Bamboo Licious

A wonderful accent to your backyard retreat is bamboo. Who does not like the look of canes for an Asian accent and bright green foliage?

Did you know there are about 2,000 types? Some is strong enough to build houses from and much of it is also edible. Although some people avoid it, as it likes to spread, a controlled display of bamboo can add much to the flavor of any landscape. I do recommend that you plant it in the ground, versus a pot. The best way to control spread is via root pruning.

According to Wickpedia, bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant in the world. Their accelerated growth rate (up to 3-4 feet per day or1.5-2.0 inches per hour) is due to a unique rhizome system and is dependent on local soil and climate conditions.

Here are some unique facts about bamboo:

• Flowering proceeds death.
• If bamboo is dehydrated, the leaves will curl up tightly.
• It’s a grass-and loves nitrogen.
• It spreads by rhizome and is limited by its physical surroundings.
• It will fill up allotted space and become congested in 4-7 years.
• Watering 2-3 times a week is important, although some varieties are more drought-resistant than others.

Bamboo is sure to invite comments from your family and friends and add a lush green accent to your comfortable oasis. And, it's easy to grow.

Please let me know if you have bamboo in your yard and what you enjoy about it.