• Discover the many different things you can do with bamboo.bamboo image by Bube from Fotolia.com
  
  Bamboo is a type of perennial grass that can be either short or tall. The shortest varieties of bamboo can be 4 to 6 feet tall, while the largest varieties can grow up to 120 feet tall. Bamboo naturally grows in forests, so most varieties can't handle full sun exposure. Partial shade is best. Bamboo should also be planted in well-drained soil and protected from wind.
  
  

Pots

• Bamboo is a good plant for growing in pots. Not only are potted bamboo plants attractive, they are practical because bamboo can be an invasive plant. Keeping it in pots means the bamboo cannot take over more of your yard than you want it to. Growing bamboo in pots also means you can try more varieties. Some types of bamboo cannot tolerate cold temperatures. So if you plant those types in pots, you can leave them outside in the warm seasons and bring them inside when the weather turns colder.
  
  

Grove

• You can also grow bamboo groves in your yard. Groves will grow best in areas that receive partial shade or filtered sun. Plant several bamboo plants together and you will end up with a small forest of bamboo. Remember that bamboo can be an invasive plant, so thin the plants around the edges of the grove each year to prevent it from spreading too much.
  
  

Privacy

• Bamboo is a great plant for a privacy screen. Plant a variety that grows tall enough to provide an adequate screen. Bamboo plants grow very quickly, so an adequate screen often can be achieved after only one season. As with bamboo groves, be sure to watch your bamboo privacy screen to make sure it does not become invasive.