Bamboozled

For the second year in a row I am struggling with the Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) bed along the stroll garden. Each year the number of new shoots diminishes and the bed is failing to replace existing bamboo or bamboo that had to be cut back due to harsh winters. This last winter was particularly harsh with almost all of the bamboo throughout the garden having to be cut back.

I am not confident that the bamboo in the stroll garden will return to its once full and lush state.

Summer 2020 - lush and full

The bamboo used to do a good job of hiding the cinderblock foundation. That is no longer the case. So, it was time for its removal and replacement. 

Removing the bamboo was a difficult task given the length of the bed and the degree to which the bamboo roots are intertwined throughout the bed. A small hand saw was therefore necessary to remove all of the plantings.

I want to conceal the cinderblock foundation, but the bed is an odd curved shape - wide at the ends and narrow in the center due to the curve. As a result, I have to consider a replacement that can fit and grow into the narrowest portion of the bed. I decided upon Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea. This shrub is a dwarf Hydrangea that will only grow 2-3' wide/tall. 

The triangular areas at then ends accommodates additional plantings, including a Magical Garnet - Hydrangea (Macrophylla 'Kolmgarip') in the corner near the gate. Last year, I planted a Variegated Dwarf Cardinal Shrub (Weigela florida "variegated Nana'), in this same spot only to see its root ball eaten over the winter by a critter.

It will be separated by a  Sun King Japanese Spikenard (Araliia cordata 'Sun King') from the other Hydrangea, and an additional Sun king will mark the opposite end of the Hydrangea bed. 

I then added two Dwarf Weigela ('Verweig') shurbs at both ends of the stroll garden bed, one near the gate and the other near the Kasuga-dōrō style lamp at the entrance of the stroll garden. 

Together, these shrubs will help anchor the end points of the stroll garden bed. 

I also planted a  Frostkiss Penny's Pink Helleborus (Lenten Rose) at the base of the lantern.

An Astilbe Chinensis 'Purple Candles' Chinese Astilbe was also added just behind the large Bowling Ball Arborvitae to help fill in the space at the end of the bed (not pictured).

Overall, I am happy with the change and new look. I will have to keep an eye on the hydrangea growth over time.