Bamboo, the myth and the reality

No plant is probably more misunderstood than bamboo. I often see people give me the "are you out of your mind" look when I suggest planting bamboo in their gardens.  This is because like thousands of others they have heard that once you plant bamboo, you will never be rid of it. Another myth is that it is impossible to contain and will keep sending up shoots eventually taking over the entire garden, even cracking footpaths and concrete.
The truth of the matter is that with over 1000 different species of bamboo it's just a case of picking the right one. Bamboo can be divided into 2 main groups, Clumping bamboo and running bamboo.
Running bamboo is the choice for larger stands and screens. This one is not  recommended for smaller gardens or to fill in a small space. Clumping bamboo is definitely a better idea for this situation.

Clumping is always the right choice for pots and there are some very ornamental bamboos out there. A favourite of mine has to be Bamboo Buddhas belly.

Here are a few of interesting facts about bamboo.
Helps Reverse Global Warming: Incredible and true, bamboo produces the MOST OXYGEN of all the plants! And it CONSUMES MORE CARBON DIOXIDE than any other plant!


Fastest Growing Plant on the Planet: New shoots of some tropical species have been clocked growing up to 4 FEET PER DAY in their shooting season!


Hardy: Bamboo was the first PLANT LIFE to return after the atomic bombings in Japan. Also, some bamboos are cold hardy to -20 degrees F.


Also.... Thomas Edison used bamboo filaments in his first LIGHT BULBS, and one of those bulbs is STILL burning today at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC!





Here is a great link for those who would like to learn a bit more about bamboo

http://www.bamboosourcery.com/cat_frame.cfm?CFID=3059241&CFTOKEN=18748642&id=34

For those who would like to see pictures of the different bamboos including Buddhas belly, this is one for you....
http://www.bamboodownunder.com.au/catalogues/


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Grow your own holiday souvenir

Going on holiday this summer ? Sun, sand and swaying palm trees maybe ?  Don't bother bringing home that bottle of  local liquor that tasted so good on holiday but somehow miraculously turns into a bottle of undrinkable poison the second your plane touches down.  

Plant a coconut instead. Just bring back a fresh one, Decorate it or just write the destination and date on it, (remembering to use a non toxic medium )and plant it.  

Coconuts make wonderful houseplants and will survive in most climates as an indoor plant. Remember to observe your local laws on what you can and can't bring back.

This link below will help you get started.'

http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-25.pdf

Fruit you may not have heard of.

Think of fruit and most people will think of apples, bananas and pears. Maybe not so if you are lucky enough to live in the tropics. There are hundreds of rare and unusual fruits that most of us have never even heard of. Take the aptly named Miracle fruit. Pop one of these bite sized wonders in your mouth and for the next 20 minutes or so everything tastes sweet. Even biting into a lemon won't make you wince ! Trust me I have tried it.

If sweet juicy mangoes are your thing, then I seriously urge you to try a little slice of heaven in the form of  a Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota) I won't be responsible if you suddenly have the urge to move to Cuba in order to guarantee a steady supply.
Another interesting little gem is Bunchosia armeniaca or the Peanut butter fruit. (see picture) Yes it really does taste like peanut butter.
If your are interested in learning more about unusual fruit then the website below is very informative. They also sell seeds and you can link to the seeds for sale page via a link at the bottom of thier page.

I love this company as they only sell fresh seed and only when it is in season. They also provide information on how to care for your plants including minimum temperatures. If only everyone was so honest.

http://www.fruitlovers.com/fruittreedescriptions.html#bilimbi

Propagating Saintpaulia African voilets

Saintpaulia are among the worlds most loved and easiest of house plants. It is a myth that these plants are fussy and temperamental. The main thing to remember is that they despise direct sunlight as the leaves burn easily. Also never water from the top of the plant but opt for soaking the entire pot in room temperature water being careful not to splash the leaves. Saintpaulia don't like their roots saturated, so remember to allow the soil to dry out between watering.

African violets are also remarkably easy to propagate and if you follow the information on this short video you will be churning out babies in next to no time. The smiles from your friends when you share them around will make it all worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAY8UQ5W9eU&feature=related

Welcome one and all to The plant fairy H.Q.

This is the hub for all garden fairies and thier Human friends to gather and celebrate the wonderful world of plants. We promise to help each other and share information freely while solving problems and introducing each other to new plants, products and services.  
Please remember that this site is powered by positive energy and goodwill.


Hugs and happy plants to all. xxxx