Bonsai Landscapes Book

Miniature gardens are becoming increasingly popular and Bonsai Landscapes reworks the enduring appeal of the bonsai to create whole mini landscapes. The author, Peter Adams, has had 40 years experience in bonsai design and growing and has created some of the bonsai held in the British National Collection. The book is designed to take the enthusiast right through the process of creating these landscapes. Adams begins by looking at the different examples of miniature landscapes, using plants including Japanese and Trident Maples, "Seiju" elm and American larch. He includes some interesting examples from both well-known growers and amateurs, using plants from a variety of nurseries, worldwide. All of the landscapes featured have been planted for a number of years and Adams gives the height and age of the plants as well as details of the container used so that you can recreate a similar effect. The book begins with the basics, listing the tools and materials you will need to create your bonsai landscape. Adams considers the differences between accent plants that define the landscape and accessory plants that create surface texture and rocks are built in to suggest cliffs and ravines. Soil type, container and tools and sundries are all listed so that the project can be successfully completed. Adams goes on to offer advice on choosing and shaping plants and includes a glossary of the most commonly available bonsai plants and how they will work within a miniature landscape. The back of the book has a tree-care directory and Adams' methodical analysis of 13 projects, with accompanying line drawings and photographs, makes it easy for anyone to achieve this novel effect. --Karen HomerRead More