Customer Reviews

101 Essential Tips: Bonsai

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got that book because people recommended it and it wasn't that expensive. I think that the book is great. It has many colorful pictures that show exactly what you have to do and every single one of 101 tips that are in that book, come in handy. The size of the book is really small which makes like a reference or a guide. I recommend this book to any beginner.

Before I picked up this simple little Tome, I knew absolutely nothing about bonsai. I was studying eastern cultures and thought to myself, "Hey, I'm bored. I'll bet that this could be an interesting side diversion." I did a quick search on Amazon, and decided this book looked the most concise. It is very reasonably priced, who can't spare a meager $5 to decide if a new activity interests you? The book is very clear and has many helpful full color pictures. I believe that all topics essential to Bonsai are covered: potting, trimming, shaping, wiring, feeding, watering. It even explains the basics of more advanced bonsai techniques: growing the roots onto rock, intricate hanging patterns. A complete list of equipment if provided for the 'real' bonsai gardener, but I made due with tools that I had lying around the house. After 15 minutes with the book, you've probably absorbed the majority of the information, and you can get started. I think the total cost to get me started was something like: $5 Book, $4 Juniper, $3 Pot. So I'm out $12.00 and a few hours of time before I decide if I enjoy this hobby or not. My cheap little bonsai is six months old now, and it looks just as nice as any picture I can find in the book. So unless you are planning on making bonsai your life's work, 101 Essential Tips is probably the only book you will ever need.

After looking through this book, I wasn't very impressed with how to care for the bonsai. Don't get me wrong, the pictures were great and I'm sure that they might be of help to others. (just not me). I was really dissappointed in the lack that this book has (I got more from just the internet alone)!!!
Oh well, I tried and it will be an added book now for me to look at sometimes as well as take up space!
Good Luck all!

This book was good until the end, when the tips ran out. That was the books only fault. I loved otherwise.

As a beginner (one and a half year) in this art, the book -my second one- is really a handy one. This is, by its price, size, photo quality and "right to the point comments", I consider it very useful for beginners. It has lot of photos of how to start a bonsai from a nursery plant. Not like some books that show masterpieces, but do not show you the bridge to get to them. I mean, imagine a "How to Paint Book", full of Van Gogh, Picasso, etc. masterpieces without showing you sketches, drawing materials and intermediate steps. I carry it along every time, to keep "watching it", not just words.

Well, its pretty good this book! However, you should be aware that it only shows the very basic ways of doing things, and it is really more for checking out if you might be interested in Bonsai.

It was the best book ive ever read in english.

This book is paramount for anyone who is thinking of getting started, or just keeping up a bonsai tree. Beautifully illustrated with step-by-step pictures in full color on every page, and small enough to put in your pocket, it couldn't be better.

The information is presented in an easy forthright manner making it comfortable for the user to jump right in. I picked up this book after the demise of my first Bonsai tree and I am happy to report that my second tree is thriving. Kelsana 12/14/01

If you like Bonsai, or received one as a gift, this is the book to get. Filled with 101 (literally) facts and tips, it is concise, streamlined and offers excellent pictures.

All critical areas are covered in the book: potting, trimming, shaping, wiring, feeding, watering (the most important perhaps!). If you want to take a crack at an advanced level of Bonsai care, it even guides and discusses growing the roots onto rock, and hanging patterns. There's also a few great tips that clears up the confusion about what sort of tools you *really* need.

This is a MUST to add to your Bonsai book collection.

For someone who is just starting out or just beginning to cultivate an interest in Bonsai this book may be helpful. Fairly simple with excellent pictures this is not the book for delving into the hobby and doesn't offer expert technical fixes for bonsai enthusiasts.

What it does offer is a fairly broad, superficial glance at an addicting art form. For the price, you should buy this, especially if you are just starting out. Reading about the subject before starting out, especially for bonsai, is essential. For this reason alone "101 Essential Tips: Bonsai" is a good addition to your bonsai knowledge base.

If you have passed the beginners stage of bonsai this will, most likely, not augment your bonsai know-how. More experienced people would benefit from other books written by Harry Tomilson. Experienced with the traditions of bonsai, some of his other books may be what you are looking for.