On Sun, 18 May 2003 16:47:40 +0100, "ged hickman"
wrote:

I would like to plant bamboo as a feature in front of a 6ft high fence at
the back of a border.
Amongst my, perhaps unachievable, wishlists are;
Readily available
I don't want to pay the earth
I'd like it two meters or so high
I would like a non-invasive form
Preferably pretty as well

Yes there ARE non-invasive bamboos.
Mine was bought at Wisley 15 years ago labelled Phyllostachys nigra.
It is phyllostachys but not nigra.
It took until last year to need splitting as the clump was about 3
feet across.
What you must Not buy is a spreading one. Make sure it is clump
forming.
Google gave me http://www.thescottishbamboonursery.co.uk/home.htm
which has a good selection and under "search" you will find them well
categorised.

Pam in Bristol