i have recently been aquiring and growing various types of bamboo and done research for several weeks now. but one thing i can;t seem to find is a Relatively Close estimation on average rainfall in the native climate of Moso Bamboo. actually now that i think of it i could just look up the location of groves in china and then look at the rain fall in that area. ok but on to the next topic. RESPONCE @ kudzu9: Like Mike_Marietta_SC_z8a had said, those could be 2 reasons, another reason is when you perchase moso from a supplier such as Lewis Bamboo, they trip the bamboo top to fit it to the box. i buy most of my bamboo from them, if you get 3 gallon sizes and up the tops will be trimmed. trippimg the top greatly hinders Moso and other giant bamboos. when the shoots grow, as previously stated in this thread, the shoots will basically syphon vital exsessive nutrients from the neighboring culms. so when you order bamboo that has had the culms trimmed but the rhizomes are still large and will be producing large shoots, then the new shoots will not be able to syphon the much needed nutrients from the other culms. so if you grow bamboo from seeds then they should not be trimmed, also as previously stated any damage to the root systems will also greatly hinder the transfer of nutrients. then the roots take damage or are bent it's like kinking a water hose that feeds the new shoots. this also is regretably a more then likely happening from ordering bamboos. for both reasons i'd recommend buying either 2 gallon sizes or buying them as seeds from a reliable source. GROWTH RATE: from what i have gathered most bamboos Culms grow +30% in hight each year and the rhizomes can grow anywhere from 2-5 feet a year depending on conditions. also the rhizomes have 2 "rumors" as to how far out they can grow which i can't seem to disprove one or the other as of yet. 1 rumor is they can grow as far out as the tallest current Culm. the other rumor is they can grow indeffinately depending on soil conditions and as long as the newer culms increase in size. So say the "source Point" of your bamboo has a culm of 80' high, then the rhizome can grow up to 80' from that spot; however say down that rhizome about 20 feet away from the source location there is a newer 80' tall culm. then that new culm can have up to another 80' away from it. so it could grow 100' from the plant site at that point, and so on. Finally: i live in the houston texas area and will be growing a japanese / tropical styled grove. so far i'm planning on using "Weavers Bamboo" for the primary walls around this 1-2 acre grove, with Nigra Black in the corners, with Moso and Giant Grey Henon throughout. i was also considering adding Windmills and Blue Palms inside near an elaborate bamboo, shishi odoshi styled fountain and underground irrigation systems invovling soaker hoses, if anyone else can think of some black, jade, or rich dark green colored plants, then please toss me an email. hopefully i'll have this grove up and running in a few years in which case anyone would be welcome to visit the grove.

Dave, I've stood outside the walls of that garden so many times and because it was by appointment only (now open for self tours during the weekdays). I have never gotten in until yesterday! I'm sure you probably understand the vocabulary of Japanese gardens better than I and you would enjoy it very much. Also, Lake Balboa Park's cherry tree bloom display is past it's peak - I drove through on my way to Tillman to see it again; next year I'll bring a picnic to spread under the trees (including some plum wine, heh heh). I know what you mean about the Huntington's price. Last year it was ~$12 to get in and $60 for a membership, this year $15 and $100 for a membership! We used to go there when we were kids for free.... At this rate I wonder how many patrons they'll have when it's $25 to get in? Unfortunately, the Japanese garden there is really fine - it is my favorite one, maybe because it is older, and situated in a gulch. Also like I said, a great diversity of species and the display house is one you want to move into! When my mother took my brothers and me there, I remember the arching bridge was bright red and there was a huge bronze bell that we would ring with the very large bamboo striker (I think it's still there, just no longer accessable/ringable). If you can spring for the entrance fee I promise you that you will be enchanted. I like many things about Descanso but their Japanese garden is not one of their strong points (unless you are a Camellia maniac - even then, IMO there are a greater number of types of Camellia at the Huntington including my favorite, the fragrant species C.lutchensis). I'm sure the gardens you choose to visit will be delightful. Do report back on your experiences won't you?

I'm not from RI but have relatives living in Tiverton. What kind of dining experience are you looking for? Roberto's in nice...overpriced for the quality, but nice, with a good atmosphere. It's a nice place to linger over dinner, as long as you're not sitting at the table nearest the door in cold weather. You will need a reservation there, most likely. There's a little Italian/pizza place in..I believe...Warren. I'm going to have to ask my mum what its name is (I've only been there once), but it's good if you're looking for the opposite of Roberto's--I recall plastic tablecloths & chairs and some noise; good salads; pasta okay; didn't try the pizza, I'm afraid. If you can make it into Providence and are up for Roberto's-type prices, I would highly recommend Rue de l'Espoir. Really good food! Roberto's has a slightly nicer atmosphere, but I'd say try for Rue de l'Espoir if you really like to eat and it's not too far for you to drive. Make a reservation. I've only been to Blithewold in the spring, but that was wonderful. They have a magnificent daffodil display. Enjoy your trip! Amanda Here is a link that might be useful: Rue d l'Espoir

Of course the kids love the city life. If either is a shopper, they might like to go to the upscale Ginza shopping district. They have a fun Hello Kitty store there, but your kids might be too old for that. Here is a link to one site for Todaiji with some hours and walking information. I'm not at all sure how far it would be to walk or even where you would be coming from. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4100.html We were not extremely early or late for the temples and shrines, and they were always open. You don't walk around outside, you go in. All the places we visited were busy, lots of people. The only really crowded one was Kinkakuji in Kyoto, so if you can make that one early, I would think it would be a good thing. By the way, did I mention that people don't tip in Japan? To privately message me, click on my name socks, and you will go to my page. There should be a button to send a message.