Bamboo forest: where to find it and how to create one in the garden

Bamboo is a very fast growing plant, which also has rhizomatous roots and is therefore able to easily colonize a space. Thus, In the gardens it is not usually planted, something that may change after seeing the images that you can take in any bamboo forest.

And it is a mistake to think that this plant does not serve to decorate. What’s more, when you want to create a screen that serves as protection against the wind and / or against unwanted glances, it is one of the best options we have. Of course, you have to choose the species well depending on the climate and the place where you want to plant, but once done, you can only enjoy it, the bamboo.

Where do we find bamboo forests?

Well, the most impressive are found in Asia. Taiwan, China, Japan … In any of these countries the ornamental value of this plant is almost adored. In fact, they are an attraction for walkers on the enchanted trails.

But let’s get to know the bamboo forests better.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Kyoto, Japan)

This forest is known throughout the world. You are walking along a path, where on both sides there are gigantic bamboos that sway gently in the windemitting a sound that relaxes you. Between the leaves, sunlight passes through filtered, so it is not harmful.

China bamboo forest, in Sichuan

In the south of Sichuan, towards the southwest of China, there is a bamboo forest that looks like something out of a story. It is estimated that there are a few hundred million copiesof which numerous species are distinguished, such as the Phyllostachys pubescensoriginally known as bamboo Nan. They occupy about 27 mountains, which in surface are more than 45 square kilometers. Rivers, temples and the humid climate make it an impressive place.

Bamboo forest in Asturias (Spain)

Did you think that in Spain we would not have the possibility of visiting one? Fortunately, it is possible. It is located in the council of Villaviciosa, in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. It is on private property, so you have to ask permission to enter. But once granted, we will see that there are numerous bamboo poles that form a wonderful forest.

How to have a bamboo forest in the garden?

We have seen the forests, but now we are going to see how we can have one in the garden. To do this, you have to keep several things in mind:

• It is a rhizomatous plant. Shoot sprouts from the roots.
• It grows very fast, if it has water one meter per year.
• There should be no pipes or other large plants (trees, palm trees) within ten meters of distance.
• It has to be exposed to the sun.

Types of non-invasive bamboos

Starting from this, what we will do is look for the appropriate species or species for our climate. To avoid problems, we are going to recommend the types of bamboo that are not invasive, such as these:

Bamboo

It is a genus of bamboo that, although it can exceed 10 meters in height and have stems of about 20 centimeters thickit is difficult for it to occupy an area of ​​more than 4 square meters. Perhaps the only problem is that it does not resist much frost, only weak ones.

dendrocalamus

Dendrocalamus is a genus of bamboo that includes the largest of all bamboo, the giant dendrocalamuswhich can be more than 20 meters high -even 42m in tropical climates- and have stems about 40 centimeters thick. But don’t worry – the stems grow close together so it’s easy to control with a chainsaw. In addition, the cold slows it down a lot, so much so that it will cost you to exceed 5 meters in height if there are weak frosts.

let us indoctrinate

These bamboos are very pretty; you would almost say they don’t look like bamboos. They have large, lanceolate, green leaves. Its maximum height is between 50 centimeters and one meterdepending on the species. Resists frost.

Now

The Sasa they are small bamboos, almost dwarfsalthough it must be taken into account that they can occupy 1 square meter. They prefer warm and tropical climates, where it will grow at a good rate, but in temperate climates it will do so at a much slower rate.

Plantation of bamboos

Have you already chosen the bamboos you want to put? Then it’s time for you to plant them in the ground. Do it in spring, when the frosts are over, as follows:

1. Make a hole big enough to fit well; at least 50 x 50cm.
2. Then fill it up a bit with soil.
3. Then, introduce the plant in it, with the pot. This way you will see if it is necessary to add more soil or if, on the contrary, you have to remove it.
4. Now, take the bamboo out of the pot and put it back into the hole.
5. Finally, fill well and water.

A trick to control its growth from the beginning is to put an anti-rhizome mesh in the planting hole, before even filling it with soil. In this way, it will be much easier, and we could even consider acquiring other faster-growing bamboos, such as Phyllostachys.

As you can see, you don’t have to go very far to have a bamboo forest. We hope you enjoy yours very much.