Ficus Bonsai

Pup · Post by **Pup** » November 28th, 2008, 11:35 am

I have just finished reading Ficus Bonsai
in
The Temperate Climate
by Hoy Leong Kwong
In the first Paragraph he has a disclaimer!
After reading I did find some help full hints. One thing did disturb me though. In explaining his soil mix he said that he adds fertilizer to it.
Then later in the book he tells how to develop Figs by using a method of starting with what many growers described as a slug. Then says that you must not FERTALISE!!!. As I said some helpful hints . Nothing on extreme summer conditions. Where if the trees were in full sun where I live in the foot hills of the Darling scarp. I would have nothing but shriveld trees. According to the weather maps we are in a temperate climate. He did say SYDNEY which is quite humid as is Queensland. Where as Perth is hot and DRY. I have read it I would not buy it. I have Jerry Meislik's book.

Post by **Steven** » November 28th, 2008, 11:57 am

Thanks for the review Pup.

MelaQuin · Post by **MelaQuin** » January 6th, 2009, 12:14 pm

Surely there is a difference between 'adding fertiliser to the soil mix' and then later 'not fertilising'. I read that to mean after the tree is potted it is not further fertilised. Is that wrong? Are you telling me this is not a reasonable procedure? I liberally lace my soil with Osmocote when I am potting.... then some trees I don't fertilise for a long while after, some I do. Banksia's wouldn't get a top up, olives surely would. Is this wrong?

I have seen this book but I have not read it since I am not a fig fanatic and only have two small PJs. But I have written reviews before and slamming a book because two points are objectionable seems a bit severe to me.

franks · Post by **franks** » January 6th, 2009, 3:58 pm

Agreed Mela... aussies love bashing our own don't we? One day we might be proud that we are growing a scene to a point people are starting to write books. Or maybe not...

And even my cooking books has a disclaimer.

PeterW · Post by **PeterW** » January 6th, 2009, 4:08 pm

I refer to Leongs book constantly. My figs have never looked so good, great referance material. With some small timing adjustments to suit your particular area, i am sure anybodys (well almost anybodys) ficus Bonsai will improve from following the guidelines in this book. Oh....Jerry Meislik's book is great also, i have it to, even though it to has a disclaimer! Page 3.
Peter.

brenden · Post by **brenden** » January 6th, 2009, 8:15 pm

What's the world coming to... reading books with disclaimers

I have the book also and it's a great resource. A recommended purchase. A great little fact is that some of the proceeds are donated to charity. Informative and giving in one.

Brenden.

marleey73 · Post by **marleey73** » January 11th, 2009, 5:53 pm

I read with amazement the comments on the book Ficus in the Temperate Climate by Leong Bonsai South Nursery. I know Leong and have seen him at work. He must be classed up there as one of the best if not THE BEST bonsai man of this day and age. If anyone can get along to see Leong's figs and the work he has done with them but not only figs, black pines you name it and Leong has perfected them all. I have followed his book and am delighted with the way my figs are looking. Maybe a bit of jealousy in the comments on his book. Leong is only too pleased to help anyone with problem trees. I can vouch for that. I hope in the near future that more books are forthcoming from Leong. I know that I will be first in line to buy one. He is a first class bonsai man with more skills than anyone I know! Anyone that can go to Bonsai South Nursery and see for yourself. You will come away in awe after seeing the beautiful figs.
Keep up the good work Leong
Marleey
ps FERTILIZER is spelt with a Z not FERTLISER with an S

Pup · Post by **Pup** » January 13th, 2009, 9:08 am

While I have read the comments here. You will understand it is only one person's opinion.
Whether in the positive or negative. I have read a lot of Leong's writings and found them helpful.
I do not think this book has much to offer me. I have articles by other's that I consider as good.
So why would I buy another book on Ficus.

