Saturday, August 13, 2011
Bonsai School
With color photographs on almost every page, Coussin's guide forms a lovely and thorough introduction to the ancient art of bonsai gardening. The book covers every aspect of the art, from choosing a plant and a pot to training a bonsai with wiring and pruning techniques. In addition to introductory sections on the evolution of bonsai and the relation between bonsai gardening and Buddhism, the book contains dozens of short articles by experienced bonsai gardeners from around the world. Italian gardener Patrizia Capellaro, for example, explains how to style a large juniper bonsai, while American Lit Van Phan analyzes how the miniature landscape style Hon Non Bo reflects the larger landscapes of Viet Nam. For anyone eager to try his or her hand at a hobby that just might offer "a lifelong path to enlightenment," as Coussins suggests, this is an excellent manual. (Aug.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
The Art of Natural Bonsai
The Bonsai Workshop
Classic Bonsai of Japan
The Nippon Bonsai Association, Japan's pre-eminent voice of the bonsai tradition, introduces a collection of the finest bonsai pieces to be found in Japan today - some of them presented to a Western audience for the first time. Over 130 full-colour and 71 black-and-white plates of priceless specimens with informative commentary provide a definitive tour of the bonsai world from a 15-year-old flowering cherry to a majestic 1,000-year-old Yezo spruce. The notes for each piece offer insights into the balance, style, harmony, and overall aesthetic effect along with comments on the history of its cultivation at the hands of several generations of bonsai masters.
Reviews
This sumptuous, oversize book features over 200 high-quality color and black-and-white photos of classic bonsai selected from a 12-volume series published in Japanese for specialist growers. The photos illustrate bonsai of various ages, including examples that are hundreds of years old. An appendix of brief descriptive comments for each plant gives valuable information including age and size. A narrative section provides background on the history of Japanese bonsai and good descriptions of growth styles of various types. This pricey but beautiful book focuses on examples of classic bonsai that will inspire growers and collectors.-- Dale Luchsinger, Athens Area Technical Inst. Lib., Ga.
"It is not only the length of its lifespan that distinguishes the immobile tree from birds that fly, fish that swim, and men and beasts that walk over the earth; it is also the only living thing that creates, within itself, annual rings spelling out the history of its life." Bonsai, dwarf trees, contain "a record of our ancestors' trials and tribulations" in "less space than a man can encompass with his arms." This (ironically) oversize book includes 200 full-color and black-and-white photographs of Japanese specimens ranging in age from a mere five to 1000 years, and from the cheerful winter jasmine, bedecked with yellow blooms, to wizened junipers with twisted limbs. Bonsai specialists Naka, Aragaki and Marushima detail history, cultivation and stylistic nuances. Presented in an oddly luxe fashion for such an understated art, the trees--bathed in startlingly unambiguous light-appear larger than life, but more legible for that. A Garden Book Club selection." -Publishers Weekly
``It is not only the length of its lifespan that distinguishes the immobile tree from birds that fly, fish that swim, and men and beasts that walk over the earth; it is also the only living thing that creates, within itself, annual rings spelling out the history of its life.'' Bonsai, dwarf trees, contain ``a record of our ancestors' trials and tribulations'' in ``less space than a man can encompass with his arms.'' This (ironically) oversize book includes 200 full-color and black-and-white photographs of Japanese specimens ranging in age from a mere five to 1000 years, and from the cheerful winter jasmine, bedecked with yellow blooms, to wizened junipers with twisted limbs. Bonsai specialists Naka, Aragaki and Marushima detail history, cultivation and stylistic nuances. Presented in an oddly luxe fashion for such an understated art, the trees--bathed in startlingly unambiguous light--appear larger than life, but more legible for that. A Garden Book Club selection. (Sept.)
Bonsai with Japanese Maples
With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens. Although aimed at an audience that has some familiarity with bonsai techniques, the book deliberately shows a mix of bonsai at different stages in their training, so that less experienced enthusiasts can gain new ideas and inspiration from trees that are "works in progress." Much more than a mere "how-to" book, "Bonsai with Japanese Maples" is a forthright attempt to look at bonsai as art objects and to critique and assess them from an artist's perspective.
About the Author
Peter Adams began his art career in the 1950's at the age of 12 in England, gaining a graduate degree from the Farnham School of Art followed by a post-graduate degree in painting from the Royal Academy Schools in London in 1962. In his home country of England, Peter has had a varied career in the arts where he worked at portraiture, cartooning, advertising, TV, teaching and as a Bonsai nurseryman for 25 years. He now lectures worldwide and is a best selling author on the subject of Bonsai as an art medium.
