From Library Journal
Bamboo is a ubiquitous craft and construction material in Asia, but it has never replaced wood as a material of choice in North America, the home of only one native species. It is increasingly being used for garden structures, however, and the projects in this book reflect that trend. There are step-by-step instructions for trellises and fences as well as small pieces of furniture and table items all well designed in the oriental style. Information on growing, harvesting, and working with bamboo is also included. Few books are available on this topic, so this should be welcome in all garden and crafts collections. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Long considered a food fit for exotic species such as koalas and pandas, bamboo literally comes out of the closet here to act as a bonafide home-furnishings material, which means that this graceful pole morphs into both indoor and outdoor accessories, from sushi trays and door mats to the low-curved Nanako garden border and an al fresco shower stall. Environmental artist Stangler does her best work in, first, expressing virtues and properties of this grass-family member, then to laying out in detail the instructions for 30 projects. The book's mood is at one with nature: a loose flowing text around color photographs, supported by black-and-white illustrations, step-by-step how-tos, and boxed commentaries on the nitty-gritties, such as a cutting list and metric equivalents, in addition to materials and tools needed. Enhancing the Zen mood are the informational sidebars--a chart, for instance, of the 11 varieties of poles for purchase as well as a full page on the giant clumping iron bamboo. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
“Stangler expresses [the] virtues and properties of this grass-family member, then lays out in detail instructions for 30 projects. The book’s mood is at one with nature: a loose flowing text around color photographs, black-and-white illustrations, step-by-step how-tos, and boxed commentaries.”—Booklist. “Should be welcome in all garden and crafts collections.”—Library Journal.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From harvesting to assembling projects, this photo-filled introduction to bamboo fundamentals gives advice on preparing, buying, drying and weathering, preventing and dealing with insect damage, plus instructions for cleaning, cutting, splitting, joining, attaching, bending, flattening, finishing, and preserving. Picture a curved bamboo handrail along a walkway, a low trellis for climbing plants, a charming porch swing, a simple Japanese flower container, even an outdoor shower stall. Lush photography and abundant illustrations make this easy to use...and a treat for the eyes.

SYNOPSIS

"...bamboo literally comes out of the closet here to act as a bonafide home-furnishings material... both indoor and outdoor accessories, from sushi trays and door mats to the low-curved Nanko garden border and an al fresco shower stall. Stangler does her best work in , first, expressing virtues and properties of this grass-family member, then to laying out in detail the instructions for 30 projects. The book's mood is at one with nature: a loose flowing text around color photographs, supported by black-and-white illustrations, step-by-step how-tos, and boxed commentaries."—Booklist.