FREE £5 SCOTTISH BAMBOO VOUCHER - JUST SHOW US YOUR BAMBOO PLANTS!
We are always looking for ways to improve our website, especially giving website visitors ideas and inspiration for using bamboo in their garden. We feel the best way to showcase 'real uses' of bamboo in the garden is to invite you, bamboo lovers with bamboo in your garden, to send us snaps of your 'boo's'! We are not looking for high quality photography but merely a collection of photos showing different ways in which our customers use bamboo plants in their garden. You may have a bamboo hedge, a solitary specimen or a bamboo in a pot - just send us a snap so we can put it on our website.
What's more, we are offering all of you who kindly send us a photo a £5 SCOTTISH BAMBOO VOUCHER (one voucher per household) for your trouble. In addition the snap which captures the most innovative use of bamboo, will be rewarded with a FREE 5 litre bamboo plant of your choice from our website.
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Monday 2 November 2009
Autumn Planting for Bamboo
Autumn, what better time to plant your new bamboo plants.
Dig your planting hole, add plenty of compost/soil improver and let mother nature take care of the watering for you. Planting for the less energetic.
The ground still has plenty of warmth from Spring/Summer. Give your plants a head start by adding a mulch and an initial water containing our Sea Poodir organic plant food.
Remember all of our plants are the hardiest of bamboo and are still currently kept outdoors during our typically cold North East Scotland winter nights.
Dig your planting hole, add plenty of compost/soil improver and let mother nature take care of the watering for you. Planting for the less energetic.
The ground still has plenty of warmth from Spring/Summer. Give your plants a head start by adding a mulch and an initial water containing our Sea Poodir organic plant food.
Remember all of our plants are the hardiest of bamboo and are still currently kept outdoors during our typically cold North East Scotland winter nights.
Monday 19 October 2009
Sending Plants by Mail Order
We often get asked the question "How can you send large plants by post?".
Sending plants by mail order requires a lot of care and attention to ensure the plants arrive at their destination in pristine condition. Having 'road tested' a number of orders from various suppliers we are aware that problems exist in the mail order plant world, ie plants rattling about in ill fitting boxes, wet plant pots dampening the bottom of the cardboard & loose compost coming free from the plants.
Packaging is becoming a speciality here at Scottish Bamboo. A plentiful supply of recycled cardboard ensures that we are able to make bespoke packages to tightly fit even the most awkward shaped package whether it be 1 or 3 plants per box. A good, tight fit ensures that the plants don't rattle about inside the package. We don't scrimp on the watering either (to keep the weight down) prior to dispatch as we feel this is unethical & are always scared that this will compromise the health of the plant when it arrives at its destination. Plastic is wrapped around the plant pots to prevent moisture leaving the roots and dampening the cardboard. All this results in many satisfied customers receiving 1 litre to 12 litre plants via courier ranging from 0.3m to 2.4m in height.
All of our packages are sent on a next day delivery service and the locations of the parcels are traceable throughout the duration of their trip. Any special requests - like leaving it with a neighbour or in the garage - are passed on to the Courier. When your package is dispatched you will receive an email from the Courier advising you that it has been collected from us & you will be advised when you should receive it. In the unlikely event that a problem arises we have a really good relationship with the local Courier office and can normally find an acceptable solution.
Don't be put off with any concerns that you might have about making a large plant purchase online. Put your trust in Scottish Bamboo because we don't mind blowing our own trumpet by saying 'we've got it all wrapped up'.
Sending plants by mail order requires a lot of care and attention to ensure the plants arrive at their destination in pristine condition. Having 'road tested' a number of orders from various suppliers we are aware that problems exist in the mail order plant world, ie plants rattling about in ill fitting boxes, wet plant pots dampening the bottom of the cardboard & loose compost coming free from the plants.
