Ta-da

Now, that's what I call a fence.  Of course we need some landscaping, but I have all winter to think about it. That's the fun part.

So the long and painful bamboo saga is finally winding down...

 A desperate bamboo rhizome

The rhizomes that spread through the backyard seem to be getting the message. Since August, I've been cutting off every single shoot.  I'm on patrol daily with with my clippers and now the new growth looks tired and puny. Their monster, nourishing mother plants are dead and gone.

(Well, not dead, just gone-- they were carted off and replanted on other people's property.  Job security for the the bamboo removal company.)

Bruce the Bamboo Man said the roots should eventually give up and die. He did not define "eventually." He also said bamboo is unpredictable and never underestimate its lust for life.  We shall see if Spring brings new surprises to the Terrible yard.

It's interesting that the rhizomes are buckling and rising to the surface of the grass.  They don't look happy. When I'm snipping away, what comes to mind is a bunch of unhealthy snakes writhing around under there.  Yes, that is a nasty metaphor. 

"Is there anyone so wise as to learn from the experience of others?"

Voltaire