The Secret Techniques of Bonsai
Japan's leading bonsai experts offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai, but also secret techniques the family has developed over generations of careful work and observation. It covers such skills as: taking a cutting for a new bonsai in winter while the plant still stores its winter nutrients, then wrapping and freezing the cutting until spring, when it will thrive; trimming branches in such a way as to eliminate swelling and scarring; the proper use of tools to ensure perfection...The book provides detailed, lucid information about growing bonsai from seedlings or beginner plants; expert advice on shaping, pruning, training, grafting and re-potting trees; and new techniques for using tools. The Kawasumi family is world-renowned for their bonsai tool design, and in this book they also show gardeners how to improvise with any readily-accessible bonsai tools, as well as gardening or even simple workshop tools. Step-by-step photographs accompany the text, many in full-colour.
$28.95 Save $43.04 (60%)
The steps of a bonsai tree creation
Many kinds of trees, plants and shrubs can be made into a bonsai. A bonsai is a miniature version of a tree planted in a pot. Japanese maples are ideal deciduous trees for creating beautiful bonsai. Using a method called air layering, it is very easy to make a branch sprout roots that will support it after separation from the tree. By selecting a nicely shaped branch, you can start a bonsai tree that will bring years of enjoyment. Here's how to create a tree that would normally take five years or more to develop from seed or cuttings.
Step 1 : Do some research. Before you decide to get a tree you should do some research on how to raise and take care of your future bonsai such as soil types, watering procedures, growth principles, and environmental requirements.
Step 2: Select the species of tree. When selecting a tree species its important to consider your geographic location. Some trees lose their leaves in the winter and require the temperature to drop below freezing so that they can enter a dormant state and prepare for the spring. Other trees will not survive long in the freezing weather. Some trees will require a lot of water during a hot summer while others are heat hardy. Research the kind of trees that do well in your area. The three varieties of tree most commonly used for bonsai are: 1) Ficus; 2) Juniper; and 3) Chinese Elm.
Step 3 : Select the size of your bonsai. Bonsai trees can be as anywhere from miniature (6 inches tall) to large bonsai (up to 3 ft tall). Decide what size bonsai you would like before actually going out to select the plant.
Step 4 Select the plant. Once you have decided which kind and what size bonsai you would like, you can go to a nursery or a bonsai shop and select the plant that you will use to make your bonsai tree. When choosing a plant, look for leaf color to make sure that the plant is healthy. Then look around at the selection of plants and imagine what each plant would look like after it is pruned. It's important to visualize the bonsai before you buy the plant and bring it home. You do not want to bring a plant home only to decide that it isn't immediately suitable to be a bonsai.
Step 5 Select a pot. Selecting the right pot has a lot to do with the desired size and style of the plant. Select a shape and color that you personally find aesthetically pleasing. The pot must be large enough to allow enough soil to cover the roots of the plant. You do not want to have such a small amount of soil in the pot that the tree roots can not retain moisture. You will kill the plant if you do not have a large enough pot. At the same time, you want to maintain the illusion of nature and select a pot just large enough to support the tree. The idea of a bonsai is to balance the pot with the plant and make the plant look like a miniature tree. Some bonsai pots do not come with pre-drilled drainage holes. If you do not have a drill that will cut through ceramic, then make sure you purchase a pot with pre-drilled drainage holes.
Step 6 Prepare the tree. Prune the tree to the desired shape. Wire any branches that need to be wired. Remove the plant from its existing pot and water the roots. Most of the roots will be cut before the plant is repotted into the bonsai pot. Cut away enough roots so that the root system can fit securely in the new pot with the proper amount of soil.
Step 7 Pot the tree. Install mesh screens over the drainage holes to prevent soil erosion. Add some well draining soil to the pot and then place the tree into the pot. Do not use regular potting soil for your bonsai, it holds too much water and may drown the tree. Before covering the top of the roots with soil, position the tree in the desired orientation. Run a heavy gauge wire from the bottom of the pot through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. Tie the wire around the root system in order to hold the plant in place. Finish adding well draining soil to the pot. If it is warm out, make sure to keep the newly planted tree watered well until the roots get established in the new pot. Trees from temperate climates should only be potted in the spring. Trees from tropical climates can be potted whenever the weather is warm.
