Bamboo Borders

It is easy to find pre assembled bamboo border sections.

An example of a ready made panel thanks to www.foreverbamboo.com:

1” diameter bamboo poles that have been capped and connected with heavy gauge stainless steel wire. Each panel preassembled in 1’ tall by 8’ long sections and staggered. There are uneven or staggered options or even (the height is the same all the way across) styles.

If you choose to put in more time, thought, and energy your options on edging or bamboo border designs are endless.

Decided to build your own?

Measure the length you want to put a border on. Decide on the diameter of the poles. Divide the length of edging you need by the width of each pole and that will tell you how many pieces you need.

Example: 24ft long (divided by 12) = 288 inches, divided by 2inches (width of cane) = 144 pieces/canes.

Decide on the required height of the finished edge, 4", 6", 8", or random heights.

If you are going to put each piece in the ground add the length that will be in the ground to the required height. If you are going to peg them at each end and have them sitting on top of the surface the required height will be the exact measurement. Take the figure resulting from number 1 above and multiply it by the required height.

Example at 6" high (on top of soil): 144 multiplied by 6 = 864ft of cane required.

With the total linear length for your design, you now need the length the poles are available in and divide the result of 2 above by the length of the poles you will purchase to cut to size. Now you know how many poles to buy!

Example for 12ft poles: 864ft divided by 12ft = 72 canes/poles

If you use a wider cane you will need less of them, re-calculate to see how much you need. I find it's always wise to get a little bit extra in case you mess up with the cutting.

If you desire a finish with a closed node at the top of each piece to prevent water accumulating in the tubes you might waste some poles from the cutting. Order more than you need or ensure that your supplier has more available if necessary.

Extra tips while building your bamboo edging or border.

An option: use pressure-treated hardwood for the end stakes that will be in contact with or buried in the soil. Regular contact with damp soil can cause bamboo to rot after 3-4 years and pre-treated hardwood stakes may last longer. Round stakes will match the bamboo.

A fine bladed hacksaw to cut the canes.

To prevent water collecting inside the canes, you might cut above the joint at the top diagonally or vertically, so that the membrane can help provide protection.

To prevent cracking while nailing, drill holes that are fractionally bigger than the nail, prior to nailing. Use care with the hammer to avoid crushing the cane. Alternatively use a nail gun/driver.

Recommended preservatives are; petroleum base preservatives, and oils such as hemp.

The edging or border will age with time. It may change color and crack from expanding and contracting in different temperatures and weather conditions. This is natural and will not affect the strength of your product.

Care and Maintenance

They are just like a wooden edge; bamboo fades with age as well. It will also last for years if you provide the same care of construction and maintenance that you would to care for a wooden edge or fence.

Bamboo borders make a popular garden border. One of the fastest growing plants on earth, bamboo makes an inexpensive and eco-friendly addition to any garden or yard. Whether you are looking to modernize your flowerbed with a formal, natural look, or your aim is an informal, tropical feeling. Bamboo borders are practical accents; not only do they beautify your yard, bamboo is durable and long-lasting. Bamboo is flexible and easily bent to shape any garden.

Bamboo is one of the earth's most renewable resources. When harvested properly, bamboo does little or no environmental damage. Varieties; from bush-like cattle fodder to towering stems (culms), offer many advantages when it comes to setting a tone for your landscape.

Let’s say you choose to define your yard in an organized fashion, adding more definition, without any theme. Depending on the type of bamboo you choose, you can install a border or edging. Since the bamboo options are plentiful, you can neatly define a space and help keep soil and mulch in or simply add a delicate divider to your garden.

You can stagger your bamboo poles giving your garden a playful, tropical feeling. In the following photograph, the top edge is staggered and made with 1" big bamboo poles.

Another option is planting bamboo to act as a lush privacy-screen or border. With this choice, it is recommended that you carefully tend and contain it - depending on the variety.