeping Miniature Trees

Average customer rating:

Begginers to experts

Bonsai: The Art of Growing and Keeping Miniature Trees
Peter Chan
Manufacturer: Book Sales
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Trees | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
The Complete Book of Bonsai
Bonsai Life Histories: The Lives of over 50 Bonsai Trees in Photos and Words
Bonsai with Japanese Maples
Bonsai (Rd Home Handbooks)

ASIN: 0890099464

Book Description

Bonsai is the ancient Japanese art of dwarfing and shaping trees in small containers to produce miniature versions of mature trees. A single bonsai may only be a foot tall, but looks identical to a full-grown tree in nature. Careful trimming, pruning, wiring, and other techniques are necessary to produce this appearance. Bonsai outlines the constant and proper care that will allow the bonsai to blend with it container in a natural and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Customer Reviews:

Begginers to experts.......2002-01-02

This is a really good book for beginners altought it can be used for more expertise bonsai makers. It has most comun techniques used to make and mantain a bonsai. Is also have beautiful ilustrations. It holds many examples to make it simpler.
I think that this book is a realy good choice for some one that whant to begin or know more about Bonsai.

Successful Bonsai: Raising Exotic Miniature Trees

Average customer rating:

Good for starter

Successful Bonsai: Raising Exotic Miniature Trees
David Squire
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Trees | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Growing Bonsai: A Practical Encyclopedia: The essential practical guide to a classic art with techniques, step-by-step projects and over 600 photographs
The Secret Techniques of Bonsai: A Guide to Starting, Raising, and Shaping Bonsai
Bonsai School: The Complete Course in Care, Training & Maintenance
Bonsai with Japanese Maples
Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving

ASIN: 1554071577

Book Description

An essential reference for growing indoor and outdoor bonsai.

The cultivation of tropical and subtropical species is setting a new trend among bonsai gardeners. This book features a wide range of bonsai styles and shapes, along with step-by-step instructions and illustrations that expertly guide the reader through the pruning and wiring techniques.

This easy-to-use book covers how to grow bonsai both indoors and outdoors, including building a collection, diseases and pests, cultivating, and propagation.

A major feature of Successful Bonsai is the illustrated A-Z list of bonsai species with descriptions of 80 plants, including 15 classic species. Each entry details complementary training styles, ideal sowing conditions for seedlings, tips on how and when to propagate cuttings, how and when to shape an established plant, and detailed cultivation instructions.

Informative and practical, Successful Bonsai is a superb source of inspiration that will instill confidence in the beginner and spark the imagination of the professional.

Customer Reviews:

Good for starter.......2007-06-02

Full of information and beautiful pictures. Execellent reference book for beginner. Come to think about it, what else do you need to learn the art of bonsai?

Creating Bonsai Landscapes: 18 Miniature Garden Projects

Average customer rating:

A very small world

Creating Bonsai Landscapes: 18 Miniature Garden Projects
Su Chin Ee , and Lewis Collin
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Japanese Gardens | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Home & Garden Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving
The Complete Book of Bonsai
Mountains in the Sea: The Vietnamese Miniature Landscape Art of Hon Non Bo
Bonsai: Grow Your Own Bonsai from Cuttings, Seeds, and Saplings

ASIN: 1580174841

Book Description

Western home and garden design has been increasingly influenced in recent years by ancient Eastern traditions. Feng shui masters are now routinely consulted by architects and interior designers, and bonsai gardening continues to fascinate and inspire. In CREATING BONSAI LANDSCAPES, the spirit of the East is recreated in 25 stunning miniature landscapes that not only are a delight to look at but also lend a harmonizing and soothing force to any environment. Su Chin Ee works with a Chinese form of bonsai art known as penjing - which literally translates as "landscape in a pot or dish" - to create her designs.

The art of bonsai was developed as a means to please the ancestors so that they would bestow blessings and wealth for generations to come. Su explains how each bonsai landscape in the book conveys different elements of the original eastern philosophy and themes.

Each landscape is presented in project form, with clear advice on how to select suitable plants, plant and position them, and nurture them successfully to full maturity. Each project is thoroughly illustrated with a color photograph of the completed landscape, cross-section drawings to show how the landscape is put together, and practical advice on choosing the equipment and materials for creating special features. Tips on construction techniques and shortcuts, and a visual materials list of required items, round out the detailed instructions. And to ensure long-lasting success, Su provides pruning and trimming tips, solutions to common problems and diseases, and a directory of the most popular bonsai trees and shrubs.

Customer Reviews:

A very small world.......2003-07-14

The writer presents 18 miniature landscapes which, she says, "represent a very personal synthesis of the bonsai and penjing traditions". These landscape are made up of the usual tiny trees, moss and gravel, but they also contain intricate rocky "outcrops" which form the basis of the entire landscape. Her creations combine the delicacy of the tiny landscape with the ruggedness of rock and tree to unique effect.

The writer gives detailed instructions for making each of the landscapes, including - I kid you not - how to make all the rocky outcrops yourself. Given patience, skill and delicacy of touch almost anyone could follow these instructions and make a very attractive table top landscape.

The writer was born in Singapore and studied art in England. She is a judge in the bonsai category at the Chelsea Flower Show in London. She approaches her miniature landscapes from the point of view of a painter, and she incorporates the Chinese principles of Tao and the balance of yin and yang to create harmony in these beautiful miniature worlds.

