A few weeks ago I got a call from the Sequoia Park Zoo, asking about bamboo.  I had apparently let them know that I had some and they were interested in getting some for the little red pandas. Who could say no?

When I bought my place back in ’93 I planted five black bamboos in the far corner.  I got them from a place called Bamboo and Maples that used to be  sort of inside the nursery that used to exist where the Safeway is now.  I used to love going there.  It was like an arboretum  and I miss it dearly.  Then they moved over to Hubbard Lane but didn’t last long.  The fellow who sold me the bamboos even planted them for me! They were only 4 or 5 feet then;  now they’re 12 feet or more. They are a lovely addition that turned a boring corner into a tropical  paradise if it were ever warm enough to sit on the bench and relax out there. It never is.

Anyway, the young people from the Zoo do a great job of harvesting the bamboo and it always looks better after they’ve been there.  The last time they came, they said the incessant rains had created a bamboo emergency. If you want to do your part to make sure those cute little devils have enough food and if you have bamboo in your yard, give the Zoo a call at 441 4263. They can use the help.

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