David Squire’s book, Complete Starter Guide to Bonsai, provides an introduction to the art of bonsai. Written with the novice in mind, the author covers all the information needed to start and care for bonsai. The book is written in an approachable style and includes and abundance of photographs and diagrams which makes appreciating and learning the art enjoyable and easy.
Squire divides the book into four sections starting with the basics. After defining bonsai, he discusses its spirit and aesthetics, and then turns to the practical steps involved in creating a specimen. He covers tools, materials containers, and soil, as well as techniques like root-pruning, repotting, pruning, wiring, and pinching. Special attention is given to propagation, pest and disease control, watering, feeding, and displaying. In addition, tips for buying bonsai are provided.
With the basics in mind, Squire presents separate chapters on outdoor bonsai and indoor bonsai, focusing on the different needs of the two groups and the species that are best suited to each situation. The entry for each plant species includes the common and botanic names, a brief description of a mature plant, suggestions for style, tips about essential care, and sometimes a photograph of a bonsai specimen. Some of the most appealing outdoor bonsai include small-leaved European lime, maidenhair tree, and dawn redwood while appealing indoor bonsai include bougainvillea, common olive, and pomegranate.
The last chapter of the book features instructions for special displays such as a forest bonsai made from a single plant, a bonsai on a rock, a group bonsai, and a windswept bonsai. Step by step directions accompanied by diagrams are included for each display.
Complete Starter Guide to Bonsai is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to learn the art of bonsai. It covers all the basic information needed to begin and care for bonsai and includes specific details on techniques and suggestions for suitable plant material. The many diagrams and photographs aid greatly in following the directions as well as providing inspiration. The book is aimed at the novice, however, and does not include advanced techniques. It also assumes moderate climatic conditions and so people living in more extreme conditions may have to modify some of the suggestions regarding the care of bonsai.
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