Signs that Spring 2013 is right around the corner...

This is the time of year when I start to wander outside more and more.  My normally short attention span is exacerbated, by the draw of discovering something new in the garden that has budded out or sprung from the ground.  Today was no exception of course.

I guess it is what makes us folks that love nature and gardening who we are.  To me, this is the time of year when I awaken from the gray slumber of winter excited to see nature too, waking up.

So, today, in wandering around the tired, winter-worn garden, signs of life are indeed starting to emerge.  No doubt with temperatures rising to the mid-70's in Sacramento in the coming week, this is just the beginning...

New shoot from my Phylostachys nigra 'Othello' pushing through the ground seeking the warm sun.

Buds are opening on my green Japanese Maple.

New colorful and furry shoot from my Bashania fargesii.

Definitely a time of excitement for gardeners.  With camera in hand, and longer days, I'm sure I'll be drawn to the garden more and more.  A distraction, that I don't mind at all.

Sean
Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA
(916) 300-6335
www.madmanbamboo.com
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P.S. If your ready to get back out in the garden and love unusual plants, check out two upcoming plant sales... Saturday, March 23 (Auburn Farmers Market (bamboo only)) and Saturday, March 30 (at McKinley Park in Sacramento; lots of plant vendors)).  Details can be found at www.bamboocalifornia.blogspot.com.

Brrr... its cold, does my bamboo need a jacket?

Really when most people think of bamboo, they picture a lush green plant in a jungle.  Well, jungles are usually in a tropical setting, warm and humid. So, one would wonder, can bamboo survive in cold temperatures?  The short answer is 'yes.'  Bamboo is such a diverse family of plants, originating from climates as cold as northern China to the warm jungles of Central America, an everything in between, including the Sacramento area.

With our recent 'cold' snap here in northern California with temperatures dipping below freezing, its bound to give a local plant lover some anxiety.  Getting ready to go to breakfast on Saturday, I saw the usual tell-tale signs of a good hearty frost (pictured above).  Icy white grass, visible breath and even some slippery ice on the sidewalk. Alas, knowing bamboo well, my anxiety level is pretty low, even given the frigid temperatures.

So, how do you figure out a bamboo plant's temperature tolerance?  Typically, most bamboo growers don't rely on the USDA Hardiness Zones (pictured) as the basis to identify the minimum temperature tolerance of a plant.  Although the map itself is useful in that it helps to identify your lowest average annual temperature, which is the first step, it is not the whole answer.  The be all-end all for bamboo geek's like me are the temperature guidelines assigned to each bamboo variety by the American Bamboo Society.

Generally in the Sacramento region, where we have mild winters, the lowest temperature tolerance in a bamboo plant that I will carry for sale is 21 degrees f.  However, I carry some varieties, like Phylostachys bissetti which can survive at temperatures as low as 10 below zero.  Most running bamboo do not have an issue with the cold temperatures in northern California.  By and large, you need to be cognizant of temperatures for the most popular genus of clumping bamboo growing in the Sacramento region called Bambusa, a practical non-invasive sun-loving clumping bamboo that are used to grow privacy hedges along fence lines.

Here is what to expect for the most popular Sacramento area Bambusas:

Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr' 18 f

Bambusa multiplex 'Hedge Bamboo' 18 f

Bambusa oldhamii 'Giant Clumping Timber Bamboo' 21 f

Bambusa ventricosa 'Buddha's Belly Bamboo' 21 f

Bambusa textilis 'Weaver's Bamboo' 18 f

Bambusa tuldoides 'Punting Pole Bamboo' 21 f

Several years ago, the Sacramento area dipped below 20 degrees for a few nights, quite rare, but I did cover some of my most temperature sensitive clumping bamboo.

Other clumping bamboo that are even more cold hardy for further up the foothills and low mountain regions is the Fargesia genus, native to the mountainous areas of China and found in the Himalayan range.  Also a popular genus for Panda Bears, that eat this bamboo.  Fargesias like Fargesia nitida 'Fountain Bamboo' and Fargesia murileae 'Umbrella Bamboo' are very cold hardy taking temperatures down to minus 15 below zero.  Note that Fargesias are somewhat sun sensitive and should be grown in afternoon shade in our region.

So, the next time you wake up and see that hard frost, don't fret too much.  If you stick to the bamboo listed above you should be fine - your bamboo isn't shivering like you probably are!

Sean
Mad Man Bamboo Nursery - Rocklin, CA
(916) 300-6335
www.madmanbamboo.com
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Roseville homeowners bring tropical feel to their backyard - bamboo-style

Today we had a chance to visit some fellow bamboo aficionados that live in Roseville to see their backyard.  Over a couple of years they have bought bamboo from me and have quite a nice collection of both running and clumping bamboo.

