A bamboo ornamental garden was established at MMSU to address the ever increasing demands of bamboo ornamental plants in the province and in Region 1.

Managed by Mr. Charlie Batin, the ornamental garden is located south of the Crops Research Laboratory building and features aesthetic species of exotic bamboo which became popular among gardeners and entrepreneurs of commercial garden plants.

Bamboo has been known in the world because of its many functions and uses. It serves as the best substitute for wood in the furniture, handicraft, and construction industries not withstanding other benefits as a source of food, biofuel and for environmental protection.

However, there has been an increasing interest of people on bamboo especially those which can be used as ornamentals and for landscaping.

Batin said the garden aims to produce different ornamental varieties to cater to the needs of the landscaping industry because of their versatility. “These species are mostly suited in any architectural theme because of their unique agronomic characteristics,” he said adding that these are relatively cheaper than other ornamental plants, yet very classy when fully grown and well maintained.

Among the advantages and benefits of bamboo ornamental plants are their elegance and beauty because of their simplicity, less care and maintenance, easy propagation with high survival, faster growth with minimal cultural treatments, high potential as income source, and contributions to reforestation and water conservation.

At bamboo ornamental garden, four species are being propagated and available for sale. These are: Chinese variegated, dwarf bamboo, running bamboo, dwarf variegated bamboo, and the all-time favorite Buddha bamboo. Their prices range from P80 to P300 per pot. Propagules of other species such as those of the kawayan tinik (Bambusa blumeana) and the giant bamboo (Dendrocala musasper) are also available for sale.