• "You won't regret it!"

Review excerpt:

I have been dabbling with fruit trees for the last twenty years. I usually end up moving just when my trees are finally old enough to produce. This has finally changed and I have a beautiful orchard to enjoy. I went searching for some books this past Christmas so I could learn more and get the most out of my trees. I could not be happier with this book. The things I have learned about pruning and training are fascinating and they are already paying dividends. The writing is very understandable and the photos are incredible - and there are many of them. For every popular variety of fruit tree there are photos of the first three years (from planting as a single whip)showing exactly what the tree should look like in the spring and summer of years one through three and then they explain how it should be pruned thereafter for the rest of its life. They make great use of shading leaving no doubt what cuts should be made, and where. The book covers the pruning of just about anything that grows. I wish I could give it more than five stars!!!

(5 Stars)

Relevancy: 91% (out of 23 total votes) thought this review was helpful.

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• "Probably the only book you really need"

Review excerpt:

Before I picked up this simple little Tome, I knew absolutely nothing about bonsai. I was studying eastern cultures and thought to myself, "Hey, I'm bored. I'll bet that this could be an interesting side diversion." I did a quick search on Amazon, and decided this book looked the most concise. It is very reasonably priced, who can't spare a meager $5 to decide if a new activity interests you? The book is very clear and has many helpful full color pictures. I believe that all topics essential to Bonsai are covered: potting, trimming, shaping, wiring, feeding, watering. It even explains the basics of more advanced bonsai techniques: growing the roots onto rock, intricate hanging patterns. A complete list of equipment if provided for the `real' bonsai gardener, but I made due with tools that I had lying around the house. After 15 minutes with the book, you've probably absorbed the majority of the information, and you can get started. I think the total cost to get me started was something like: $5 Book, $4 Juniper, $3 Pot. So I'm out $12.00 and a few hours of time before I decide if I enjoy this hobby or not. My cheap little bonsai is six months old now, and it looks just as nice as any picture I can find in the book. So unless you are planning on making bonsai your life's work, 101 Essential Tips is probably the only book you will ever need.

(4 Stars)

Relevancy: 99% (out of 151 total votes) thought this review was helpful.

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