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5 Ways to Use Bamboo in Your Landscape

bamboo edging
Photo: oregonlive.com

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Bamboo is one of the most exotic and eco-friendly materials used in construction. Long associated with Asian cultures and design, this giant grass has been trending in the U.S. for the last few years, especially in flooring. It is strong, beautiful, and thanks to speedy growth, an economical choice for consumers and a renewable resource for producers. Outdoors, there are countless ways you can use bamboo to stunning effect, and here are five ideas to help you envision bamboo landscaping possibilities for your property.

1. EDGING

The varying heights of the bamboo posts in this edging installation give the garden path a timeless, natural look. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a zen-infused stroll along these step stones?

2. FENCING

Decorative bamboo fencing
Photo: bamboofencer.com

Living bamboo forms a beautiful natural divider, but that may be more than you’d like to maintain. For you, a garden fence of bamboo may be the ticket. Compared to other wood fencing materials, termite-resistant bamboo is highly durable.

3. WALKWAY

bamboo walkway
Photo: inspirationgreen.com

Bamboo is strong enough to support steady foot traffic, and it makes a handsome natural walkway—even (or especially) in the context of modern architecture, as exemplified in the above photo.

4. TRELLIS

bamboo trellis fence detail
Photo: bhg.com

A wall-mounted bamboo trellis makes an organic, attractive support on which other plantings can grow and flourish. Break out the honeysuckle and clematis!

5. IN A PLANTER

cedar planters
Photo: bamboogarden.com

Though bamboo can be controlled, many varieties require diligent maintenance. If growing bamboo in your garden or yard seems too confounding, why not try planting in containers?

There are so many ways to exhibit the beauty of bamboo in landscaping. Whether it’s in a trellis, a water feature, or a bench, bamboo can add a wistfulness and sense of serenity to almost any space. Find a place to feature it, and enjoy.

Looking for info on planting and caring for bamboo? Don’t miss Growing a Bamboo Garden!

For more on landscaping, consider:

Landscaping Made Easy
7 Popular Ground Covers to Enhance Any Yard
38 Ideas for a Peaceful Garden Refuge

 
Young couple (heads not seen) use trowels to dig into a small raised garden bed on Astroturf, surrounded by gardening accessories.

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

We’ll help you set up your first garden—whether that’s a few pots on your patio, a raised bed, or an in-ground plot out back—and select the right plants for your soil and region.

 

Jennifer Noonan

Contributing Writer

A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at MTV Networks, where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at Nickelodeon. Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools.