Book Reviews and Bookstore

The book reviews and recommendations at Grand Island Serene Garden are done by a team of highly qualified members. Our literary and field experience with Japanese culture allows us to give you the best recommendations on various topics concerning Japanese culture, gardening, landscaping, art etc.

Japanese Garden Books

This is still the best book on the market for learning Japanese pruning techniques. A very easy to understand book with detailed pictures and drawigs of when and how to prune to create a specific shape. These techniques are not the same as Bonsai pruning, so if you are interestedin learning this great art form, Niwaki is a must have.

Another reason I recommend this book is because I have studied under the same gardeners in Osaka, Japan as the author has. The gardeners and designers at "Furukawa Teijyuen" fully support Jake in his efforts of speading Japanese pruning technques outside of Japan. I have used this book as a great reference while working in some of the same gardens that Jake has. It has a been a great experience of following in a professionals footprints.

Marc Peter Keane does an exceptional job at combining quality research with artful photography. This book traces the history of the tea garden and blends it with essential garden design principles, making this the perfect book for those interested in tea ceremony as well as Japanese gardens.

There are not many good Japanese garden calenders out there in English. Most of them are somewhat fake and some are not even Japanese gardens. This calender seems to have an air of authenticity and has some very beautiful, peaceful scenes.

This book has many great pictures with some English, but is sold through the Japanese Amazon.com. It gives a great intro to some of Japan's most famous gardens; private, public, and also parks.

Japanese Flower Arrangement Books

Ikebana - The Art of Arranging Flowers by Shozo Sato

This book on Ikebana Japanese flower arranging has a great section on the Rikka style. It guides you through the basics of flower arranging and some of its principles as well as discusses the history and present day situation. It is much more than just a pretty picture book! Us this book as good resource to entering the Ikebana world or furthering your passion of this elegant traditional art.