The Mid-States Chapter was formed in the summer of 2003. Current members are from Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, but anyone interested in bamboo in our general neighborhood is very welcome.
The Midstates Chapter is growing rapidly with 68 members since last June 2003. It covers mostly zones 4, 5 and 6 in the Midwest states and offers classes about growing and containing bamboo in cold climates.
The winter meeting was held at the educational center of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens and the spring meeting was held at Burton's Bamboo Garden, in Morrow, Ohio. New shoots were emerging after another harsh Midwest winter.
This area of southwest Ohio is the birth place of world famous bamboo botanist F. A. McClure who grew up on a farm in Sidney, Ohio. His Ph.D. thesis was "Making Paper from Chinese Bamboo" while another well known botanist, Robert Young, was from Cleveland, Ohio and both were alumni of Ohio State University.
For those interested in joining our newest chapter, contact Midstates Chapter President .
Jerry Burton, President of the MidStates Chapter and Burtons Bamboo Garden in Morrow, Ohio will be a guest speaker on WGN-RADIO 720 CHICAGO on Saturday, January 7th at 6:00 P.M. Central Time.
Jerry will be answering questions and speaking about using the proper species of bamboo in zones 4-5-6 and controlling the spread using a barrier.
For those outside the Chicago listening area you might use your computer at http://www.wgnradio.com/shows/gardening to listen in or 312-591-7200 if you wish to call in a question. You can also email a question at mikenowak@wgnradio.com.
The MidStates Chapter will hold their winter meeting at the Cincinnati Zoo in the Education Building at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, January 27th. An RSVP is necessary FOR GATE ENTRANCE!
Call 1-877-899-3446 or email .
The Cincinnati Zoo has been adding to their collection of bamboo for many years and have a wonderful display infused with their many animals. Remember - your 2006 dues must be paid in order to attend.
Hamilton County Park - Sharon Woods will host our February meeting at 1:00 P.M. where we'll be discussing the correct species for zones 5-6 and containment, fertilizing, grooming, etc.
This is open to the public and we urge our members to participate with their favorite aspect of bamboo such as landscaping, woodworking, music, art, cooking, etc.
Please call 1-513-521-PARK; reservations are requested.
Hamilton County Park "Farbach-Warner" will host our March meeting on Saturday, March 11th at 1:00 P.M. This park has a grove of Phyllostachys aureosulcata which is at least 40 years old and worth seeing.
This will be open to the public. Members will answer questions about using bamboo in various ways such as landscaping, design, music, woodworking, cooking, art and painting.
For reservations call 513-385-4811 or 513-899-3446
Our spring meeting was held Sat, May 7th at Burton's Bamboo Garden in Morrow, Ohio.
Our Vice President, Don Marsh, discussed the new shoots which are coming up now after a 3rd consecutive harsh winter in the Midwest. We also discussed "placement importance" to shield from winter winds, the importance of species selection in growing a privacy screen and why it could matter to mix similar species when planning/planting the screen.
We have a new person doing our newsletter and hope you'll share your experiences with Mary Satchel.
Our newest mascots..."cassowaries in the bamboo"
These tropical birds come from the rain forest and love the bamboo groves.
We're looking for a secretary for our chapter. If anyone is interested please contact or Don Marsh.
, President