Forest, Rock Planting & Ezo Spruce Bonsai, by Saburo Kato

Reviewed by Dierk Neugebauer

Bonsai enthusiasts with an interest in landscapes and forests will enjoy Mr. Kato's book immensely. He starts off with a colour slide show which consists of beautiful images of some of his trees and tray landscapes. Their realism draws one in, so that it is difficult to put the book down.

The remainder of the book is divided into three major areas: forest bonsai, rock planting bonsai, and Ezo spruce bonsai. Each of these sections provides practical information with ample illustrations to allow the enthusiast to create his own.

In each case Mr. Kato explains the characteristics found in nature, and then shows how to create a convincing tray or rock planting.

Ample space is devoted by him to selecting plants, containers and rocks. The reader becomes familiar with the choices that need to be made, and with the characteristics that must be kept in mind if he is to achieve a natural looking landscape. Significant space is also devoted by Mr. Kato to the appropriate aftercare that one must provide.

Numerous examples of landscapes are included in the book with detailed instructions for how to create them. The section on Ezo Spruce bonsai also provides the reader with detailed instructions about tree care.

All told, Forest, Rock Planting & Ezo Spruce Bonsai is both inspirational as well as being a practical guide to the creation of these plantings.

What I personally enjoyed most about the book was the section on rock plantings. Mr. Kato shows the reader in great detail everything from selecting rocks, to anchoring tie-down wires, and, most importantly, to the possibilities of the overall design. His „floor plan drawings¾ here and elsewhere in the book are intuitive, and are supplemented by effective ink drawings of what the final composition might look like. My only criticism might be that the book could contain even more colour prints throughout.

This book is indeed an excellent addition to our library.

Editor:

William N. Valavanis

Publisher:

The National Bonsai Foundation Inc.

Year of Publication::

2001

ISBN Number::

0-9704392-3-7