Packaging is becoming a speciality here at Scottish Bamboo. A plentiful supply of recycled cardboard ensures that we are able to make bespoke packages to tightly fit even the most awkward shaped package whether it be 1 or 3 plants per box. A good, tight fit ensures that the plants don't rattle about inside the package. We don't scrimp on the watering either (to keep the weight down) prior to dispatch as we feel this is unethical & are always scared that this will compromise the health of the plant when it arrives at its destination. Plastic is wrapped around the plant pots to prevent moisture leaving the roots and dampening the cardboard. All this results in many satisfied customers receiving 1 litre to 12 litre plants via courier ranging from 0.3m to 2.4m in height.
All of our packages are sent on a next day delivery service and the locations of the parcels are traceable throughout the duration of their trip. Any special requests - like leaving it with a neighbour or in the garage - are passed on to the Courier. When your package is dispatched you will receive an email from the Courier advising you that it has been collected from us & you will be advised when you should receive it. In the unlikely event that a problem arises we have a really good relationship with the local Courier office and can normally find an acceptable solution.
Don't be put off with any concerns that you might have about making a large plant purchase online. Put your trust in Scottish Bamboo because we don't mind blowing our own trumpet by saying 'we've got it all wrapped up'.
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Overwintering Bamboo In Pots
Although the majority of bamboo plants are hardy throughout the UK, as with any other plant type their hardiness is reduced slightly when kept in pots as their roots are more exposed to the cold winter temperatures. However, fear not, here are some simple tips to keep your bamboo plants healthy throughout winter until long awaited spring arrives again.
- Start reducing watering and stop feeding your bamboo plants (but don't let any containerised bamboo dry out!)
- Ideally place your bamboo plants undercover, i.e. in an unheated tunnel, greenhouse or car port (anywhere with some shelter). If you don't have spaces like these you could move them to a sheltered spot in the garden i.e. against a wall or fence.
- Consider burying the pots in the ground (this will mimick the plant being in the ground and offer more natural protection).
- Another tip would be to wrap your bamboo plants in pots with an insulating layer such as horticultural fleece, sheep fleece, blankets, straw or leaves. This just helps to stop the frosts getting to the roots.
- Safety in numbers - why not bunch up all your garden pots together like penguins!
For more information and tips on looking after your bamboo plants click here.
Wednesday 7 October 2009
First Frosts at Scottish Bamboo
Sunday night (4th October) saw the first frost of the season here at Scottish Bamboo. We recorded -1.3 degrees C.
Tips for keeping your bamboo plants looking good over the winter:
1) If your bamboo plants are in containers try to keep under cover during frosty nights as the pots will freeze quicker than plants in the ground.
2) Don't let containerised bamboo dry out in the winter months, make sure the soil is moist at all times (remember the winds can be very drying).
3) Give your bamboo plants in the ground a good mulch to keep moist and protect the roots (organic matter - bark, compost or leaf mulch)
Tips for keeping your bamboo plants looking good over the winter:
1) If your bamboo plants are in containers try to keep under cover during frosty nights as the pots will freeze quicker than plants in the ground.
2) Don't let containerised bamboo dry out in the winter months, make sure the soil is moist at all times (remember the winds can be very drying).
3) Give your bamboo plants in the ground a good mulch to keep moist and protect the roots (organic matter - bark, compost or leaf mulch)
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Planting a Bamboo Landscape
If your looking to plant a Bamboo Landscape a great tip to achieve the ultimate Bamboo Grove is to plant your area in groups of three plants. Plant each bamboo approx 1 - 2m apart & you'll be sure to achieve a sizeable clump in approx 2 years.
Our favourite plants to use for forming a grove are Chimonobambusa Tumidissinoda, Phyllostachys Glauca, Phyllostachys Vivax, Phyllostachys Vivax Aureocaulis, Phyllostachys Vivax Huagwenzhu & Phyllostachys Nigra Punctata.
The same can be achieved with many other bamboo plants such as any of the Fargesia varieties for dense clumps or any of the Sasa varieties for ground cover.
Why not check out our Planting Guide for a reminder on the best way to establish new bamboo plants.
Our favourite plants to use for forming a grove are Chimonobambusa Tumidissinoda, Phyllostachys Glauca, Phyllostachys Vivax, Phyllostachys Vivax Aureocaulis, Phyllostachys Vivax Huagwenzhu & Phyllostachys Nigra Punctata.
