Japanese gardening and bonsai are horticultural disciplines where natural elements are formed for visual effect. Part one looks at the history, inspiration and method of Japanese gardening, and introduces the five styles. Chapters covering the classic features include step-by-step sequences such as moving rocks and boulders and making a dry waterfall. 15 projects show how to form the basis of the five garden styles, followed by a plant directory. Part two looks at the growth of trees and shrubs in miniature. Find the best bonsai forms, the importance of size and display and admire a gallery of over 40 specimens. Techniques include shoot pinching and shaping by wiring and advanced skills such as creating sharimiki. 15 popular shapes are demonstrated, from formal upright to twisted trunk. A directory lists species for indoor and outdoor use and advice on maintenance. Illustrated with over 1500 step-by-step photographs and arworks of international gardens and bonsai specimens, this book will give you inspired ideas and the practical expertise to master both these horticultural arts.

About the Author

Charles Chesshire is a garden designer and writer. He has studied in Japan and toured the country on a number of occasions. He has helped to introduce a number of new varieties of clematis from Japan, as curator of the National Collection of Clematis held in Burford House Gardens, Worcestershire. Ken Norman has been growing bonsai for 45 years and is a past Chairman of both the Federation of British Bonsai Societies (FOBBS) and the Friends of the National Bonsai Collection (FNBC). Ken lectures and demonstrates the culture and art of bonsai throughout the UK.