ORIENTAL PLANT HAS UNUSUAL LIFE CYCLE Bamboo’s mysteries unveiled _. AS OUR temperate climate is very close to regions of the Orient, it is little wonder that many of the more beautiful plant materials of that region have found their way to the gardens of the North Shore. Such lovelies as most of the rhododendrons and azaleas, the Japanese maples, fatsia, pieris, camelias, and many more outstan- dirg plants have found a home away from home. I think many of you would agree with me that the bamboos should be included in this group (not- withstanding the poor sap with sprouts driveway). 5. Unfortunately, the bamboos have a curious trait that they take with them to whichever corner of the globe they are shipped: they ie. You may have noticed it in your own yard, well-established clumps throwing out what appear to be seed heads and slowly diminishing in height and size until they are virtually dead, if they have not ; died off completely. ! ‘The variety which seems to be ‘going .through this. suicidal period ‘at the moment is Metake Bamboo \(psuedosasa japonica) and, jalthough some seem to betieve that yextra ‘care and. feeding will en- ‘courage it to recover, I think it is a ‘waste of time, as a new plant All Portables are NOT the same we COMPARE FEATURES: | © 13,000 BTU Burner: fast andeven heat © 153 sq. in. cooking area: full meal capability © Durable PORCELAIN on steel cooking grid. RE- VEASIBLE for two level cooking. Raised BACK GUARD stops food from falling down on to lava rocks at back. e Wind in the middle of his rotection: Built in WIND SCREENS. RE- . CESSED VENTURI protects flame from wind. « Unique design features: SECTIONED GRATE holds lava rock in place when closed for carrying. Sturdy COMPARE QUALITY ONLY would show satisfactory results much sooner. The reason for this apparent self-destruction is the strange it does, every plant the world round begins to flower and die. This event occurred seven or eight years ago, and it is only recently that stocks have been built up to a sufficient degree that Timber Bamboo can once again be seen on the market at a reasonable price. over the garden gate by Geoff Tobiasson nature of the life cycle of most of the bamboo family. Every so many years a particular variety will begin to flower and usually begin to die immediately thereafter. Some varieties, usually the dwarfs, will bloom annually while others, such as the Timber Bam- boo (phyllostachys bambusoides) may take as long as 70 years to reach the blooming stage and when in any position. 165 Pemberton The bamboo family is a large one and, although the number of varieties that are easily obtainable and hardy enough to survive our harshest winters limits our choices, there is still a good selection to choose from. There are two main types of bamboo: the running type, which spreads very quickly on under- ground runners, and the clump spring LOCKING LEGS jock casting shut for carrynig © Versatile side and lid handles: Lid handles slide away. Side handles pivot and fold away. Both pro- vide protection from heat, transportation and stor- age ease. © CANADIAN MADE quality casting. . © Great ACCESSORIES: Viny! carrying case. For clean transportation and storage. hose, allows use on any size cylinder. ptional 6 foot $ 1 1 992... vinyl carrying case Johnstone’s Home Appliances Ltd. 985-9541 21 - Friday, June 5, 1987 - North Shore News varieties, which are easier to con- tain in a specific area. There are the dwarf bamboos such as arundinaria pygmaea and its ability to run very quickly and stay within six to 12 inches in height make it a good ground cover for large untended areas and erosion control on slopes. Other good dwarf forms would include arundinaria humilis and arundinaria variegata. Phyllostachys aurea or Golden Bamboo is among the most com- monly available and among the most graceful of the taller, running bamboos. It has graceful foliage with a fine texture on thin, golden stems of six to 10 feet in height. Phyllostachys nigra, Black Bam- boo, is much the same but with slightly shorter stems, which turn black with age. There is one form of clump bamboo that is occasionally available and worth having if you see it. This is siarundinaria nitida, which resembles Black Bamboo except, being a clumping type, it is easier to control. All varieties would prefer a sun- ny site, although some, such as s. nitida, will also do well in the shade. Bamboo will survive dry locations, but to look their best you should water during dry periods and feed with a high- nitrogen fertilizer, as you would the lawn. , Top dress with composted mushroom manure every two or three years for spectacular results and sprinkle a little moss killer, according to the label rates, yearly to deepen the color. If you don’t want to end up like the poor sap with the sprouts in his driveway, try containing running varieties by planting in areas that are surrounded in concrete, rock or steel. Another handy little trick is to dig an 18-inch ditch around the clump and fill it with leaves that have been shed by the plants. Reg- ularly run your hand through the leaves, feeling for the rhizomes which are trying to grow through your moat. Any that are found can then be removed. a 50% OFF ALL LABOUR ON... @ drapes @ slip covers ® reupholstery * comforters & bedspreads * custom built furniture ae,