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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