In future CBS Newsletters we hope to provide regular monthly book reviews. There are many books on bonsai, with many different styles of presenting information. Since 1990 there has been a resurgence in the publishing of books on bonsai. The Barnes and Noble Website has over 140 books listed under the subject of bonsai. Some authors seem very prolific. Many books are English translations; which leads to a word of caution. Look at the place where the author lives. It effects the relevance and credibility of the guidance that may be provided on the care of some specimens. I have been mislead, resulting in the loss of a tree.

Having noted that there are a large number of relatively new bonsai books on today's market (most of my collection has been published after 1990) I have selected an "old" book for this
review. I borrowed this treasure from the State of Ohio Library. They had only four books on the subject, all fairly old. Bonsai-Miniature Potted Trees caught my eye because it was printed for the Tourist Library in 1950 Occupied Japan. The author, Norio Kabayashi was the editor of "Bonsai" a monthly Japanese magazine that had been published for thirty years! In the preface, the author notes that this book is an attempt to answer questions that he had been asked by "
Western lovers of art and nature, who are convinced that bonsai making is a unique art,.." This is a small book, measuring only 5"X7" with 177 pages. However, it has 166 black and white photographs. These are photos of Japanese quality show trees; not twigs in training" as seen in
some of the newer how-to books. Because you are not likely to be able to find this book yourselves, I will provide a more detailed report than future reports may contain.

Two sentences in the "What is a Bonsai?" section of the book were so eloquent that I feel they should be shared with you here: "A bonsai bears the stamp of each plant so cultivated; it is intended to bring out the characteristic or characteristics so conspicuously as to touch the cord of aesthetic sediment." and "The art of making bonsai involves in itself the pleasure of cultivating trees; the sort of gratification which a mother finds in bringing up her child....Herein lies the distinctive feature of the art of nurturing trees in tray-pots."

The following tidbits were items that caught my interest on plant care:

It is difficult to maintain the health equally of all trees in a grove planting. The problem can be eliminated by planting a single stump in a way that several trunks can be
developed from it.

Bonsai were traditionally trained with a "right" viewing side because they were normally displayed against a screen or set in an alcove. Kobayashi goes on to say they should be pruned so that they can be viewed from all sides.

Deciduous trees prized for their autumn foliage are; maples, mountain ash, Japanese wax tree, ginkgo and ivy. (this book also mentions fruiting and flowing trees and the use of stones)

Balance is defined first by the trunk, second branches, third rootage.

The seven factors in successful bonsai cultivation are: soil; transplantation (repotting); watering; care in placing the pots in summer and winter; nipping buds or pruning; manuring (fertilizing); and extermination or harmful insects and the prevention of disease.

From here the book offers a few pages on each of these areas. I selected some of the text that I felt was important.

Soil - Angular sand is more effective in stimulating the branching of roots.

Transplantation - Generally best done just as the plant awakes from winter, or buds begin to swell. The exceptions noted were Quince and Jasmine - to be repotted when the plant begins to shed its leaves. He notes that the holes in a pot are called "Eyes". Root pruning should be done speedily in a damp room sheltered from the sun and wind. After repotting shelter the plant from the sun until root activity has started again.

Placement - Light fresh wind makes a bonsai stronger and resistant to disease, too strong does harm. Protect bonsai from strong afternoon sun from the west, after 2 PM, by using shading.

Watering - Water twice. First until water flows from the drain, then a second time until water flows from the drain again. He notes that if the soil is right and the tree is not pot bound this should be sufficient even on the hottest day.

Fertilizer - Too much can be as bad as none.

Pruning - Fruiting and flowering bonsai are pruned different from all the rest.

Pots - Are the picture frame for the art. Select the correct size and color so that the pot does not overwhelm the plant, but brings out its beauty and elegance.

Unfortunately the "Trees for Bonsai" section of this book only covers 18 species. Each description discusses the tree's trunk and foliage, where they grow naturally, soil, fertilizing, transplanting frequency, and winter protection.