Bamboo for Arbors

[Magic]

This set up seems to have alot of features the group will really like I think. Does any one have any experience in building a bamboo arbor? I have acces to about two acres of bamboo and havd just returned with about thirty pieces, which are now in the shed drying. I want to build a bamboo arbor to grow either wisteria on or Kiwi fruit and then place seats under the structure. Please advise if you have any do or dont suggestions------------------------------------------------Thanks Magic------------------------

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Magic,
It sounds like you have a lot of potential opportunities with a couple acres of bamboo at hand.
I would say that the most important consideration in building arbors, is the structural integrity (that it's strong and safe enough for the purpose), and durable.
The plants you mentioned are long-lived perennials, and would need a well built arbor.
In these cases the best approach (if you are expecting decades of use) is to use long-lasting metal or cedar or other rot resistant wood for the structural uprights and primary girders, then build the rest with bamboo.
Bamboo, if protected from the harshest elements of the wind, can also last for decades, but as a general rule, and depending on the type of, and quality of the bamboo, may last from 3-10 years or more.
Excessive work-loads, or weather related causes (wind/snow/ice storms) are what usually bring any stressed framework to the ground.

If materials are plentiful and freely available, it may not matter if a garden structure needs to be replaced after a few years... on the other hand, time is not always available to perform these tasks, and so, one may be the wiser to find ways to increase an arbor's life-span.
In our relatively small garden, though, I am always happy to tear down an old bamboo structure, to make way for a new idea.
Another suggestion is to put together structures in sections, so that as replacements become necessary, they can be repaired section by section.

Mark