The same can be achieved with many other bamboo plants such as any of the Fargesia varieties for dense clumps or any of the Sasa varieties for ground cover.
Why not check out our Planting Guide for a reminder on the best way to establish new bamboo plants.
Sunday 3 May 2009
Bamboo Hedging
Bamboo is a great option for creating a privacy screen or hedge in your garden. In fact, most bamboo will work well as a hedge or screen, and your choice of which variety to use really depends on your personal requirements such as desired height, density, garden / location and conditions of the site (i.e. coastal, windy, sunny, shaded).
Here at Scottish Bamboo our most popular hedging choices are:
1) Phyllostachys Bisettii - creates a very hardy dense dark green hedge, quick to mature, vigorous growth.
2) Phyllostachys Aurea - a lovely bright and ornamental screen with golden green culms.
3) Fargesia Robusta - a stately bamboo with colourful qualities, quick growing, well behaved and robust as the name suggests.
4) Pseudosasa Japonica - a broad-leaved bamboo creating a tropical feeling screen. Plentiful foliage making a dense and tough bamboo screen.
5) Fargesia Dracocephala - a nice short-medium height bamboo for screening commonly known as the hardy dragon bamboo.
Visit Scottish Bamboo today for lots more bamboo hedging ideas.
Here at Scottish Bamboo our most popular hedging choices are:
1) Phyllostachys Bisettii - creates a very hardy dense dark green hedge, quick to mature, vigorous growth.
2) Phyllostachys Aurea - a lovely bright and ornamental screen with golden green culms.
3) Fargesia Robusta - a stately bamboo with colourful qualities, quick growing, well behaved and robust as the name suggests.
4) Pseudosasa Japonica - a broad-leaved bamboo creating a tropical feeling screen. Plentiful foliage making a dense and tough bamboo screen.
5) Fargesia Dracocephala - a nice short-medium height bamboo for screening commonly known as the hardy dragon bamboo.
Visit Scottish Bamboo today for lots more bamboo hedging ideas.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Bamboo Shooting
Every year brings the anticipation of which bamboo is going to shoot first.
This year the winner is Fargesia Rufa. Last year it was Fargesia Murielae. What makes bamboo plants shoot in a different sequence each year & why do they shoot at different times depending on your geography in the UK?
This year the winner is Fargesia Rufa. Last year it was Fargesia Murielae. What makes bamboo plants shoot in a different sequence each year & why do they shoot at different times depending on your geography in the UK?
Monday 30 March 2009
Caring for your Bamboo Plants
Growing Bamboo: Some Key Points
· Most bamboos prefer full sun and a soil pH of around 6.0 - 6.2.
· Newly planted bamboo requires liberal watering.
· Lack of water is the biggest problem with growing bamboo.
· Bamboos require water to send out new culms.
· Standing water inhibits the growth of bamboo.
· Bamboo doesn't like competition from weeds.
· Taller bamboo should be staked, to prevent uprooting.
· Bamboos are evergreen and will lose and replace leaves as they grow.
· Since bamboos are grasses and are grown for their foliage. Feed with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Mulching will help control moisture and will protect cold hardy varieties in winter.
· Most bamboos prefer full sun and a soil pH of around 6.0 - 6.2.
· Newly planted bamboo requires liberal watering.
· Lack of water is the biggest problem with growing bamboo.
· Bamboos require water to send out new culms.
· Standing water inhibits the growth of bamboo.
· Bamboo doesn't like competition from weeds.
· Taller bamboo should be staked, to prevent uprooting.
· Bamboos are evergreen and will lose and replace leaves as they grow.
· Since bamboos are grasses and are grown for their foliage. Feed with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Mulching will help control moisture and will protect cold hardy varieties in winter.
Saturday 28 March 2009
Using bamboo in your garden
There are many ways to use bamboo in your garden design. It can be used as a hedge or screen to provide privacy from your neighbors, in containers for your terrace or patio or as means of creating your own secret bamboo forest to wander through. It mixes well with both perennials and annuals and can be used as a tall or medium background plant, an accent plant or as a low border or ground cover plant depending upon the variety you choose.
