Niwaki

Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way

Over the years, Japanese gardeners have fine-tuned a distinctive set of pruning techniques that coax out the essential characters of their garden trees, or niwaki. In this highly practical book, Western gardeners are encouraged to draw upon the techniques and sculpt their own garden trees to unique effect. After discussing the principles that underpin the techniques, the author offers in-depth guidelines for shaping pines, azaleas, conifers, broadleaved evergreens, bamboos, and deciduous trees. Complete with abundant photographs, personal anecdotes and a wealth of advice, this unprecedented resource will inspire gardeners everywhere to transform their own trees into niwaki.

Media reviews of this book:

"Of as much interest as the practical cutting points are the bits of history and lore woven into the chapters that stress the spiritual underpinnings of this ancient art."

—Marianne Binetti, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 18, 2007

"More than a pruning manual, Hobson's guide encompasses the cultural implications of niwaki, an artistic custom integral to the gardening legacy of Japan."

—Alice Joyce, Booklist, April 2007

"Easily the best book in English on this pristine type of pruning. ... Anyone who appreciates plants and Japanese culture will find more than they could have imagined in this unique book."

—Clear Englebert, West Hawaii Today, December 2, 2007

"Detailed drawings of the pruning methods, as well as numerous photos of Japanese examples, make this an eminently practical guide."

—SciTech Book News, December 2007

"Has wonderful illustrations and very specific directions that should prove useful to anyone who has garden subjects that need pruning."

—Linda Brazill, Capital Times (Madison), July 28, 2007

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Customer reviews of this book:

"A great, informative book that reads like a leisure book."

—Richard H. from Tucson, Arizona, July 14, 2007

"Well-written with excellent photography!"

—William S. from Garland, Texas, June 27, 2007

"Excellent, excellent book."

—Rob J. from Ross Township, Pennsylvania, June 23, 2007

"Very nice and interesting book. It gave me so many ideas!"

—Lherbet Sylvie from France, June 22, 2007

"Great! Very informative!"

—David M. from Raeford, North Carolina, May 11, 2007