Creating bonsai, an ancient art form that encourages meditation and contemplation, can be an intimidating art to start because of its intricate and precise nature. But David Squire's new book is a gentle but complete beginner's guide to the craft. Starting with the definition of what bonsai is, the author discusses the spirit and aesthetics of creating bonsai then continues with the materials needed, including the right species of tree to get--how to prune, pinch, water, feed and display your piece. The book also includes chapters on indoor bonsai species, outdoor bonsai species and how to deal with pests and diseases, then concludes with a beautiful gallery of bonsai trees. Feel calmer and more focused by learning how to raise bonsai trees.

3.4 ⭐️
As a plant Mom of over 100 indoor plants, lover of energy and all things zen, I’ve always been attracted to the spiritual art of Bonsai. But by-golly-gosh, I can’t keep one alive if my life counted on it! (Scroll down to see my hack on never killing another Bonsai)

✍🏼 So needless to say, I was excited when I got my hands on this book. It’s written in a very formal and educational style by an expert in Bonsai, native plants, and much more.

🌱 The first half of the book covers all the basics for Bonsai, including growing from seed, pruning and repotting. The second half of the book focuses on a variety of types of Bonsai’s, along with respective care information. A great book for those looking to venture into the world of Bonsai, full of some really cool pictures of serene trees.

💡The two things I found most interesting were both the spiritual aspect, and the copper wire aspect (which I can’t help but wonder if it’s partly founded off of Electroculture, a topic that heavily fascinates me.) Both topics I’ll be looking to dig deeper into.

🌵Overall, this book was a little too “dry” for what I would like to see for such a spiritual practice. Maybe it’s the Hippie in me, but trees have such a big energy, and I have so much love for them, that I expected the author would express more love and passion for caring for them. I’d really enjoy going deeper into the spiritual energy, the feeling and impact it brings into your home, more about why so many cultures have embraced this practice, etc. If it had been written in the same warm style as the description, I would have enjoyed it more. Unpopular opinion from a tree-hugging plant mom. But great info stuffed into this book, for sure.

Ok, so how did I hack preserving the lifespan of my Bonsai? (Don’t judge me 😂) Learn how here: https://www.hippie-blossom.com/post/why-i-ll-never-kill-another-bonsai

Thanks to NetGalley, Fox Chapel Publishing, and David Squire for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!

Extremely informative and great for beginners. It has lovely pictures, but I do wish some of the pictures were more process oriented.

This bonsai book was loaded with so much helpful information! I am kind of new to bonsai and although I already know a lot there was so much in this book to refresh up on or totally new info for me to learn to help me along the journey. It talked about everything from bonsai styles, esthetics, the tools needed to to information to help you with your own bonsais like potting them, wiring them, pruning them, choosing containers and buying them and so much more. I loved the photographs in the book as well!

This is such a good book for beginners! I've always thought bonsai was beautiful but had no clue how to get into it. This book breaks down everything from possible growing environments to tools, and especially what sort of trees suit the art and the environments. A well written, easy to follow book for anyone interested in learning more about bonsai.

Bonsai is a life time commitment that could become a family heirloom. The beautiful photographs will make you want to create these wonderful miniature trees.. Everything you need to know is here in this book you just add the patience and the time.

A beautiful and info-rich book for beginners on how to grow bonsai. The photos of different types were stunning and the lovely clean design made the simple instructions easy to follow. I felt calmer just meditating on the pages!

I’ve always been fascinated with Bonsai. The local fair that my family went to each fall had a Bonsai exhibit and reading the age of the trees always amazed me. This book provides a lot of detailed information on what to look for when purchasing Bonsai, as well as how to care for and maintain these beautiful plants. Also, great photography.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book!

If you have an interest in bonsai, but are a novice, this book may give you insight into everything about creating, growing, and training bonsai. It is rather involved, but filled with tons of useful information. I found the book to be a little intimidating, however, I will give it five stars as it seems to be a great guide. I recommend this book as a go-to instruction manual for bonsai magic. Thank you!

The art of bonsai is so interesting to me. This book gives comprehensive information that any bonsai tree lover or beginner can benefit from if looking to start their own bonsai tree!

After moving to the country from the nearly constant sun of the Mojave desert, I found myself suffering seasonal depression in the gray gloom of winter and early spring. Along with daily meditation and a light therapy lamp, I decided that getting a couple of plants would be a good thing. One of the plants I’ve been wanting is a bonsai, even though the idea of having and caring for one has been very intimidating to me. Reading this book was truly helpful in providing accurate information and guidance.

Along with the guidance and knowledge in the pages of this, there are photos and illustrations that are advantageous for beginners.

I really appreciated reading an early copy of this and will likely pick up a copy when I’m ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a tree of my own.



Thank you to Creative Homemaker and NetGalley for the DRC