An interesting fact about bamboo is that the main stems (referred to as culms or canes) emerge from the ground in the diameter that they will always be. And, the next season’s new culms usually emerge wider in diameter and grow to be taller than the older canes. Therefore, the youngest canes in your planting are the thickest and tallest.
Bamboo comes in a variety of heights and can be trimmed from the top if it gets too tall. Generally speaking the larger bamboos like yellow groove prefer several hours a day of direct sunlight, while the smaller bamboos (under 20 feet tall), can tolerate partly shady conditions.
When using bamboo as a screen or hedge you want to treat the whole area by laying down good compost or manure, so when it spreads it travels into good soil. When planting very tall and slender bamboos, they may need to be staked to prevent wind from uprooting them or damaging newly formed roots. Generally, smaller bamboo do not need to be staked because the rootball is big enough to support the plant. Generally speaking, after five years under good growing conditions, a single planting will yield 30 to 40 culms, 3/4 inches in diameter and up to 20 feet high (dependent upon which variety you choose.)
See www.scottishbamboo.com for over 40 varieties of hardy bamboo ideal for the cooler UK climate.
An interesting fact about bamboo is that the main stems (referred to as culms or canes) emerge from the ground in the diameter that they will always be. And, the next season’s new culms usually emerge wider in diameter and grow to be taller than the older canes. Therefore, the youngest canes in your planting are the thickest and tallest.
Bamboo comes in a variety of heights and can be trimmed from the top if it gets too tall. Generally speaking the larger bamboos like yellow groove prefer several hours a day of direct sunlight, while the smaller bamboos (under 20 feet tall), can tolerate partly shady conditions.
When using bamboo as a screen or hedge you want to treat the whole area by laying down good compost or manure, so when it spreads it travels into good soil. When planting very tall and slender bamboos, they may need to be staked to prevent wind from uprooting them or damaging newly formed roots. Generally, smaller bamboo do not need to be staked because the rootball is big enough to support the plant. Generally speaking, after five years under good growing conditions, a single planting will yield 30 to 40 culms, 3/4 inches in diameter and up to 20 feet high (dependent upon which variety you choose.)
See www.scottishbamboo.com for over 40 varieties of hardy bamboo ideal for the cooler UK climate.
Sunday 15 March 2009
New Bamboo Stock now available
We're very excited to let all you bamboo lovers out there know about our new stock now available on the webiste.
The newly listed stock includes the following varieties - Phyllostachys Glauca, Phyllostachys Viridiglaucescens, Phyllostachys Vivax, Fargesia Rufa, Fargesia Robusta, Phyllostachys Aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', Fargesia Juizhaigou, Fargesia Dracocephala, Chimonobambusa Quadrangularis and Hibanobambusa Tranquillans Shiroshima. All these bamboo plants are fully hardy and very well suited to the UK cold climate - we're in North East Scotland, so if they survive and thrive here, they will anywhere in the UK!
Please visit the website www.scottishbamboo.com to view more details on these bamboo plants and much more.
The newly listed stock includes the following varieties - Phyllostachys Glauca, Phyllostachys Viridiglaucescens, Phyllostachys Vivax, Fargesia Rufa, Fargesia Robusta, Phyllostachys Aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', Fargesia Juizhaigou, Fargesia Dracocephala, Chimonobambusa Quadrangularis and Hibanobambusa Tranquillans Shiroshima. All these bamboo plants are fully hardy and very well suited to the UK cold climate - we're in North East Scotland, so if they survive and thrive here, they will anywhere in the UK!
Please visit the website www.scottishbamboo.com to view more details on these bamboo plants and much more.
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Spring is in the air
This week seems like spring might be on the horizon in the NE Scotland. Still recovering from temperatures as low as -16C last week, we are now seeing temperatures as high as 14C - thats a 30C difference! However, on close inspection of our bamboo stock it appears their amazing hardiness has been tested yet again with little sign of any damage.
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