Average customer rating:

Most disapointing bonsai book ever
Miniature bonsai from garden stock
Excellent Book
Great Chart!
I love this book.

Miniature Bonsai
Herb Gustafson
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Japanese Gardens | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Pop Bonsai: Fun with Arranging Small Trees and Plants
Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving
Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
The Living Art of Bonsai: Principles & Techniques of Cultivation & Propagation
Creating Bonsai Landscapes: 18 Miniature Garden Projects

ASIN: 0806909838

Book Description

Unlike their larger relatives, these palm-size trees can be potted, shaped, and pruned in only an hour or two, are easy to manage, and require little space. “A guide for the novice that explains the preparation, watering, weeding and seasonal care of bonsai as well as which pests and diseases may affect the plants....A list of 200 plants presents specifics.”—The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Customer Reviews:

Most disapointing bonsai book ever.......2007-02-21

Unless you are an absolute beginner, this book will not tell you much you don't already know. Not only is it lacking in specific "how to" info, the pictures aren't even very inspiring. Look at the cover - a little juniper lacking in style and 3 accent plants. That's about as good as it gets. Save your money on this one, folks.

Miniature bonsai from garden stock.......2002-04-21

Perhaps the above would be a better title. This is not a book about the heights to which miniature bonsai can soar...This is simply a book about how you, or I, or anyone else can make passable minature (mame) bonsai in an hour or so, by pruning and wiring common garden material.

Not that there's anything wrong with that - and indeed I found the book a great inspiration when I was just starting on bonsai. But it really doesn't do justice to the wonderful art that is mame bonsai.

Excellent Book.......2001-10-05

If you are into Bonsai as much as I am, you'll love this book.This book covers the rare subject of "mame" Bonsai, or "in hand". We're talking about Bonsai who's pots are smaller than an open hand ( in the book, there is a photo of a bonsai who's pot is no larger than half a walnut!).

It's a great resource if you want to get into this ultra small of alredy small trees. Rarely do you find a Bonsai book that give a little more than just a blurb as to what Mame bonsai is.

Great Chart!.......2000-05-31

One of the things that I really like about this book is the chart. There is a list of different plants and for each there a recommended pruning style, repotting time and more. Plus there is a lot of good information about how the care for minature bonsai is different from the regular sized bonsai.

I love this book........1999-08-16

I am rather new at this art, and I found that all the questions I had about miniature bonsai were pretty much answered in this book. It is filled with how-to directions and advise. Herb passes his years of bonsai expertise on to readers in a style that is direct, easy to read and humorous. It is a great reference book that I will probably use forever. Sarah, growin little trees in the high desert.

Miniature Living Bonsai Landscapes: The Art of Saikei

Average customer rating:

A book that opens up ones own personal creativity in Saikei
Nice introduction to the art of Saikei

Miniature Living Bonsai Landscapes: The Art of Saikei
Herb L. Gustafson
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Creating Bonsai Landscapes: 18 Miniature Garden Projects
Bonsai with Japanese Maples
Bonsai School: The Complete Course in Care, Training & Maintenance

ASIN: 0806907347

Customer Reviews:

A book that opens up ones own personal creativity in Saikei.......1999-01-29

This is a must book for people interested in creating a personalised landscape on a pot. Never have i come across a book that allowed me to look at rocks in a different manner and arranging them so that there is balance and harmony. The author has managed to explain in simple terms and clear instructions on how to see a rock and arrange it in such a way that it becomes alive. There is more to it than just rocks...plants, pebbles, moss are all use to make scenaries that you wish you could be inside it. The author also shares his imagination with each of his creation. He shows us as well in step wise manner how he builds his creation. Best of all the hobby is not expansive and can be appreciated by all people.

Nice introduction to the art of Saikei.......1997-05-10

This is a nicely illustrated introduction to bonsai landscapes known as Saikei. Discussion of the different basic concepts of perspective and form is clear and enjoyable. This is a great guide to expand your enthusiasm for bonsai related art

Average customer rating:

Miniatures and Bonsai
Philip Perl , and Time-Life Books Editorial Staff
Manufacturer: Time-Life, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0809426412

Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes

Average customer rating:

Highly technical and informative.
Excellent bonsai book

Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes
Yuji Yoshimura , and Halford Giovanna
Manufacturer: Tuttle Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Shrubs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Trees | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0804802823

Customer Reviews:

Highly technical and informative........2000-10-19

This book, beyond a doubt, has all of the information the serious bonsai artist needs to know. A friend gave me this book when I first expressed an interest in bonsai, and it succeeded in intimidating me. The authors provide very thorough details about creating bonsai, and take it to the level of science rather than art. However, it is because of this high degree of detail that I was struck with how serious the art really can be. I find it unfortunate that it is currently out of print, since it does cover bonsai in such detail. I would tend to recommend Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes to the person who is quite dedicated to pursuing the art, and would not recommend it to a person with a more casual interest.

Excellent bonsai book.......2000-03-31

This is one of the best bonsai books. It should be in every seriuos hobbyst's library. It contains all the information needed to get started on bonsai. It has an apendix for tools, equipment and soil, and another one very helpfull, with plant names in Chinese-Japanese Characters. Yoshimora is a truly great Bonsai master. The disvantages are that the B&w photos are not of very good quality and the text can be a little tedious to read

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