These folks are nice people and love bamboo.  They have clumping bamboo from another house they still own but no longer live at and have grown to understand bamboo (the difference between running and clumping) and appreciate it for its usefulness and beauty.

As we walked into their backyard - I couldn't help to say - 'Wow!'  The backyard has a definite 'oasis a la Hawaii feel.'  They use both running (contained) and clumping species quite nicely in combination with palms and it is a really nice, relaxing and well done landscape.  Most of which was done by themselves.

Here are some photos of their nice backyard:

A two year old Bambusa oldhamii 'Giant Clumping Timber Bamboo' behind a peaceful water feature.

An Otatea acuminata aztecorum 'Mexican Weeping Bamboo' in a cleverly constructed container that is finished off with bamboo fencing.

A Phylostachys nigra 'Giant Black' in a container in its first year of growth.

A hand-made tiki from Turlock, CA.  I definitely need to get the name of the guy who does these.

I thought they did a great job on their backyard and am happy to see the bamboo that I grew has found a happy home, as it certainly shows.

Cheers!

Sean
Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA
www.madmanbamboo.com
(916) 300-6335
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Local bamboo artisan puts heart into his creations

At our September 15 plant sale in Elk Grove, I had the pleasure of meeting Steven King, a Sacramento area bamboo craftsman that makes both beautiful and functional hand-carved art pieces made from bamboo poles.

Steve's business, Bamboo Whisperer (www.bamboowhisperer.com) is just getting off the ground and he has already sold several pieces.

Steve has had an interesting journey that ultimately led him to pursue his craft.

"In 2007, my vehicle was hit head on by a wrong way driver. After receiving 2 operations on the left arm and one on the right, I began using meditation as a method of pain control. During sessions, I would play various styles of music. One particular genre stood out from the rest, and is how I discovered the wonderous sound of the Shakuhachi.

Deciding to take the next step, I began learning the instrument and accompanying music. Being able to produce the sounds that captured my full attention was a wonderful experience. Deciding to display the flutes, I began creating ideas on how best to do so while maintaining the harmony within the instrument. It was at this point that I realized the best medium to use was the same material as the flute itself. Bamboo!

Just as I created the first wall-mounted display, I learned that the surgeries failed. Five additional surgeries and four years later, I was no longer able to position my arms to hold the Shakuhachi.

Being mindful of not what was lost, but rather my new found passion, I spent 2011 developing crafting techniques which would allow me to continue working with bamboo under the new limitations.

The Shakuhachi and the warm, open community which surrounds it across the globe, helped me through some very difficult times. Through my art, I hope that in some small way, I'm able to offer something in return."

In talking to Steve at the sale, his art is both a passion and a means to achieve peace and focus.  It was very clear to me that Steve loves what he does.  I can relate.  Although running Mad Man Bamboo is alot of work, it underscores a fact of life that if you love what you do, it doesn't feel like 'work.'

I also like it that Steve is a local craftsman.  He has a personal stake in his art and it shows.

According to Steve, "Bamboo Whisperer is art, inspired by nature and life. I don't consider the pieces a form of my personal expression, but rather an opportunity for others to see more of the beauty nature has within it.

Sometimes I can visualize a piece immediately, other times I will have it sitting next to me for a week before the first cut. During the latter, I know something is there, but the image is unclear. Over time, I've come to realize the vision is always there in plain sight, it was only my thoughts which were out of focus.

It is in this way, I am connected to every piece. Each one has either allowed, or enhanced a peaceful moment."

At the sale, we talked about Steve participating in future plant sales and local farmers' markets.  I'm hoping we will see him and his art in 2013.

In the meantime, if your interested in any of Steve's pieces, you can contact him at his website at www.bamboowhisperer.com.

Cheers!

Sean

Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA

(916) 300-6335

www.madmanbamboo.com

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A nice Fall bamboo discovery in the garden...

I love this time of year.  Fall is literally right around the corner and temperatures, with some exception, tend to get mild during the day with cooler evenings here in California.  Can't complain about that!

Another reason I love the emergence of Fall is the fact that the new shoots on my clumping bamboo, that started shooting in July, are now starting to mature. Around this time of year, it's not uncommon to find some new 'bamboo' discoveries, piddling around the yard.  Tonight was no exception.

Watering tonight and I stumbled across this beauty.  A new large shoot from my Himalayacalamus hookerianus 'Teague's Blue Bamboo'. Hands down my favorite bamboo, with tonight's discovery affirming that.

