Peaceful Bay

Today was supposed to be storming. Tropical Storm Bonnie was expected to come ashore sometime today as mainly a "rainmaker" with minimal winds. Instead it was a very calm, quiet day on the Bayou. We were blessed that another storm diminished at sea causing no damage. We did have occasional light showers but nothing that was storm worthy. I had gone out early to prepare for this weather event..picked the tomatoes from the garden, took down the hummingbird feeders, washed the dog..you know, the usual pre-hurricane things. And I jest here..normally when faced with a hurricane, things are a lot more serious-there is a lot more work. To ride out a hurricane, quite a bit of preparation is required. We, today, are fortunate to have Hurricane Hunters to give us days of advanced notice of incoming storms. But TS Bonnie was not a threat and could definitely be a blessing in some areas that desperately need rain.

Speaking of hurricanes, five years ago after Hurricane Katrina I planted some bamboo in the back yard. Now it is about forty feet tall and a good twelve feet in diameter. Yes, I planted "clumping" bamboo not the "running" type. Bamboo can make an excellent screen to block views

of neighbors, barriers between the yard and street or just as an ornamental attraction. I do advise most people to plant the clumping type versus the running unless you have the time and energy to keep the cane in check. Bamboo can grow several feet each day and the running type can send shoots up almost as rapidly as you can dig them. How can you tell the difference? This is easier than it may seem. The clumping bamboo has canes that are smooth and round

whereas the running bamboo has canes that have a groove on one side. It is an obvious groove that can be seen at a distance on the canes and can be easily felt by running your fingers around the cane. Regardless of the type, cane or bamboo grows extremely fast and flourishes in warmer climates. Most of the bamboo grown in home gardens is a slight bit smaller than that grown commercially as lumber.

As one of the fastest growing plants in the world, it makes sense that it is becoming the building material of choice for those wanting to be a bit "greener". It is strong, resilient and finishes to a beautiful, warm color. Bamboo lumber is used mainly in flooring currently but is being examined as potentially a new all around building material. A renewable resource that is also very beautiful!