Practical Bamboos: The 50 Best Plants for Screens, Containers and More

by Paul Whittaker

Bamboos are valued for their attractive culms, year-round foliage, and ability to add serenity to any garden scene. They add style to a garden and are ideal for screening eyesores and buffering noise. But the key to success is careful selection.
"Practical Bamboos" features the 50 best bamboos based on appearance and usefulness. A handy checklist allows readers to pick plants that are right for them at a glance. A section on using bamboo in the garden covers topics such as incorporating bamboos in the mixed border, using them to create Japanese-style or Mediterranean-style gardens, using them for hedges and edging, establishing them in containers, choosing the right ones for difficult places, and selecting the best plants for small gardens or waterside planting.
Gardeners new to bamboo will relish the imaginative design and landscaping ideas and feel inspired to take a chance on a dynamic, rewarding plant.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

175 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2010

Reviews

[Ti Su · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a beginner and I'm glad I came across this book to know that bamboos may be possible in my desert area of the world! So great that he narrows it down to 50 great types, and let's you know which ones can be enjoyed in pots and in other ways. I'm excited about the possibilities of bamboo!!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and helpful.

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome book on bamboos. If you are interested in growing this plant I would encourage you to read this book first. It immediately begins by fixing any misconceptions you have. It contains good solid information.

Mr. Whittaker starts off with some facts; "bamboo produces more oxygen and consumes more carbon dioxide pro rata than any other plant in the world. The woody canes that are dried from bamboo have a higher tensile strength than steel. Bamboo fibers are absorbent yet don't stick to the skin, they are warm in cool weather and cool in hot weather. They are antibacterial, anti-static, uv-protective and do not irritate allergy-prone skin as well as totally biodegradable."

The pictures of the different bamboos are very descriptive and colorful. You get an up-close view of leaves and culms for many of the plants he lists. There is also a checklist of the strengths and weaknesses along with unknown tidbits such as. " if you are looking to make a quick impression, choose this".

The downside to this landscape book is its focus on hardy forms used in temperate climates. So if you live in the tropics or subtropics, bamboos for this area of the world are not covered here. If you live in Southern California or Florida you will need to find some reputable websites to find out what will grow in your area. I would have also loved to see more practical uses for the canes but I realize this reference is about growing bamboo, not how to use the plants.

[Trish Remley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know nothing about bamboos, so it was all good information and has given me a good basis as to what to look into further.

[Denis Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't have time to get through all of this, but for anyone contemplating working with bamboo , I recommend it. Going back on the 'to read' shelf.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise, full of basic information for new bamboo growers.