Freestyle Bonsai

How to pot, grow, prune, and shape - Bend the rules of traditional bonsai

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Pub Date 12 Apr 2022 | Archive Date 28 Apr 2022

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Description

Learn the tools and techniques of bonsai to get started potting, shaping, and caring for your own collection of tiny trees, all while learning it’s okay to bend the rules along the way.

Though bonsai is steeped in ancient traditions and techniques, it doesn’t have to be intimidating and difficult. A new generation of bonsai enthusiasts are discovering the joys of growing these miniaturized works of living art, and in Freestyle Bonsai, bonsai artists and growers Jerome and Mari Kellerhals of The Bonsai Supply show you how you, too, can grow beautiful bonsai trees without judgement or the stress of perfection. The art of bonsai is personal, and learning how to train trees to please you is the only thing that matters. While the history and tradition of the art is respected and honored throughout, Freestyle Bonsai is as much about giving you permission to bend the rules as it is about introducing you to them.

You’ll learn:

Which tree species are the best for beginners A breakdown of bonsai tools and how to use them How to successfully pot a bonsai tree Easy bonsai styling, including clipping, training, and wiring techniques Care and maintenance tips for your bonsai collection Step-by-step shaping instructions to create ten different bonsai styles


Whether your trees are grown indoors or out, bonsai is a relaxing hobby with gorgeous results. Like every other art form out there, bonsai comes from the heart. Live a #bonsailife with guidance and inspiration from Freestyle Bonsai.

Learn the tools and techniques of bonsai to get started potting, shaping, and caring for your own collection of tiny trees, all while learning it’s okay to bend the rules along the way.

Though bonsai...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780760371978
PRICE US$25.99 (USD)
PAGES 160

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 3 members


Featured Reviews

Freestyle Bonsai is a beginner friendly casual introduction and tutorial guide to some of the concepts and techniques of bonsai collected and written by Jerome Kellerhals & Mariannjely Marval. Due out 12th Apr 2022 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a really well written introduction to bonsai aimed at keen beginner level to expert gardeners. There is a good introduction with some interesting history, followed by bullet point lists of common misconceptions and some definitions of what bonsai actually *is*. The following chapters give a good overview over tools & supplies, plant materials and how to choose for specific purposes, and good beginner friendly chapters on bonsai culture: repotting, styling, and maintenance. The book also contains useful appendices: an FAQ, glossary, bibliography, and resources/links lists. The included resources are impressively comprehensive and include websites and locations in most regions in the world, listed by continent/region. The resources include exhibitions and bonsai gardens which can be visited as well as retail suppliers.

I loved the color photos of gorgeous gorgeous bonsai in all their glory, showing a wide variety of species trained into both traditional and modern silhouettes. The included tutorial photos are easy to understand and are carefully positioned such that hands and tools aren't in the way of the "action". The photography is superlative. Worthwhile and inspirational. I was a little taken aback at the cover blurb suggesting that readers "bend the rules of traditional bonsai" but I needn't have worried. The book (and its authors) are knowledgeable and respectful of the ancient art.

Five stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, garden groups, makers spaces, and for the home gardener's library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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