Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Bamboo grows just about anywhere and is edible, hardy, and versatile. Not to mention it adds an exotic flair
to any space.
(Photo courtesy of Steve Swayne)
The moistened fiber should be pliable, and you can then manipulate as necessary. Leaves can
be braided by folding one in half and laying another in the middle. Slowly and tightly braid the
strands until you can secure the starting end against something and really start to tug. Braid tightly
without much twist in the strands, and add additional leaves as you run out. A good length for
usable rope is 6 feet long.
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Don't wait until the last minute to add new leaves to your braided strand. You'll run the risk of it coming
loose. Instead, join a new leaf in the strand when you have a good 6 to 8 inches left.
A finished braid can be woven as desired, or you can simply use dried-then-moistened reeds to
weave. Basket making is an ancient art and one that is developed over time. It might start with a
table mat and end in full-scale furniture. You probably have something in your garden or backyard
now that you could use to get the hang of braiding and weaving. If it appeals to you, plan your
garden next year with weavers in mind.
And not every beneficial stalk has to be woven. Strong sunflower stalks can be joined together
to make trellises for next year's peas. That is, if you don't just grow the peas to climb the live
sunflowers. They can also be grouped together with wire and fashioned to form a fence or shading.
