Living fence

<p>When Michael Thorn found out from the county that he'd need a costly permit to build a six-foot privacy fence, the retired welder decided to grow one instead - for nothing.</p><p>Thorn built up a three-foot soil berm in front of his Fulton home, shored it up with a makeshift retaining wall and planted bamboo he had collected and cultivated himself. He dressed it up with cannas, bluegrass, agapanthus, iris and other plants he came by or grew from cuttings and yard trimmings. Three years later his home is completely hidden behind a thick, 12-foot high and 60-foot-long living wall.</p><p>It cost him virtually nothing and is, he believes, far more appealing than a conventional fence.</p><p>"I built a wall that is invisible to the law but is green and beautiful instead of sterile and wood," he said.</p><p>As one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, bamboo, technically a grass, can be one of the best ways to gain almost instant privacy or to screen off an unpleasant eyesore in the landscape. Bamboo is not difficult to plant -- particularly the non-invasive, clumping varieties that don't require root barriers. And it can be almost magical in its beauty.</p><p>Retired English teacher Robert Liroff was inspired to plant bamboo to block off the sight of his neighbor's garage right on his property line in west Petaluma.</p><p>"In the space of two years the garage was entirely obliterated from view....The beauty and magical new shoots, as well as bamboo's ease of care and functionality, totally transformed both this one area and my horticultural sensibilities. I was hooked," he says.</p><p>Liroff selected Oldhamii, a giant, subtropical clumping variety of "timber" bamboo (timbers are often used commercially and provide second story screening.) He planted it directly in the ground with a base that is only about twice as wide -- four feet -- as the pot he took it from. It is now over 25 feet tall.</p><p>Liroff went on to plant some 30 varieties of bamboo throughout his small lot, masking "behind a profusion of highly diverse cane and leaf varieties" four other homes within view.</p><p>One of the advantages of bamboo over trees for screening and to muffle street noises is that it can handle "a narrow profile," says Andy Kimes, owner of Instant Jungle Bamboo and Palm Nursery in Cotati.</p><p>"Unlike a lot of trees that have a big canopy, it can conform to rectangular narrow spaces readily and also can afford heights that you can't accomplish with trees," he said. And, unlike most trees, you don't have to cut or trim it.</p><p>A mere five plants planted every five feet would give you a living fence of 28 to 30 feet long for only around $400, he added.</p><p>When considering bamboo, it's essential to know the difference between running and clumping varieties. Clumpers don't spread, whereas running varieties are invasive and quickly wreak havoc. That doesn't mean running varieties are out of the question. The roots are shallow and can be contained in trenches lined with thick plastic. Just make sure the plastic is lapped and joined properly so the roots will not find an opening.</p><p>"Bamboos all have different esthetics and different customers want different looks," Kimes said. "Clumping bamboos are generally cold-sensitive so in Sonoma County you won't get the tall height. I recommend clumpers for medium-sized screens, but for the bigger dramatic looks of 30-40 feet tall, you'll want what are called 'timber' varieties with running roots."</p><p>Fall is a good time to plant. If you have heavy, clay soil, Kimes recommends planting clumpers in a mound of two to three inches with some light, well-drained topsoil around it. Fertilize once in the fall and once in the winter with natural chicken or other barnyard animal manures or with a slow-release lawn fertilizer.</p><p>Bamboo does need frequent watering. A good rule of thumb, Kimes said, is about eight minutes a day on drip initially, while the plant is getting established, although the winter rains will help. Next year you can irrigate it every other day, eventually dropping down to two to three times a week.</p><p>Michael Thorn is delighted with his living fence, a creation of his own invention that is a garden within itself. Within the soil, he has added on the south side everything from oregano and spider plants to several types of mint. On the north side, amid the calla lilies and canna is spearmint, horseradish, asparagus ferns and wildwood ferns.</p><p>"You can add virtually any plant to it," he said of the fence that has given him a private courtyard that also is beautiful to behold.</p><p>Liroff also recognizes both the practicality and beauty of bamboo.</p><p>"I have many different plants, but bamboo has an exclusive personality," he said. "It may sound a little crazy but it has a peacefulness about it. The feeling I get from being around the plant is almost like being in touch with ancient nature. It's a fascinating plant. It's primeval."</p><p>You can reach staff writer Meg McConahey at meg.mcconahey@pressdemocrat.com or 521-5204.</p>