Step 8 Experiment. You can experiment with many kinds of trees, plants and shrubs. Try making bonsai with plants native to your area.
Step 9 Join a club. If you can't find a local one, there is one online called the Internet Bonsai Club.
Step 1 : Do some research. Before you decide to get a tree you should do some research on how to raise and take care of your future bonsai such as soil types, watering procedures, growth principles, and environmental requirements.
Step 2: Select the species of tree. When selecting a tree species its important to consider your geographic location. Some trees lose their leaves in the winter and require the temperature to drop below freezing so that they can enter a dormant state and prepare for the spring. Other trees will not survive long in the freezing weather. Some trees will require a lot of water during a hot summer while others are heat hardy. Research the kind of trees that do well in your area. The three varieties of tree most commonly used for bonsai are: 1) Ficus; 2) Juniper; and 3) Chinese Elm.
Step 3 : Select the size of your bonsai. Bonsai trees can be as anywhere from miniature (6 inches tall) to large bonsai (up to 3 ft tall). Decide what size bonsai you would like before actually going out to select the plant.
Step 4 Select the plant. Once you have decided which kind and what size bonsai you would like, you can go to a nursery or a bonsai shop and select the plant that you will use to make your bonsai tree. When choosing a plant, look for leaf color to make sure that the plant is healthy. Then look around at the selection of plants and imagine what each plant would look like after it is pruned. It's important to visualize the bonsai before you buy the plant and bring it home. You do not want to bring a plant home only to decide that it isn't immediately suitable to be a bonsai.
Step 5 Select a pot. Selecting the right pot has a lot to do with the desired size and style of the plant. Select a shape and color that you personally find aesthetically pleasing. The pot must be large enough to allow enough soil to cover the roots of the plant. You do not want to have such a small amount of soil in the pot that the tree roots can not retain moisture. You will kill the plant if you do not have a large enough pot. At the same time, you want to maintain the illusion of nature and select a pot just large enough to support the tree. The idea of a bonsai is to balance the pot with the plant and make the plant look like a miniature tree. Some bonsai pots do not come with pre-drilled drainage holes. If you do not have a drill that will cut through ceramic, then make sure you purchase a pot with pre-drilled drainage holes.
Step 6 Prepare the tree. Prune the tree to the desired shape. Wire any branches that need to be wired. Remove the plant from its existing pot and water the roots. Most of the roots will be cut before the plant is repotted into the bonsai pot. Cut away enough roots so that the root system can fit securely in the new pot with the proper amount of soil.
Step 7 Pot the tree. Install mesh screens over the drainage holes to prevent soil erosion. Add some well draining soil to the pot and then place the tree into the pot. Do not use regular potting soil for your bonsai, it holds too much water and may drown the tree. Before covering the top of the roots with soil, position the tree in the desired orientation. Run a heavy gauge wire from the bottom of the pot through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. Tie the wire around the root system in order to hold the plant in place. Finish adding well draining soil to the pot. If it is warm out, make sure to keep the newly planted tree watered well until the roots get established in the new pot. Trees from temperate climates should only be potted in the spring. Trees from tropical climates can be potted whenever the weather is warm.
Step 8 Experiment. You can experiment with many kinds of trees, plants and shrubs. Try making bonsai with plants native to your area.
Step 9 Join a club. If you can't find a local one, there is one online called the Internet Bonsai Club.
Bonsai garden at Binh Hoa Phuoc Island - Vinh Long
Just a short boat ride from Vinh Long, is Binh Hoa Phuoc Island. The boat ride to this island paradise is full of photo opportunities; red-eyed boats piled impossibly high with rice move downriver, a "long-tail" filled with produce putts by on its way to the local market, a lady in a conical hat stands in the aft of a boat effortlessly rowing with the current.
On shore we visit a beautiful bonsai garden; and, even though it is a popular tourist destination, I feel that we are their long-awaited guests - their only guests. Wandering through the garden we discuss the differences between the Japanese-style bonsai featuring miniature trees and the Vietnamese bonsai. Here are larger, flowering bonsai presented in pairs. The owner greets us with a big smile as he offers his hand in welcome. I just know he and his family have been waiting for us... just us. We are invited into his house for some tea and wine. My husband is offered snake wine that is politely declined as we vividly recall the bottles of wine we have seen with snakes coiled up in the bottom.
