To the bonsai community throughout California, Marty Mann’s name is a familiar one, and his voice is a trusted one. For more than a quarter of a century, he has served as a conduit of bonsai wisdom through his familiar "Bonsai Ideas" columns in club newsletters and other publications. (As of this writing, he continues his long-running a "Seasonal Suggestions" column in Golden Statements.) Throughout the years, Marty has been that constant little voice in our ear, reminding us of important seasonal tasks, offering all sorts of handy tips, and providing the kind of "over the fence," common-sense advice about bonsai design, care and culture that we could never find in books -- until now.

With this book, Marty offers a unique compendium of the best articles selected from his trademark "Bonsai Ideas" and "Seasonal Tips" columns, some going back decades. It represents years of faithfully collecting and recording (and oftentimes researching to verify) those rare nuggets of insight that popped out during a demonstration by or class with the likes of John Naka, Melba Tucker and other top bonsai masters, or that emerged through conversations with bonsai colleagues, or that arose from Marty’s own observations and experiences as a life-long devotee of the bonsai art. Offering this knowledge to a wider bonsai audience has long been Marty’s dream and, as his friend and as a fellow bonsai lover, I'm glad to see it fulfilled.

In reading Marty’s book, I know you'll learn something new, you'll be reminded of something you forgot, and you'll definitely enjoy Marty’s friendly, conversational style. I know I did, and will again.

Ted E. Matson
December 6, 2004