Practical Illustrated Guide to Japanese Gardening and Growing Bonsai

This book includes essential advice, step-by-step techniques and projects, plans, plant listings and over 1500 photographs and illustrations. It is an invaluable and comprehensive practical guide to two noteworthy horticultural arts. It explains the history, inspiration and traditions of Japanese gardening and bonsai, with stunning and authentic examples from around the world. Japanese gardening and bonsai are precise disciplines in which natural and manmade elements are formed for visual and symbolic effect. This book looks at the history, inspiration and method of Japanese gardening, and introduces the five styles - pond, dry, tea, stroll and courtyard gardens. It also contains a fascinating guide to bonsai, the growth of trees and shrubs in miniature. A gallery with stunning examples of over 40 mature bonsai specimens shows what is possible, and a directory lists suitable species for indoor and outdoor use. Illustrated with 1,500 photographs, this book provides the practical expertise to master these exquisite horticultural arts.