Review: Easy to read bonsai survival guide
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 21, 2012
This is a great book for anyone looking to get into bonsai gardening at the beginning.I guess a lot of people get a new bonsai and don't do too well with it because they don't know the specific steps or survival strategies to start with their new tree. And as a raw beginner, when I look at some of the bigger books, it all looks a little too daunting. Not only is the information in this book just what any bonsai beginner with enthusiasm, a tree and little to no actual knowledge needs, it is laid out in a really simple to follow step by step plan. What it allows you to do is basically keep your tree alive while you figure out and learn the intricacies of bonsai.The book starts off with a mercifully brief history of the subject. Don't get me wrong, I like history as much as the next guy, but I agree with the author when she says that while history is not necessary to grow bonsai it can deepen your appreciation for the topic. In any case I appreciated the author keeping it short, and I must say interesting, unlike many authors who use topics like this to simply "pad" their books unnecessarily.From there the book goes into the 7 steps of keeping your new bonsai alive. Each of these steps is laid out in a logical order with plenty of tips and advice to help with your bonsai tree. While the book is relatively small and easy to read in comparison to some of the encyclopaedia style books I have seen, it crams a huge amount of specific detail into each of the 7 steps.It's hard to imagine anyone with a new tree having any questions that would not be covered in this book. For example in the section on watering;  when to water, when not to water,  how much water, what to do if you over water it, and even the type of water you use, are covered in great detail and in a very easy to read & understand style.Other essential bonsai survival topics covered in the book such as environment, feeding & grooming are covered equally as well and in depth. I think it's safe to say that you will know what to do, as well as what not to do and why you're doing it, by the time you finish reading this book.An excellent, easy to read guide that delivers on the promise of its title.