Thanks for the helpful info, Brian! I think the Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr' type looks particularly beautiful for container planting. What a beauty! Maybe I will plant that in larger containers, with a smaller container of Pleioblastus viridistriatus in front of the house. I can move these into my sunroom for the winter months without a problem, as long as the taller species can fit through the door :) The only thing I'm worried about with the running bamboos is the small size of my rear yard. It's only about 20 x 15' and there are two backyards on either side separated only by a chain link fence. While the bamboo would be wonderful for privacy from these yards, I worry that it will spread under the fence, even with a rhizome barrier. I'm worried less about privacy since I will be covering the fence with bamboo cane fencing, and really just looking for something beautiful. Do you think Fargesia sp. 'Rufa' Green Panda would be a good choice? I would probably plant 5-10 one gallon plants in July to start with. Thanks again for your advice. This is really helpful.

I think the nandina looks pretty with bamboo, and you need contrast to the strong verticals with wide plants. Fatsia, acuba, melianthus, acanthus, artichokes...you can grow so many things that I am quite jealous. Forest Pansy redbud is a beautiful small tree, or one of the magnolias with the giant leaves, or a persimmon. A white brugmansia would be fragrant and pretty. A small water feature would add to your enjoyment. I would chose an evergreen vine so you don't have bare twigs all winter...oh and tree peonies! I find nothing lives in the ground beneath the bamboo, but yours will be in tubs so you may have no competition to your plants. I am sure there are pretty public gardens where you can go get ideas. Have fun!

You might want to keep an eye on that grasshopper. On some of my whipshoots, the hoppers have eaten most of the emerging leaves (while they're still rolled up). They like the tender stuff I guess.

Place it in diffused sunlight. like room with a window through which sufficient amount of light enters. but remember "not to place it directly in sunlight". Little bit of yellowing is okay as new leaves are coming...