I have been looking into which varieties of bamboo would be suitable to grow for cutting practice. The ones that have been suggested by UK suppliers do not look like the bamboos that are commonly seen used in cutting videos.
Does anybody know which varieties are commonly used? Have you any advice on growing them?
Graham
Growing bamboo
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- Graham Cave
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- Tashi James
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There is a great book titled
The book of bamboo,.Farrelly. D,.Sierra Club Books isbn 0-87156-825-x
In it you will find history and usage, as well as cultivation sections.
You want to find a variety that is clumping, and of a lumber type. You will need to research as some can grow up to a foot in circumference, with walls of an inch or more. That is too thick, and you may need to do tree surgery in order to retrieve the blade safely.
Maybe Oxytenanthera abyssinica which grows about 48' x 3", however this is a running variety {i think} and is a tropical species.
You are probably going to need a temperate variety. Try and get your hands on that book though, if you can't let me know and I'll send you mine.
tashi
The book of bamboo,.Farrelly. D,.Sierra Club Books isbn 0-87156-825-x
In it you will find history and usage, as well as cultivation sections.
You want to find a variety that is clumping, and of a lumber type. You will need to research as some can grow up to a foot in circumference, with walls of an inch or more. That is too thick, and you may need to do tree surgery in order to retrieve the blade safely.
Maybe Oxytenanthera abyssinica which grows about 48' x 3", however this is a running variety {i think} and is a tropical species.
You are probably going to need a temperate variety. Try and get your hands on that book though, if you can't let me know and I'll send you mine.
tashi
"There is nothing that does not become easier through familiarity" (Santideva).
"We become what we do repeatedly. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit" (Aristotle).
"We become what we do repeatedly. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit" (Aristotle).
- Graham Cave
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I've managed to find a copy of the book OK, thanks for the offer of yours.Tashi James wrote:You are probably going to need a temperate variety. Try and get your hands on that book though, if you can't let me know and I'll send you mine.
You are right about needing a temperate variety and probably a very hardy one at that - I live in a rather cold and windy spot!
Graham
- Tashi James
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ok
No worries,
Laoshi, may be able to help you out as well. When he arrives back from Estonia that is. He may not know the exact type but he may be able to give you an idea of what to look for.
With much kindness,
Tashi
Laoshi, may be able to help you out as well. When he arrives back from Estonia that is. He may not know the exact type but he may be able to give you an idea of what to look for.
With much kindness,
Tashi
"There is nothing that does not become easier through familiarity" (Santideva).
"We become what we do repeatedly. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit" (Aristotle).
"We become what we do repeatedly. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit" (Aristotle).
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Re: Growing bamboo
Any variety will do. Look for one that is at least 2" (5 cm) in diameter & that has walls that are at least 1/4" (1/2 cm) thick. Or you might try bundling together thinner stalks. You could easily & quickly bind them with duct tape.Graham Cave wrote:... Does anybody know which varieties are commonly used?
The 2" variety is good for wrapping a rice straw mat around for making a cao ren (grass man).
Yes, bamboo is an invasive, non-native species. It can take over your yard in a few years easy. So if you are serious about growing bamboo, plan on digging a trench 2' deep on all sides of the grove & filling it with cement. That might old it back.Graham Cave wrote:...Have you any advice on growing them?