Taming the Infernal Bamboo...

We have four bamboo plants in barrel planters in the front yard of the studio house. In theory, the barrels are to contain the bamboo, which is notorious for it's unpleasant penchant to spread and take over. The barrels don't always work, though. Every few months, one of the plants gets pushy and pokes through the bottom of its barrel, tunnels over a few feet and then shoots up an ugly sprout in an attempt to assert its independence. Recently, a particularly assertive plant sent up two new shoots...

When that happens it's time to assess the situation...

And take action.

Mighty bamboo slayer triumphs again!