bamboo for flower/garden container AND windchimes

[backyardbamboo]

Hi all!
I'm new to the forum. I have a lot of bamboo growing in my backyard (thanks to the neighbors!) and decided that I'd like to start using it for something. I want to make a large planter-type structure and I figured that instead of buying lumber at the store, I can use the bamboo!
I cut some of the larger ones and now I need to know a couple of things. How do I treat it to keep it from sprouting in my garden? Do I need to paint it with something? Also, should I lay it out in the sun and let it dry first? Part of it will be under the ground because I'm making this planter on a hillside. It's kind of like terracing.
My second question: I have seen bamboo windchimes that are very pretty. I would like to make the kind that have the pieces cut in half. How would I need to treat that so that it doesn't rot? Do I need to let it dry (if so, in the sun?), and then put some kind of varnish on it?
I've never used bamboo before and am very interested in this resource.
Thanks!

[saxofoner]

Bamboo poles won't sprout without the root. Don't worry about that.

But without treatment they'll rot quick.

1. Make sure you get 3-6 year old poles. They usually have scars and discoloration. They are stronger.
2. Cut the sizes you need.
3. Using a propane torch or a fire pit type thingy (bonfire), sweat the bamboo. This means holding it near the tip of the flame and rotating/moving it as it changes from green to light/dark brown. Do this to whole pieces.
4. You can also just let them sun dry, but the heat curing makes it beautiful

Hope that helps.

[Mark Meckes]

This post about has been moved to this thread:
Arundo donax: Harvesting and Processing (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1461) Post#6

I have graded, husked and bundled quite a few pieces of bamboo, smaller bundles, I'm trying to dry it in my house by the heat vents, will this work or am I wasting my time? Also I have lots more bundles in my garage [unheated, oc] will they ever dry or am I spinning my wheels, I bundle them to straighten them [some curve a bit] or at least get them to Not curve.

TIA,
PL