From Book News, Inc.
Treasure, precociously interested in bonsai since his teens, presents 50 specimens from his own personal collection. For each, he tells, and the color photos show, how the tree developed over the years. He also covers the basics of getting started, understanding what makes a good bonsai, watering, feeding pruning, wiring, choosing pots, and displaying plants. Novice and experienced bonsai artists alike will find plenty of information, tips, and inspiration.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardeners Magazine 06/2002
Martin Treasure from a wealth of technical and horticultural knowledge demonstrates his unique skill at developing these exquisite miniature trees.

Hortideas, 08/2002
We think that the case study method is particularly appropriate for teaching the art of bonsai.

Kathe Onnair, Minneapolis Star Tribune 11/07/2002
Clearly illustrates the vision, dedication and patience necessary to cultivate these "living sculptures."

Judy Sandler, Lexington Herald-Leader 10/11/2003
Informative and entertaining, Bonsai Life Histories might motivate you to create your own living sculpture.

Book Description
Bonsai Life Histories is a detailed absorbing insight into the transformation of original plant material into exquisite bonsai trees. These 50 dramatic stories show how one bonsai expert has created "something out of nothing," recording the life histories of over 50 trees, both in photographs and descriptions that reveal the rewarding process of tending bonsai to maturity. This instructive and useful book also includes information on: - origins of bonsai - getting started - what makes a good/bad bonsai - bonsai style - styling, pruning, refinement - tools, repotting, watering, feeding - training techniques - finding suitable plants - seasonal planner - guide to pruning and maintenance tasks through the year - bonsai in the garden - displaying bonsai - exhibiting bonsai - pests and diseases - glossary of terms Bonsai expert Martin Treasure reveals a wealth of technical and horticultural knowledge and demonstrates his technique in bringing out the personalities of individual trees. Even non-enthusiasts will be intrigued by the stories.

About the Author
Martin Treasure has been interested in bonsai since his teens, when he joined several bonsai societies and began attending exhibitions, specialists nurseries and gatherings of bonsai devotees. He was encouraged by many of the eminent names in the bonsai world, who recognized his talent, vision and individuality. Soon, his trees were to be seen at national and international exhibitions and at the Chelsea Flower Show, where in 1995 and 1996 he had a total of 12 trees on the Federation of British Bonsai Societies stand, which won a Silver Gilt Medal. He began giving lectures, all the while building a unique photographic record of the development of the trees in his collection, spanning over 15 years.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Bonsai Life Histories is a detailed absorbing insight into the transformation of original plant material into exquisite bonsai trees. These 50 dramatic stories show how one bonsai expert has created "something out of nothing," recording the life histories of over 50 trees, both in photographs and descriptions that reveal the rewarding process of tending bonsai to maturity.

This instructive and useful book also includes information on: origins of bonsai getting started what makes a good/bad bonsai bonsai style styling, pruning, refinement tools, repotting, watering, feeding training techniques finding suitable plants seasonal planner guide to pruning and maintenance tasks through the year bonsai in the garden displaying bonsai exhibiting bonsai pests and diseases glossary of terms

Bonsai expert Martin Treasure reveals a wealth of technical and horticultural knowledge and demonstrates his technique in bringing out the personalities of individual trees. Even non-enthusiasts will be intrigued by the stories.

FROM THE CRITICS

Hortideas

We think that the case study method is particularly appropriate for teaching the art of bonsai ... Bonsai Life Histories provides highly visual assurance of success!

Kathe -Onnair - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Clearly illustrates the vision, dedication and patience necessary to cultivate these "living sculptures.

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