Bonsai Design: Deciduous and Coniferous Trees

Adams, Peter D

In Bonsai Design: Deciduous and Coniferous Trees, Peter D. Adams brings his dual strengths as both artist and bonsai practitioner to bear, presenting a richly illustrated study of how to conceive, train and display bonsai from a wide variety of tree types. Published around 1990, the volume covers not only the horticultural fundamentals of species selection, root and branch development, and seasonal care, but also delves deep into the formal design decisions that distinguish an accomplished bonsai from a well-grown miniature tree. Adams organizes the book into two major sections—“Profiles”, which treat specific tree groups (for example beech/hornbeam, elm/zelkova and mixed juniper species) and their unique growth habits; and “Case Histories”, which trace the development of individual trees from raw material into mature bonsai over many years. With his background in painting and sculpture, Adams emphasises the importance of movement, silhouette, taper, branch placement, and the visual interplay of positive and negative space—helping the practitioner think in terms of the whole composition, not just the horticultural steps. The book is often described as more demanding than an introductory how-to and is best suited to the serious enthusiast or collector seeking to raise their bonsai practice into the realm of living art.

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