A plate of fruit accompanies the wine. In Vietnam we discover a whole new world of fruit: the crimson-skinned dragon fruit, jack fruit and longans from the same family as litchis. All wonderful new taste treats. I add my business card to the hundreds of others under the glass covering the table, amazed that so many people have found this garden paradise.
This is part of an article from Destination Vietnam online magazine, written by Sandra Scott - read the full article here
Mr. Giao's house and Bonsai garden - Vinh Long
this could be the same place as above ?
Rent a boat and travel on the Mekong 30 minutes from Vinh Long to Mr. Giao's house and Bonsai garden, known as Artist Nguyen Thanh Giao (Binh Thuan II Hamlet, Hoa Ninh Village, Vinh Long Province; no phone); have dinner on the veranda and spend the night amid the orchids.
this could be the same place as above ?
Rent a boat and travel on the Mekong 30 minutes from Vinh Long to Mr. Giao's house and Bonsai garden, known as Artist Nguyen Thanh Giao (Binh Thuan II Hamlet, Hoa Ninh Village, Vinh Long Province; no phone); have dinner on the veranda and spend the night amid the orchids.
DONG SON School of Bonsai
Although the DONG SON School of Bonsai is located in Belgium, it specialises in Vietnamese Bonsai Art. There is more information, articles, styles and contacts - about Bonsai in Vietnam
The Vietnamese Miniature Landscape Art of Hon Non Bo
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 Hon Non Bo
Posts from : http://chocay.net
Posts from : http://chocay.net
Vietnamese Bonsai Landscapes - Tieu Canh
Tieu canh are mini scenes. The Vietnamese people also enjoy mini scenes and miniature plants, both of which have a close relationship to miniature landscapes. The difference between a mini scene and a miniature landscape is that in a mini scene, the trees must be higher and bigger than the rock, which functions as the background for the trees. A mini scene is part of a more complete landscape. For instance, a steep cliff, a cave, a beach, a bank of the river or stream or a lake, and so on are subjects of mini scenes. The tree in a mini scene is usually in a bending, inclining or growing-down positionand have to be old, weather-beaten and faint.
Posts from : http://chocay.net
Vietnamese Bonsai Landscapes - Hon Non Bo and Tieu Canh
Hon Non Bo, are a complete mountain scene in miniature, these are often an island mountain scene, in a shallow concrete container with water to represent the sea. In Vietnamese, Hon means Island, Non means mountain, and Bo an artful combination of water, mountain range and forest. Hon Non Bo is a mountain landscape reduced in scale, usually set in an area of the sea close to the shore, often with full, lush vegetation.
The inspiration for Hon Non Bo comes from the real world and from cultural beliefs. Making a modern day Hon Non Bo builds on and continues a long tradition of interest in and the belief of the power of rocks and the beauty of mountains and plants. Throughout Vietnamese history, Hon Non Bo have been built by emperors, kings, generals, and other important people as monuments, decorations, personal vistas, and cultural icons.
In Hon Non Bo, the rocks are arranged always to look like a mountain or a range of mountains and have features that make it different from other forms of living art. Hon Non Bo are designed to be seen from all sides so the mountain must look good not just from four sides but also from the top.
The Vietnam Natural and Traditional Beauty Association
The Vietnam Natural and Traditional Beauty Association (SIVACAVINA) was established in 1989, and provides a forum for people who are interested in the arts of Bonsai and Suiseki. It has 15,000 members with branches in most cities and provinces throught out the country, and hopes to build friendship among the people of the world through the art of Bonsai
Bonsai (Cay Canh) in Vietnam
The Vietnamese climate is defined as tropical and subtropical. It has humid summers and relatively dry winters. The average rainfall is about 1,500 mm. Trees in pots are very common in entrances to hotels, office buildings, shops, around monuments and balconies. We were impressed by the vast Bonsai activity all over the country, especially in the big cities and their suburbs.
Most of the Bonsai in Vietnam can not be compared to the classic Japanese Style Bonsai and is more like the Chinese styles. It is much bigger than the Japanese average tree size and the style is not as strict. The size of the trees and pots is rather big compared with the classic Bonsai and many can probably be better defined as potted landscape trees.
Bonsai selling points are vastly spread along the main roads selling Yamadori which is sold as raw collected material at reasonable prices and Monbo Seikei stones used for stone gardens are sold as raw material. Several Bonsai books based on classic styles were available in Vietnamese
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