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was loafing around looking at things but, being a conscientious and dedicated fellow, I also kept an eye open for things that might interest you. Bamboo, for example.In this country we most commonly grow the Phyllostachys bamboos, especially Phyllostachys

and disappointment.About 200 varieties of bamboo are hardy in this country. These are mostly evergreen and, having come from places like the Himalayas and China, can take a lot of harsh weather. The important thing to remember is that although they will survive most

that would look great in any garden all year round. spring or autumnAll year round20 minutesBamboo, Fargesia rufa x3Red hook sedge, Uncinia rubraTall black planter or other modern pot Multi-purpose, peat-free compostPlant the bamboo as the centrepiece

Follow Joe Swift's step-by-step video demonstration to making your own rustic plant supports for climbers, from bamboo canes.all year roundMore on plant supportsCreating a metal obeliskConstructing a hazel trellisMaking a spiral plant support

This traditional water feature made out of bamboo will conjure up the spirit of a tranquil Eastern garden. You can buy a bamboo water hammer kit from garden centres or water garden specialists. You'll often find them called by their Japanese name

attractive and sturdy, and made by my son using recycled bamboo canes and his own ball of string. This is just a gentle reminder that we could all benefit from a little more initiative in the garden from time to time.

Pliable, young willow stems are the perfect material to use for making plant supports. Easy and quick to assemble, willow supports are attractive features in their own right, before they are eventually hidden by lush plant growth.Willow stemsBamboo

, ladybirds, lacewings and bees.Untreated timberHollow canes such as bambooPieces of branch or other woodWood saw2.5cm nails and hammerDrill and wood drill bitScrewdriver and self-tapping screwall year round2 hoursMake a simple box using scraps of untreated

in with soft string at 10cm - 15cm intervals up the stems.For twining climbers such as cobaea, sweet peas and runner beans, tall tripods made from sticks or bamboo canes provide an ideal framework for their vigorous growth. Where necessary, their shoots can

TrowelPlant labelsPencil or waterproof penWatering can with a roseMarch - May, August - October15 minutesJune - OctoberMake a straight drill of even depth by pressing a bamboo cane into moist soil. Rows need to be about 15cm apart, in a sunny site.Take pinches