Greetings!

Ah, Spring is nearly upon us. The days are growing longer and so are those rhizomes hidden below ground, conveniently out of sight.  In just a few more weeks, temperate bamboos (those are the cold-hardy, invasive or "running" species with leptomorhic rhizomes) will begin their "shooting season." No, not wabbits but hundreds of similiarly pesky bamboo shoots!  They'll emerge from the ground and within 8 to 10 weeks will reach their full height. If you (or a neighbor) have Phyllostachys aurea (a.k.a. "Golden Bamboo) in your yard, this is a good time to dig your trench and install a rhizome barrier to prevent its further spread. It's also a good idea to prune dead culms (brown) and dying (yellow) culms as this will keep your soon-to-be contained grove of bamboo healthy.

For the subtopical species of bamboo that are not invasive (called "clumpers") this is a good time of year to plant them, as it will give their rhizomes a couple of months to get comfy, root out, and get ready for their shooting season--which begins with our hotter months (they're sub-tropical), typically beginning in May or June here in Central Texas. In truth, you can plant them any time of year. But it's easier to get them established with less water in the cooler months, and doing so will enable them to put all their rhizome-energy into sending up nice tall shoots for you this summer.

So whether you love your "bad-boy" running bamboo but want to keep it in its place (barrier) or want to establish a living fence or privacy screen with clumping, non-invasive bamboo, March is just about our busiest month of bamboo-activity! That doesn't stop Bamboo Logic.  We'll still be holding our free Bamboo Logic Workshop next Saturday, March 22, from 10am to 2pm, in the Town Lake Bamboo Grove. The grove is right on the Hike and Bike Trail, on the east side of Barton Creek, a little North of the footbridge. There is ample marking on Toomey Road, and we provide water, sunscreen, snacks, and tools. Bring a hat and dress comfortably.

The next Bamboo Logic Seminar at Casa de Luz takes place on April 7 from 10am to noon. In addition to the seminar, there is a tour of our Bamboo Specimen Garden containing 13 species of bamboo, 10 of which are clumpers. The $15 cost includes the seminar, tour, handouts, and kukicha tea.

Remember: "Beautification is Education" and Bamboo Logic is here to provide help ranging from the free workshop at the Town Lake Grove to the $15 seminar at Casa de Luz, onsite consultations, bamboo sales and installation.  Email us at bamboologic@mac.com or call Jinij at 512-350-8505 if you have any questions.