As mentioned on posters around the Gardens, the big bamboo near the meadow area flowered earlier this year after which it died back, and so was cut down. We thought that this signified the end of its life cycle, as is usually the case with this somewhat mysterious plant. But this is clearly not the case, as it is now resprouting and sending up shoots like a green geyser.

Some members have suggested that we should let it be, remembering the old plant fondly, especially as a place for children to play. So we’ve spoken to various gardeners and horticulturists about what we should do. The unanimous consensus is that we absolutely should get rid of it – or at least get rid of this particular bamboo. Essentially, it was always the wrong variety for our Gardens – far too vigorous and prone to spreading, so Dave the gardener always had a constant battle to stop it running riot and turning the whole Gardens into a bamboo forest. “It’s like Japanese knotweed,” said one adviser.

Looking at just how vigorous it is now, and how far the shoots are spreading, it’s clear we need to act soon before it really takes over. So we plan to dig it out, or dig out as much as we can. That may not be the end of it. We may then need to be vigilant and continue to remove shoots for a while to come. But once it has gone, we will explore potential replacements, such as planting a clump-forming bamboo variety that won’t run amok. Another alternative might be to expand our meadow area, which is also proving popular and is great for biodiversity. More on this in a future update.

To start the removal, we have a digger booked in for the end of the week. Please keep an eye on children and dogs while the work is in progress. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

Meanwhile, you may also have noticed that the bottom of the Gardens has been barriered off for a while, with a warning about it being an unsafe area. This is due to a tree in the area being infected with a nasty fungus. Unfortunately, it cannot be saved and needs to be cut down and its wood disposed of appropriately. We have been working with Chris Wilken, the Council’s arboriculturist, on this, getting advice and the necessary permissions. The tree is due to be removed on Friday, so please continue to keep clear of the area until this has been done. Thanks for your patience.

Finally, you may have noticed another man in a high-vis jacket studying the Gardens and its trees. That’s Steve Curley, a consultant arboriculturist who is surveying all our 140 or so trees, to check that they are healthy and safe. More on this ongoing survey in a future update. Again, if you have any queries, or any suggestions about what you would like to see in our beautiful Gardens, horticultural or otherwise, please drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you.