Bamboo - suitable for screening?

[chris]

I'm after something to grow behind my greenhouse which will be up against a fence - they'll be a compost bin behind there, so I'm assuming the soil will be of an ok - rich type in the coming years...

I've thought about bamboo as it seems to grow really fast (if I trim the tops, will it bush out?)

Not that concerned about ornimental-ness (is that a word?) - but if you can recommend anything that looks nice, i'll be happy to take a look at that too.

I dont want anything too deep rooting, as I don't want to disturb the GH foundations - nor take up TOO much room, as I'm planning on planting 4/5 trees along the fence line (fruit) later on.

The fence I'm after growing up/over is here: Picasa Web Albums - Chris - Garden (I want to screen the GH slightly so no people are tempted to lob a brick through it, or similar).

Thanks!

[tamsin]

Bamboos can be invasive so check the varieties closely. You get clump forming and runners (which send sideshoots everywhere). You can contain the later in something though.

[teakdesk]

Have a read of this thread and make your own mind up.

I've got 3 large clay containers planted up with random bamboo that I use as a screen. Not opaque but they take the eye off the rubbish behind them.

[chengjing]

If you get clump forming bamboo, it is probably fine but still you might need to restrict roots so they don’t suck all goodness from your compost bin.

I grow a pyracantha behind my greenhouse and it is trained against wall. It does not mind sun or shade, it looks very pretty, good for birds and it definitely deters people. Maybe that is something you could consider?

[chris]

Thanks - good to read about the bamboo..

Pyracantha - hmm it'd be good yes, but the berries would be a concern of mine - with the little one running around picking stuff up to eat!

[chengjing]

Thanks - good to read about the bamboo..

Pyracantha - hmm it'd be good yes, but the berries would be a concern of mine - with the little one running around picking stuff up to eat!

Pyracantha berries are actually edible - they make beautiful jelly. However, they have thorns, might not be good if you have little ones.