A month or so ago, I wrestled a couple of running bamboo from their ceramic containers. One came out of the pot with alot of effort but the pot survived the ordeal. The second was not so lucky as shown above.
This prompted me to start think outside of the usual. Here are some unique containers that work well for running bamboo and add some style to any yard:
This was a homemade creation of mine made from an old rubber horse trough that I had gotten free from a co-worker. I took some bamboo edging and secured it around the perimeter of the container with copper wire. So, got the benefit of the container and it looks great.
This is a favorite of mine - a metal horse trough. You can often find these used on places like Craigslist or you can buy them new at your local horse supply shop. This is one I bought last Summer and contains my rare Phylostachys aura 'Dr. Don.'
This is a company I was recently introduced to - BILT Products. They make beautifully designed steel planters that are made from steel sourced in the San Francisco Bay Area, made with no less than 50% recycled steel, designed and produced in the United States. I will be getting two of these containers soon (larger custom sizes for bamboo) and will share photos of bamboo planted in them soon. With colors like "Retro Green," "Safety Orange," and "Blood Red," what's not to get excited about. Modern and practical, I love it!
Finally, I am all about reuse. This was an old wash basin that I found at a house my relatives just moved into. The previous owner left it and had used it as a plant container (holes drilled in the bottom). I cleaned it up and planted a bamboo plant in it. Looks rustic and is functional.
These are just a few ideas. These ceramic pot alternatives can withstand the strong push of bamboo rhizomes and allow you to enjoy running bamboo without worrying about the invasiveness. Bamboo plants in containers do need to be cut back and maintained over time, but at least you can rest assured that the plants won't bust your container. Have any good container ideas? Share them here or send me an e-mail with photos and I'd be happy to share them.
Cheers!
Sean
Mad Man Bamboo
(916) 300-6335
www.madmanbamboo.com
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Twitter: @madmanbamboo
5 comments:
I like all the ideas and creativity.
very cool. i have recently gotten into runners on my acreage and made some large containers out of bathtubs and then boxed them in with wood. it seems to be working great thus far although the spectabilis in both of them is relatively new. has good drainage because i tilted the tub and put rocks at the drain and then built a level and plumb box around it. i live about an hour from your nursery so i may have to come in. currently i have p vivax, p nigra, spectabilis, bambusoides, megurochiku (spelling?) and rufa. no rhizome barriers just good dedicated areas for each variety and away from neighbors. i need some yellow vivax next and timber black! i am so obsessed with this stuff! ha. thanks for your blog! all the best from nevada city
very cool. i have recently gotten into runners on my acreage and made some large containers out of bathtubs and then boxed them in with wood. it seems to be working great thus far although the spectabilis in both of them is relatively new. has good drainage because i tilted the tub and put rocks at the drain and then built a level and plumb box around it. i live about an hour from your nursery so i may have to come in. currently i have p vivax, p nigra, spectabilis, bambusoides, megurochiku (spelling?) and rufa. no rhizome barriers just good dedicated areas for each variety and away from neighbors. i need some yellow vivax next and timber black! i am so obsessed with this stuff! ha. thanks for your blog! all the best from nevada city
very cool. i have recently gotten into runners on my acreage and made some large containers out of bathtubs and then boxed them in with wood. it seems to be working great thus far although the spectabilis in both of them is relatively new. has good drainage because i tilted the tub and put rocks at the drain and then built a level and plumb box around it. i live about an hour from your nursery so i may have to come in. currently i have p vivax, p nigra, spectabilis, bambusoides, megurochiku (spelling?) and rufa. no rhizome barriers just good dedicated areas for each variety and away from neighbors. i need some yellow vivax next and timber black! i am so obsessed with this stuff! ha. thanks for your blog! all the best from nevada city
Thanks Cody for reading. Yeah, you can catch us at farmers markets and plant sales throughout the Sacramento region. Our event schedule is posted at www.madmanbamboo.com. Sean
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