Miniature Living Bonsai Landscapes

Shows how to combine miniature trees, rocks, and vegetation to form replicas of gardens and other landscapes, and discusses style, depth, tools, equipment, and annual care

Comprehensive guide to the art of constructing miniature landscapes from organic and living materials.

Original Japanese edition published by Nitto Shoin Honsha Co., Ltd. in 2007.

Learn all about bonsai tree design and care with this comprehensive Japanese bonsai gardening book. Japanese miniature landscapes and, particularly, dwarf trees-"bonsai," as they are frequently called even in the West-have long been admired throughout the world. It may come as a surprise to inexperienced gardeners but the creation and care of bonsai is a comparatively simple art which can actually be systematically taught rather than, as in earlier books on the subject, just talked about vaguely. Now, given a reasonably green thumb and a modicum of patience, anyone in any country can create his own bonsai. The Japanese art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes contains detailed instructions, together with many helpful diagrams and charts and a treasury of photographs, on every phase of the art: propagation and training, with hints for those in a hurry and for small-apartment dwellers; daily and seasonal care, and treatment of pests; how to judge, select, and exhibit bonsai, with emphasis always upon the untold enjoyment they can provide. Included also, for those who want still more detailed information, are invaluable appendices concerning tools and equipment, soil analyses, and precise data on the more than three hundred species of plants used in making bonsai.

Drawing on the ancient philosophies and mysticism of feng shui, the art of bonsai was first practiced to please the ancestors so that they would bestow blessings and wealth on generations to come. This is not only a delightful book to look at, it also offers a way to bring the soothing, harmonising spirit of bonsai into your home.

Japanese gardens don't have to be large or elaborate to be beautiful. Bring the tranquility of Japanese garden design into any space in your home or office. Miniature Japanese Gardens shows you how to create simple Japanese-style container gardens using inexpensive plants and materials that are available everywhere! A detailed plan of each garden provides a basic template, along with information about plant types and containers. The container itself can be an old pot, ceramic bowl, or just about anything you might have lying around. Such "found" objects lend themselves to the Japanese art of wabi-sabi--the beauty of imperfection. Add rocks and other elements to produce mini Zen gardens that enhance any interior space. Miniature Japanese Gardens contains step-by-step instructions and photos of over 40 different projects, including: Kokedama (moss ball) A miniature bamboo grove A variety of bonsai trees And many more! Get inspired by accompanying photos of the Japanese landscape. While you may not be able to have a waterfall in your house, you can channel the same sensation with the help of just the right bonsai plants. Miniature Japanese Gardens will appeal to gardeners, Zen students, and small space enthusiasts alike!

Miniature Japanese landscapes (saikei) in the tradition of Toshio Kawamoto, Fournder of the School of Saikei. Uses Western landscapes as models and Western plants. Covers such arti concepts as composition, perspective, color, texture, line, movement, rhythm, and contrasts in compositions. Includes a letter of congratulations from Kawamoto.