Growing & Displaying Bonsai

Part art, part horticulture, a properly shaped, trained, and potted bonsai becomes more beautiful with age. Covering every key technique and style, plus cultivation, maintenance, and display, these right-from-the-beginning basics go from root to leaf to bud--the entire lifecycle of a tree. In large, close-up photos, see how they grow, and how to buy and propagate them from seed or cutting. Trim, shape with wire, repot, root prune, and do summer pinching. Most spectacular are the displays, shown in incredibly detailed pictures, with information on preparing them, including choosing a pot. Successfully nurture a handsome, broom-style zelkova, with the branch patterns reflected in the surface root formations; a micro-forest on a slab, with depth and perspective; a simple, but wonderfully effective raft planting; and a dramatic-looking tree with its roots wrapped around a rock.

Formally trained as a garden designer, Colin Lewis has been growing bonsai since 1974. He traveled to Japan in 1989 to study the ancient art. Lewis now regularly teaches on the subject and writes for magazines throughout Europe. He has exhibited trees at the Chelsea Flower Show, the National Bonsai Collection, and the Annual Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibition in Oasaka, Japan.

Neil Sutherland's photographs include still life, portraits, natural history, food, landscape, and travel over the course over more than 25 years. His work has been published in books and magazines throughout the world.