Complete Starter Guide to Bonsai for Beginners: Growing from Seed or Seedling—Wiring, Pruning, Care, and Display

Aptly named, this in-depth starter guide is perfect for beginners interested in learning all they can about bonsai. Horticulturist and journalist Squire (Home Gardener’s Herb Gardens) has written more than 80 books about gardening and plants. His latest is full of detailed photos and illustrations that showcase the art of growing and maintaining bonsai. Squire defines bonsai and gives readers advice on how to prune, pinch, water, feed, and display their plant. The book is organized primarily into indoor bonsai and outdoor bonsai and then into separate categories based on specific types of bonsai plants. There is some engaging discussion about trends in bonsai, including new plants and different types of containers; Squire also talks about how this ancient art form can be utilized in meditative and reflective practices. The book is comprehensive—it addresses pest and disease control and contains an extensive tool list, which is helpful—and doesn’t rely on technical jargon. But some readers may find the tool list to be unclear about the bare minimum supplies they’ll need to get started.