Bonsai Books for complete beginner

[Perry the Pom]

G'day All,
I am a complete beginner to Bonsai. I went on the chat line last night and was informed where to purchase the Bonsai tools, and plants. I am off to there today to have a look around. This will be my starting point. I am 69 years old and retired and have always enjoyed gardening. I would like to know if there have been books written for complete beginners into Bonsai, Preferably with pictures and instructions on what to do for starting. Please could somebody tell me the titles etc.
Many thanks
Perry the Pom

[techpetal]

Hi mate,

I found the following two books excellent when I first started

"Bonsai Basics" by Colin Lewis
"Bonsai, It's Art, Science, Histrory and Philosophy" by Deborah Koreshoff

Worth every word.

Tech

[Perry the Pom]

G'dad Tech,
Many thanks. I will try the local library first to read them if not I will try the book shops.
Cheers Perry

[stymie]

My bible for years has been 'The Complete book of Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson' it is a bit dated now but is a wonderful source of info. with species guides in alphabetical order and step by step instructions in readable form.

[john tapner]

Perry,

Several things you can try:- find some titles and/or authors, then go on "bookfinder.com. This web site offers many 2nd hand books that are much cheaper and easier than hunting all over for your desired purchase. The other is join a local bonsai club as most have a good selection of books, videos etc in the club library, but it depends where you are in this wide, brown land,

Cheers from ax ex pom

John T

[Perry the Pom]

G'day Don,
Thank you for naming the book & author. I will see if I can find it. Yes Harry Tomlinson is old I think I sat next to him in class at school.
Cheers Perry

[Perry the Pom]

G'day John T,
Thank you for the web sit information, That will be really handy for me as I am always looking for books. As for joining a Bonsai Club the nearest one to me is a 4 day camel ride through the bush!!! Unfortunately there none in Maryborough but I am certain once I get into it I will also find another person around, hopefully he might be very knowable.
Cheers Perry

[paulofoz]

Welcome to the bonsai world Perry,

we were/are all beginners like you, I got alot out of

Bonsai with Australian Natives by Dorothy Koreshoff
From Rainforest to Bonsai by Len Webber

especially if you're a beginner, theres good advice for developing your interest with suitable robust species like figs; chop, drop or lop, they keep coming back.

[Perry the Pom]

G'day Paulofoz,
Thank you, two more books to look out for. They sound just what I need. By the way if that is you in the photo, you would look better with a smile!!!
Many thanks
Perry

[Taffy]

My bible for years has been 'The Complete book of Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson' it is a bit dated now but is a wonderful source of info. with species guides in alphabetical order and step by step instructions in readable form.

I have this book for sale Perry - and yes, it is an excellent book.

[Fish]

Good on ya bud, great hobby to get into. I have only started myself about a week ago. I bought "Bonsai - The Pocket Encyclopedia" Harry Tomlinson published by "DK".....Very good book, I have used its contents to successfully repot and train nine bonsais, they are still living well, and I kill everything I touch....lol...Enjoy and many happy days to you in your new found fun..
Fish

[Perry the Pom]

G'day All,
Thank you for all your replies. I have a good list of books to read and there are quite allot in my local library
Cheers Perry

[LLK]

Hi Perry, I used and enjoyed all the books mentioned here, but one of the things I found most useful
over the years is a website: "Bonsai4me", especially the Bonsai Basics and the Species Guide sections.
See http://www.bonsai4me.com/
Lisa

[Graeme]

Perry, you listed your Location as Au and then mentioned Maryborough. Are you in the good Maryborough (Qld) or the other one in Vic? If your in the good one ( ) shoot Tman a PM, if he hasn't contacted you already. I believe he was in contact with all the Bonsai Nutters in that town.
Someplace else I mentioned the beginners guide book to be the Sunset Bonsai Book, available on Ebay from several book sellers, both new and second hand. It is a great book for anyone just starting out. Not sure if it is still available through mainstream Bookstores anymore though.

Edit Dooooh, just found the answer to this in "The start of a new experience". Now I just feel like an idiot. Thank you for allowing me to feel normal

[Perry the Pom]

G'day Graeme ,
Met Tman today he did a Bonsai demonstration with a group of beginners. It was very interesting to meet a group of people interested in Bonsai.
Taffy gave us some good pointers and also web sites. They have this little gathering each month, no charge and one also gets an afternoon tea.
Cheers Perry