[spider]

Was thinking of planting some bamboo ,sort of oriental garden in the long term
There is some lovely color on some of them and they grow fast .Now my question is , how come they are so expensive ,i mean 65 euro and more for a plant that supposedely grows in half the world . Any info ??

Edited by moderator to add descriptive title............... poster see rule 11 http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/about27.html

[James Kilkelly]

It comes down in some part to labour, I suppose.
Bamboo is not renowned for producing seed, so it is usually propagated by division or by culm (stem) cuttings, both take time.

Plus Bamboo is trendy now, you pay a premium for trendiness.

[danmac]

[inishindie]

Hi

I have just bought some new bamboo socks.....They weren't expensive at all

Bamboo underwear is pretty good too...... The bamboo pulp is made into viscose.

I know I am changing the subject here but I will continue.......

Bamboo clothing is the new kid on the block. It was first developed around 2001 and is produced by pulping bamboo like wood.

It's the fastest growing plant in the world, because of it's ability to absorb water, which is retained permanently in fabric form, making it a natural moisture wicking fabric. Viscose is a polymer made from wood pulp but it is much easier to create. It's also antibacterial, which also helps its colonising growth pattern and this is also retained permanently in fabric form, so it stays fresher and more hygienic. Bamboo has a massive yield per acre when grown wild and doesn't need any pesticides or fertilizers. Bamboo is also pretty much the softest fabric imaginable, as soft as silk. It is highly breathable, and bamboo keeps you cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold than normal fabrics because of its unique capillary structure. A natural successor to all the oil based performance fabrics, it's also good for casual wear. It is normally mixed with 30% cotton to help keep its proper structure. Bamboo clothing is also anti static, which means it doesn't stick to you on a hot day. Its microstructure shows completely smooth fibres, not the usual jagged edges. With the softness, the moisture wicking ability and its natural coolness in the heat, bamboo clothing is very comfortable in the heat. It's also just about the warmest winter thermal, so pretty handy...

[Prudence]

Not applicable to Ireland but a bamboo grove is the safest place to be in an earthquake

Sue

[sal]

what with the changes in the weather this year, best start planting that bamboo now then by the time it turns into a grove we might need it,

[James Kilkelly]

Bamboo underwear...... Have you not had any problems with splinters inishindie.

A bamboo grove is the safest place to be in an earthquake, how so Prudence?

[Prudence]

[inishindie]

Hi GPI

The bamboo pants are a luxury. I was brought up with undies made from potato sacking....... now that's itchy.

As Prudence just said, bamboo absorbs much of the earths ripple........which is ideal for social occasions....

Cheers

[sal]

he he he,that was funny

[bogota]

Have seen bamboo seeds advertised for sale on ebay. They do come with the warning that it could take 3 months to germinate - and that germination would be patchy.

Has anyone grown this way? I only need a few. How fast growing (or otherwise are they)?


(BTW, reason i'm looking at this option is simply cannot afford them at the moment but they will do a good job in providing my garden with privacy if planted right up against next door neighbours fence/back door. Can't think of anything else I could plant this close to the house and still get the height and screening without having future problems with roots damaging foundations (if it were trees), etc.)

[stevemc]

I bought 2 Humillis for 140 yoyos i really needed 5, maybe i will try and divide them in a few years when theyre bigger

[ormondsview]

I put in some bamboo to act as a windbreak to the side of the house and it is growing slowly. There are some dwarf varieties, which are beside the water feature which, if they spread, I'll contain with rocks. If you listen to podcasts while working in your garden, here's one from the BBC on rats that invade in India from the bamboo which shelters them. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/10/081027_rat_attack.shtml

[Protein]

Bamboo is trendy alright, L'Oreal are shoving into their products

http://www.rassad.com/product.php?productid=42613418

If you gullible enough to believe the m@larky, then you are definately worth it.



me

[Protein]

Now here is a more positive use of bamboo. A lovely story.