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Growing bamboo in USDA zones 7 and 8
We tend to associate bamboo with tropical jungles and warmer climates. But there's actually an enormous variety of bamboo species, more than 1,200 in all, and many of them are native to more temperate latitudes and higher elevations. So even if you're trying to grow...
Supersize It: Extra big and tall bamboo shirts in 2022
As you may already know, bamboo is a pretty big deal. And it just got bigger. A lot bigger. With more than 1,000 known species, bamboos can vary from the size of a pencil to the stature of a skyscraper. Likewise, those who enjoy the comfort of a buttery soft bamboo...
11 Reasons I like bamboo better than cotton
The more I learn about bamboo, the more reasons I discover for loving it. It adds a sense of elegance and tranquility to the garden. It withstands the brunt of the elements and tolerates the neglect of an absentminded gardener. Bamboo also provides a marvelous...
Art After Dark in SLO
NOTE: The article first appeared in October 2015. The city suspended Art After Dark in 2020 during the Pandemic, and Bambu Batu closed before the event was reinstated in 2021. This week marks the fifth anniversary of what has become something of an institution here at...
Several ways to treat bamboo for building
Building with bamboo is fun, cheap and easy. Bamboo grows faster than anything on earth, with a tensile strength comparable to steel. But unlike steel, it can rot, crack and grow mold. That is, if you're not careful. So is it necessary to treat or season your bamboo...
Preparing bamboo for winter
If you're living in an area with definite seasons and freezing winters (not Coastal California), then now is the time to start bracing yourself for the cold. Be sure you have enough firewood on hand, begin to think about changing your tires, and start to winterize the...