We often associate bamboo with Asian countries, but did you know it's native to five continents, excluding only Antarctica and Europe? Despite not being indigenous to Europe, bamboo thrives in both extreme cold and hot climates.
Interestingly, bamboos are actually grasses, part of the Poaceae family, and were wiped out in Europe during the last ice age. Even in Belgium, with its moderate climate, people are establishing bamboo forests. It takes around seven years for the first harvest, but thereafter, bamboo can be harvested annually, growing up to 12 meters each year.
Ikebana with Bamboo Arrangement
In light of bamboo's impressive versatility and significance, here's one of my demonstration arrangements from a recent Tanabata festival workshop, where bamboo holds special meaning.
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