"john royce" wrote in message
...
We want to make a water feature in the garden.... a traditional japanese
bamboo water spout type thing.

The bamboo we have is about 6.5 cm in diameter and has one end bevelled
which will be the water spout.

Some of the thin outer bark of the bamboo is splitting away from the end,
although it still remains attached. What would be the best thing to glue
it back down into place?

It is a natural material that naturally deterriorates after it dies. You
could super glue the problem area but most likely this will be an on going
maintainance.



Also what would be the best varnish or treatment to give the bamboo which
would stand up to the rainy U.K. climate, to prevent it all turning a
mouldy black colour? Thanks

It is likely that no vinish will stand up for more than a few years although
a Spar varnish would probably hold up the best. The damage is going to come
from the sun light more so than from the damp or wet weather. Expect to
reapply the finish every 2-4 years.
I would suggest a "fake" bamboo. Ohhhhh!