Happy Bonsai

April 20, 2020
Tran, a nursery owner and longtime bonsai grower, earnestly approaches his craft in this overly abbreviated how-to guide. He encapsulates the form as an “idealized representation of nature in miniature” and briefly touches on obtaining a specimen (buying or collecting one from nature), where to grow them (“most will only flourish outside”), choosing a container and tools, potting, maintenance, and pruning, but will leave serious bonsai students wanting more. On aesthetics, he contrasts the classical Japanese style with the approach developed by modern American practitioners, which is to “accept the natural growth habit of trees, often making them older and wilder in appearance.” He also profiles 40 specimens, including the Japanese maple and Chinese juniper, accompanied by beautiful color photographs, with information about origins, growing habits, watering, feeding, pruning, and repotting, along with suggestions for both traditional Japanese and contemporary displays. However, since Tran maintains that “the art of creating and maintaining a beautiful tree in a small pot requires care and skill,” readers may feel a more comprehensive look at process is warranted. This skimpy guide doesn’t give enough room for Tran’s expertise to fully express itself, and seems intended for couch admirers rather than serious practitioners.

October 1, 2020

Does nurturing and shaping a tree on a tabletop sound appealing? Do you have three years (or your entire lifetime) to devote to this hobby? Bonsai prodigy Tran not only shapes bonsai on his own but also cares for older bonsai entrusted to him by European masters. Beginning chapters cover the basics of plant types, shape, containers, and masculine and feminine attributes of plants and display. Two-page spreads, festooned with large photos, show remarkable specimens, with tips for watering, feeding, wiring, pruning, and repotting along with plant origin, special care, and more. VERDICT A strong choice to attract readers more comfortable with tweezers and tooth brush-size tools than axes or rakes. The beautiful, intricate photos will satisfy many readers, whether or not they choose to pursue the hobby of bonsai trimming on their own.--Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TX

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