Bonsai Today

What's in the box: Digital access to bonsai articles covering design sketches, styling and technique guides, case histories, galleries and back issue content from Bonsai Focus.

Bonsai Today is not a box in the usual sense. It is an online magazine for bonsai enthusiasts, with articles grouped under sections such as Basics, Grow, Create, Care and Sundries, plus an archive and a pricing page. Nothing physical arrives at your door. What you pay for is access to reading material. The content suits hobbyists who want depth. It includes design sketches by the late Peter Adams, styling walkthroughs on species like Japanese pepper and sabina juniper, case histories of notable trees, galleries of shohin and fruiting bonsai, and even a piece on making display tables. Several featured items point to Bonsai Focus issues from 2015 and 2016, which suggests much of the library is archival rather than freshly published. That is not necessarily a drawback, since solid technique articles age well, but shoppers expecting current news should keep it in mind. A one day free trial account is offered with no payment details required, which is a fair way to judge the writing and photography before committing. The homepage does not state subscription prices, so check the pricing page before signing up. A built in translation menu covers dozens of languages, though automated translation quality can vary. If you want tools, soil or trees delivered each month, look elsewhere.