Dave De Groot’s original edition of Principles of Bonsai
Design would be easy to overlook. The
small size volume is barely thicker than a pamphlet, is sized smaller than any
paper back and has an odd spiral binding. Slick and glossy it is not.
But that spiral binding is a valuable feature-this is a book
with enough useful information to reread and study. After a while design concepts will soak into
a bonsai practioner’s head and hands from constant exposure. Find a way to
convey those is often times a struggle. De Groot has made the best effort I’ve come
across to put that process into text and related illustrations.
It may seem like gilding the lily to bring out another
edition-until you hold that edition in your hands. This second edition is an advancement and an
improvement on the first. This is a full
sized, hard bound book with an understated, not to say plain cover. But under that cover are more than 250 pages of text, drawings,
charts and photographs.
De Groot has been growing bonsai for 40 years, and served as
curator of the renowned Pacific Rim collection for a quarter century. His bonsai experience was gained in this
country as well as Japan. This book is a
distillation of all that experience.
What makes the book both a treat to read and so effective at conveying
concepts is the combination of the author’s vast specialized experience, and
his ability to use other art forms and means of expression to help make his
points. For example, when discussing tension as design element he makes some
use of musical examples like Mary had a little Lamb and Bach’s Goldberg
Variations. You get the impression that De Groot could be an engaging partner
in a conversation on most any subject.
The book covers in absorbing detail the usual “traditional”
bonsai styles as well as more modern
additions to the bonsai palate, considering influences from Chinese Pen-ching
as well as other bonsai growing areas. The flat top style for bald Cypress, pioneered
by American Vaugh Banting? It’s here, as
well clear descriptions of some more
exotic styles. Degroot offers clear, concise foundations of what
contributes to each style and why it ‘works’.
Styles are grouped into logical bunches, based on trunk line, branch
lines, styles based on landscape feature.
Pot selection is covered in equally thorough detail,
bringing some clarity to what can be an intimidating and frankly confusing
process. De Groot also covers the principles and conventions of display, a
topic that I have not seen covered as extensively or as well in one place. His
suggestions are worthwhile not just for formal show-type exhibition but also
for the permanent growing area display. One bit of advice may seem obvious but
makes sense-he proposes keeping a work area with projects in process in a
different, not easily viewed area, away from the more ‘finished’ trees.
For as long as I can remember John Naka’s books have been
recommended for the serious student of bonsai. Naka’s books are long out of
print and expensive to purchase. It seems like sacrilege to say it, but DeGroot
may have produced a worthy successor, not just a substitute but a replacement.
This book is available from http://www.stonelantern.com/ . Images on this post came from that website.
This fascinating fusion of art and horticulture has a long history and has been taken up all around the world. If you would like to learn more about creating and keeping miniature trees, an opportunity to get hands on knowledge is coming up soon.
The Columbus Bonsai Society will conduct an introductory bonsai class Saturday, April 11,2015. The one day session will be held in The Gustav and Bertha Reiner Horticultural Education Center at Oakland Nursery, 1156 Oakland Park Ave. Columbus. http://www.oaklandnursery.com/web/columbuscenter.htmlThe class will take place between 10:00 AM and 3:00PM and is intended to be a thorough introduction to the art and craft of miniature trees, the Japanese bonsai. Participants will learn basic techniques to create, train and maintain bonsai trees in classroom and discussion phases of the session and then will put that knowledge to use in hands on workshops.Each participant will begin the process of developing a bonsai. Instructors will discuss many aspects of the art and horticulture of bonsai: including history, design, tools, styling techniques and others. The main focus will be keeping the trees alive.The class is intended for participants of all skill levels, no previous experience with bonsai-or plants of any kind is required.Cost of the class is $45 which includes all necessary materials. A 2016 membership in the Columbus Bonsai Society is also part of the package.To register or for more information : bonsaibeginners@yahoo.comYou may also leave questions on the interactive event webpage: cbsbonsaibeginners.blogspot.comPLEASE NOTE: No walk in students can be accommodated-all participants must register.
