Cob: slab .. was Introduction

[Quinn]

I was once hired to dig a 60' ditch a few inches wide and 14-18" deep (in a pleasing, meandering, organic shape) into which we inserted metal flashing to prevent the roots of the bamboo from spreading into the rest of the yard.  Here in the South it is *quite* invasive, and unfortunately considered a scourge which people usually attack with herbicides.

If you are going to grow bamboo for 'timber' use, take appropriate precautions to contain it when planting.

Also, I can attest to its ability to rot and mildew if not cured properly, or if stuck directly into soil.  Its got very tough fibers, though; it seems like it'd be great in cob or paper-crete if you could 'chew' it up somehow.

Quinn Montana

> Experienced gardening friends of mine grow bamboo every summer (Ottawa, 
> Canada), to give their city back yard more privacy. It grows very quickly.
> Apparently it grows so well it will take over your garden if you don't make
> sure the roots are contained under ground. I'm not sure what they use to
> prevent the roots from spreading, possibly some heavy plastic, the kind
> you'd line a pond with.
> 
> Jenny Walker