This book is more a record of some of the bonsai trees and miniatures I've been growing, not to be considered as their end and final design but more as works in progress. A sort of visit to an artist's studio where you can see what's being worked upon. One of the most rewarding things is starting a family tradition, seeing a daughter, son, and nephews joining these pursuits. Growing up with two committed gardeners, my mother a rock garden enthusiast and my father primarily a vegetable gardener were a big influence. He planted many trees and shrubs around the property in Valley Cottage, NY. My earliest memory of small gardens was at the age of eight participating in my hometown annual garden club show. My mother enlisted me into creating a garden in a beer tray. The joy of gardening outdoors, mucking around in sun and dirt was instilled at an early age.Keeping living things healthy and alive with the added aspect of creating an object of beauty is the challenge. The joy of these pursuits is mostly in the growing and management rather than the completed art form.