Here is to a beautiful Fall!

Sean
Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA
www.madmanbamboo.com
(916) 300-6335
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Sacramento needs more plant sales!

As a garden geek that loves his plant sales, I find that the Sacramento area has a few good ones, but they are far and few (at least in my opinion). My favorite one that I participate in every Spring is at the Shepard Arts and Garden Center in Sacramento put on the good people from the Sacramento Perennial Plant Club.

So for me (and my wife) its more than just getting that chance to sell the bamboo plants I take so much pride in. For us, its far more than that - a chance to catch up with fellow small local plant growers, other vendors, our customers - many of whom we consider to be friends. It's also a virtual 'kid in a candy store scenario' - we end up spending half the profit on new plants, many of which you would never find anywhere else.

Here is me in my element - talking bamboo at a plant sale

In the Summer, Fall and Winter, there seems to be very few plants sales in the Sacramento are - a plant sale drought, if you will. I've never been one to just sit there and think that more plant sales are just going to magically appear.  They take alot of work to pull together and I totally appreciate this reality.

So, taking matters into my own hands, I am partnering with Jennifer Kahl, who owns The Secret Garden in Elk Grove to organize a Autumn Garden Faire and Plant Sale. Ironically, we met Jennifer at a plant sale several years ago as a fellow vendor. 

Our focus for the Autumn Garden Faire and Plant Sale is to feature small niche and unique plant growers and local crafters and create a nice event that plant geeks like me and many others in the Sacramento area crave.

Here are the details of the event:

What: Autumn Garden Faire and Plant Sale

When: Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 9 am to 3 pm 

Where: The Secret Garden located at 8450 West Stockton Boulevard Elk Grove, CA 95758 (Off of HWY 99 between Calvine and Sheldon)

Free to the public.

Please support your local plant growers and crafters, if you use Twitter, Facebook or other social media venues, give this event a 'shout out' and feel free to use the attached flier.

If you are a local plant grower or local crafter and wish to participate in the event, send me an e-mail at sean@madmanbamboo.com and I'd be happy to send you a vendor application.

Hope to see you there!

Sean

Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA

(916) 300-6335

www.madmanbamboo.com

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The Huntington... definitely one for the gardener's bucket list...

Talk to most hard-core garden geeks, people like me, and we have our own garden 'bucket lists.' That list of dreamy garden destinations you must visit before you kick the bucket.

 Over the years, I have sought out those 'dream' locations that could never be replicated in a home garden due to sheer size and cost, but are what make them special 'dream' places to visit.  Places you never forget, places that bring you back to your childhood and fill your heart with joy and your mind with wonder.

Some of those places are in the Sacramento region, others are in the Bay Area and Southern California. Our proximity to all these locations, living in Sacramento, makes me appreciate living in California as a gardener's paradise full of bucket list places for gardeners to explore.

Recently, on a trip to Southern California, I was able to convince my family to spend a half day at The Huntington in San Marino, CA (near Pasadena), a 200 acre facility that has 120 acres of themed gardens as well as a library and and extensive art collection, among other things.  Specifically, I was very excited to see the recently renovated Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden (called the Garden of Flowering Fragrance) and the Jungle Garden.

The Huntington did not disappoint and it ranks on the top of places that I have now had the honor to visit.

Here are some photos of my recent visit:

The recently renovated Japanese Garden at The Huntington in San Marino, CA.  At the top of the hill is the Japanese House.  This garden opened to the public in 1928.

This is the side view of the garden with a large grove of bamboo to the left that you can walk through.

This is the bamboo pathway in the Japanese Garden.

This is the Plantain Court (Ba Jiao Yuan) in the Chinese-inspired Garden of Flowing Fragrance.

This is the Terrace of the Jade Mirror (Yu Jing Tai) in the Garden of Flowing Fragrance.

This is one of the many ponds in the Jungle Garden... very peaceful and beautiful.

This is part of a very old grove of Bambusa beecheyana 'Beechey Bamboo' (a clumping bamboo) that stands at the entrance of the Jungle Garden.  This is likely at least 60 years old, if not older, and is massive.

Visiting The Huntington's garden was an experience I will never forget.  I will be posting many more photos on out Facebook page over the next several weeks.  Like our page and see much more than just this.  For you fellow gardeners, if you love these types of experiences, add The Huntington in San Marino, CA to your gardeners 'bucket list.' It is worthy for placement on the top of the list for sure.  I can mark this off my bucket list, but no doubt will visit again if the opportunity comes around again.

Sean

Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA

(916) 300-6335

www.madmanbamboo.com

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