PS I do read a dictionary Fertilizer Fertiliser are both correct. According to the Macquarie Dictionary. also spell check.

anttal63 · Post by **anttal63** » January 13th, 2009, 10:38 am

marleey73 wrote:I read with amazement the comments on the book Ficus in the Temperate Climate by Leong Bonsai South Nursery. I know Leong and have seen him at work. He must be classed up there as one of the best if not THE BEST bonsai man of this day and age. If anyone can get along to see Leong's figs and the work he has done with them but not only figs, black pines you name it and Leong has perfected them all. I have followed his book and am delighted with the way my figs are looking. Maybe a bit of jealousy in the comments on his book. Leong is only too pleased to help anyone with problem trees. I can vouch for that. I hope in the near future that more books are forthcoming from Leong. I know that I will be first in line to buy one. He is a first class bonsai man with more skills than anyone I know! Anyone that can go to Bonsai South Nursery and see for yourself. You will come away in awe after seeing the beautiful figs.
Keep up the good work Leong
Marleey
ps FERTILIZER is spelt with a Z not FERTLISER with an S

thats good enough for me where do i get one!

Pup · Post by **Pup** » January 13th, 2009, 4:41 pm

anttal63 wrote:
marleey73 wrote:I read with amazement the comments on the book Ficus in the Temperate Climate by Leong Bonsai South Nursery. I know Leong and have seen him at work. He must be classed up there as one of the best if not THE BEST bonsai man of this day and age. If anyone can get along to see Leong's figs and the work he has done with them but not only figs, black pines you name it and Leong has perfected them all. I have followed his book and am delighted with the way my figs are looking. Maybe a bit of jealousy in the comments on his book. Leong is only too pleased to help anyone with problem trees. I can vouch for that. I hope in the near future that more books are forthcoming from Leong. I know that I will be first in line to buy one. He is a first class bonsai man with more skills than anyone I know! Anyone that can go to Bonsai South Nursery and see for yourself. You will come away in awe after seeing the beautiful figs.
Keep up the good work Leong
Marleey
ps FERTILIZER is spelt with a Z not FERTLISER with an S
thats good enough for me where do i get one!

LEIGH at LEDANTA nurseries in Canberra will post one to you if you ask him to.
Pup

anttal63 · Post by **anttal63** » January 13th, 2009, 5:16 pm

pup welcome back and thankyou for the info.

marleey73 · Post by **marleey73** » January 13th, 2009, 7:03 pm

Yes, you are right about fertilzer and fertiliser. I do apologize for that. Re the Ficus in the Temperate Climate book it can be bought at Bonsai South Nursery The Boulevarde, Caringbah. Some of the proceeds of the sale of the book go to charity. If one goes there they can see the most beautiful bonsai in Australia.
ps I am not getting paid for this I am a lover of beautiful bonsai worked by a master!!

Bretts · Post by **Bretts** » January 13th, 2009, 8:18 pm

I bought mine through email.see here.
http://bonsaisouth.com.au/cms/content/view/34/52/

Pup · Post by **Pup** » January 13th, 2009, 9:28 pm

marleey73 wrote:Yes, you are right about fertilzer and fertiliser. I do apologize for that. Re the Ficus in the Temperate Climate book it can be bought at Bonsai South Nursery The Boulevarde, Caringbah. Some of the proceeds of the sale of the book go to charity. If one goes there they can see the most beautiful bonsai in Australia.
ps I am not getting paid for this I am a lover of beautiful bonsai worked by a master!!

I am a lover of Quality Bonsai also. I am staying at a friend's place later this year when my wife and I go to England.
You might have heard of him.
21 gold Medals at the Chelsea flower show. Curator of Wisely Japanese Gardens and Bonsai Collection. Also the donor.
So we have something in common.
Peter Chan.

Pup

marleey73 · Post by **marleey73** » January 15th, 2009, 11:24 am

Enjoy your trip to England. Your visit must be to Heron's Bonsai in England. Magnificent bonsai also worked by a Master.

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