Is there somewhere on this web site where people trade stuff? or getting rid of stuff? I am looking for bamboo (yes I really want some, I'm not crazy). I think it would look nice at the back of the property at the creek. (can we say privacy?) I have some Cannas I'm about to dig up and dispose of because they are crowding out my Red Tips (never going to get privacy that way!)

You just did it. Anyone is welcome to respond.

As for myself, I've been committing bambooacide for decades. Using it for screening is a nice idea, if it would only stay where you put it, but I promise that you would eventually have solid bamboo coming up everywhere but through the house foundation. Even driveways are subject to bamboo destruction from the native Asian type that invades my place. You might want to research some of the less invasive varieties before making a selection. Altho, I know sev folks who bought some labeled as non-aggressive and were still disappointed.

I shall open a thread titled Trades, at your suggestion.

Beth, Listen to Maggie. She is absolutely right about the cane. I've heard that the real bamboo is not as invasive as the thinner type commonly called cane around here. The real bamboo is also prettier. I, too, have seen cane come up through concrete, and if you try to dig up a stand of it, you will think you are digging in concrete.

I do love the look of the bamboo, but man, once you've had to take out entire shrubs to rescue them from a bamboo root invasion, it gets a few new names. In this garden, it is known as Damnboo.

Have you considered a wall of evergreens? I have seen Hollywood Juniper make a great screen and Texas farmer would often use native cedars for a thick wind block around the house. Not a bad idea since you are in Cedar Hill, Tx!

I live actually in Midlothian on an acre lot. The place I would like to put the bamboo is at the edge of the creek which is at the far end of the property. Do you think it would spread way up to the house?

The stand that invades my property was begun from one clump that has spread across a length of 150 feet - solid roots and solid canes. And it would be in New Orleans by now, if the neighbors didn't keep fighting it at their property lines. It sends up new shoots in March and April, that grow from 6 to 10" in height A DAY, depending on rainfall. Mowing down these tender spring shoots prevents the canes from spreading, but not the solid mass of rock-hard roots. The thought of it planted next to a creek might give me nightmares tonight!

Unless you plan on raising pandas, I really think you would be better off with some tall evergreens. Besides the native cedar, Blue Point Juniper and Nelly Stevens holly would work. Or consider a Texas hedgerow of mixed native shrubs and trees, many of which would bloom pretty in spring-summer and produce winter shelter and fruits for the birds.

Stay with us on this one Beth - we would be interested to learn what you decide to do.

I'll think about what you have said. Actually I have planted some evergreens down there but they are not growing fast enough for my taste. I guess I am impatient. The panda comment was funny.