The best Beginners Bonsai DVD
Tom - norfolkbonsai.co.uk
from Norfolk, England
, 07/04/2007
Until now there has been a dearth of instructional Bonsai DVD's, while there are a few VHS tapes doing the rounds DVD has been largely ignored. If you're unfamiliar with Lloyd Noall, he's been a Bonsai artist for about 20 years, owning a bonsai nursery for 10 years.
This initial DVD gives practical advice on what makes a good bonsai and how to select your first tree. Bonsai artist Lloyd Noall has made a DVD entitled 'Bonsai Lessons With Lloyd Noall - Vol.1' that lets us spend seventy three minutes exploring the wonderful world of Bonsai.
The DVD has a nice mix of practicality and artistic discussion. Lloyd reveals some of the misinformation about bonsai, including explaining that Bonsai is not a specific variety of tree but a Bonsai can be created using any tree or woody shrub. Throughout the DVD the producer (Bob) often interjects asking questions directly to Lloyd, far from breaking the flow of presentation it enhances the feeling of interaction as the questions asked are often what the viewer is thinking.
The DVD goes on to cover the key elements of watering and positioning an indoor tree to help ensure it grows successfully. The important aspect of how to check that a Bonsai needs watering is also explained. Watering is a subject that can be difficult to explain in a book, and is an area where a DVD can excel, as the viewer can see exactly what the presenter is discussing. The basic aspects of pruning are discussed with Lloyd explaining about adding shape and taper using pruning.
The author states 'This DVD is a must for anyone starting out in the world of bonsai' and I would have to agree. This is a well produced DVD that covers most of the topics a beginner would face when starting Bonsai. Apart from the slight criticism, as explain earlier, this is a solid production from a clearly enthusiastic Bonsai artist.
With a running time of approximately 73min in total the DVD may leave the viewer wanting more. Within the time frame of a DVD the subjects can only be touched on. This isn't a criticism though but more of a testament to how engaging and enjoyable the DVD is. The amount of detail covered is a perfect foundation to get anyone started in the world of Bonsai.
** A more detailed review is available at www.norfolkbonsai.co.uk
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