My first experiences with Nandino domestica were as plantings in front of businesses. They had been planted in a small shard of dirt by the front door, and were there only to meet some zoning requirement. In these applications, they always appeared scraggly and unkept. But, it is a good example of how tough Nandina actually is. I never thought much of it until I saw a decent application in a private garden.

Many may be asking, "What is Nandina?" It is a plant which is often mistaken for a bamboo, but isn't. It does have a bamboo type structure, and in a landscape the potential- is the same as for a small bamboo. The books say it gets up to 6 feet tall, but I have never seen it that big. Part of the, year it takes on an autumn-type color that can add to a garden's fall effect. In addition to its' potential as an accent plant, Nandina makes a great small hedge.

While I was researching the article, I found that the dwarf variety also makes a good bonsai. I had never thought of Nandina as a bonsai, but I can see how it- would work. It has a small leaf structure and thin branches which -gives the plant a good structure for a bonsai.

The next time you see what looks like bronze bamboo, stop and check it out. You'll find that it does have a place in your garden.