Bamboo is everywhere. There are bamboo clothes, furniture, musical instruments, and even the window shades in my home are made from it. It's used in the construction industry; it's used for flooring and other home products. And over the last few years, it has taken over the housing market as a 'green' product for its sustainable qualities. Pretty soon it could be taking over your garden too. Bamboo can spread over a garden bed, becoming the bully of your landscape. Despite its rapid growth, I personally wanted it in my garden, so I could have my own supply of this precious plant to help me save money.

Bamboo is a giant grass that fits into my plan of having a basically xeriscaped garden. Once established, the plant does not require much effort on my part to thrive, nor does it drink much extra water in my climate. I love spending time in my garden, but I don't always want to be working. I love flowers (annuals give off such a beautiful show), but I look for plants that are architecturally interesting to give other points of interest to the viewer. Since there are so many wonderfully different varieties of bamboo, I can have varying thicknesses and colors (my next acquisition will be a black bamboo). However, the plant can begin to spread, overrunning parts of the garden. While I'm known to enjoy a bit of disorder, this can begin to look bad.

Growth control
Controlling the growth of bamboo can be the key to appreciating it in your garden. If you don't mind the work, you can dig up the sections that you don't want, like you would do with spreading plants such as ginger or galanga. I would rather do less work. I have too many other things to take care of. My method was to create a barrier to prevent the roots from shooting out in all directions. I have a plastic barrier that goes down about a foot into the ground, and it is about three inches above ground. I planted a mondo grass around this plastic lip to hide it. If you use this method, have the barrier above ground in case you use mulch. The roots could grow through the mulch. My barrier is a homemade solution; there are products which will do the trick, like a bio-barrier.

Bamboos multifaceted functions
How does bamboo help save me money? For me, I make tomato cages with the plant. In fact, my beans and peas climb up bamboo poles; vines climb up bamboo trellises; and I make a few garden structures from it as well. You can use twine or wire to fasten the bamboo pieces together. I generally use those plastic ties for wiring, since I have so many around my shed. I find the plastic ties and twisting wire to be the easiest way to form shapes by fastening pieces. I let my imagination fly, forcing the bamboo to bend into shapes for my trellis or garden art.

I've even made a twenty-foot giraffe from bamboo and crepe myrtle branches for my wife. All of these structures are temporary, but that is alright. I will have more bamboo next year for another inspiration. My wife likes to take the bamboo and vines for flower arrangements. My children create forts and fences with the stalks. And when I'm really bored, I make toothpicks from the bamboo. That may be going too far though. We have used the stalks for art projects in the house too. Bamboo leaves go into my compost pile.

You should give bamboo a try; it is a great plant. About the xeriscape idea, you do have to water and take care of these plants for the first year until established. This applies to all landscapes created with the intent of not using additional water. Many bushes and trees that you find at your local garden center will have lower watering requirements once they have settled into their new home. Remember that you will still have to prune, particularly if they begin to grow near your home. You will want at least a foot of space between the plant and your house.

Frank Schulte-Ladbeck, is a Houston-based Professional Real Estate Inspector

My wife reminded me last night that when we were looking for a home, the first thing I did was plan out where the vegetable garden could be. My next priority was what I could do with the garden beds once I found the ideal spot. The design of the house came last on my list. She joked that I did not want a home; I wanted a garden. Blessed with temperate weather here in Houston, TX, I've been able to plant a tomato crop, and harvest onions, kale, peas, chard and beans.

Recently, I came across an article in USA Today about seed sales increasing, mainly due to the concerns that people have over their finances. Growing your own vegetables and herbs may save you money, but more importantly, it provides you with healthy food that is quickly available.

It's all about the herbs
Herbs give the most satisfaction to novice gardeners. My two-year-old daughter and thirteen-year-old son know where I keep different plants, and they are frequently sent off to gather herbs. My wife thinks it is strange that I know the ages of different herbs. Call me crazy, but I plan to have a big party this year, when my oregano is turning ten! Herbs do not always need the care and attention that vegetables need; they can thrive when other plants suffer.

A fresh herb chopped and thrown into a dish at the last moment can create an array of flavors that will dance on your tongue. If you have seen the price of a fresh herb, you will know that growing your own is much cheaper than buying a few sprigs in the store. I love to make sauces with my herbs too, so I think these hardy little plants can be the best buy for a person beginning to grow their own food.

Growing your own veggies

Vegetables need more care, but simple organic growing methods can be cost effective. You need to water them more, and you need to check for pests in any form. My two year old likes picking a tomato when it's green; she will not let them go red.

One easy to grow vegetable is green onions. Those bunches that you buy in the store can be placed in the ground. You can snip off leaves when needed, or you can harvest them whole. You may find that one plant will provide all that you need for one dish. If you are planting seeds, it may be better to start them in a flat. Let them grow in a protected environment before setting them in the garden.

Currently my kitchen window sill is filled with various types of pepper plants. I'm waiting for the last freeze in March before they go out. I also have my okra at another window. When planting, have a good healthy soil and cover the plant bases with mulch to cut down on watering. Your local nursery may have a good book on organic techniques, and they should carry the vegetables that will thrive in your area. For example, Houston is not asparagus country, but there is a variety that does grow really well here; in fact it can take over a bed. That is where local knowledge is important.

With spring coming soon, this may be the best time to start the seedlings indoors, so you will be ready to have them in the ground when the last frosts have passed. I found a good selection of seeds at my local hardware store this morning, but I also go to a store that specializes in carrying a large variety of seeds and organic fertilizers. I imagine that there is one in your city too. Herbs provide the greatest return on investment for the beginner, but you may find that other plants can be just as good when you take the time to learn how to grow them.

Frank Schulte-Ladbeck, is a Houston-based Professional Real Estate Inspector

As I was strolling through my neighborhood this weekend, I noticed an open house going on. But it wasn't the large red and blue sign that initially drew my attention to the home. With its lush lawn, flowering shrubs, sweeping front porch — which had two rocking chairs nicely placed on the front stoop — the stunning two-story home was begging to be visited.

Spring is typically the busiest time for Realtors to hold open houses. With housing prices across the country dipping, buyers have become more particular in their home search. Strong curb appeal will help your house stand apart from the competition.

Here are some helpful curb appeal tips to makeover your home:

Landing and porches. If space permits, a landing or porch should have a bench, or at the very least, a small outdoor chair. Rocking chairs always add a nice homey feel to a traditional home. To make the area look and feel more inviting, add some small accessories like hanging plants or wind chimes.

Lighting. Keep walkways and stoops well lit. A wall sconce is useful for giving off some light around an entry or passageway into the home, but you can also use decorative lanterns to shed some light and add a little more ambience to the home.

Mailboxes. Swapping out a boring old mailbox for one that is made from sleek vintage bronze, brass or black metal is an easy addition to your curb appeal.

Plants and flowers. A nicely mowed yard alone isn't going to cut it. Choose plants that offer variation in color, texture and foliage. Landscapers love using Boston ivy, because it offers green foliage in spring, berries in summer, red foliage in the fall and interesting vine patterns in winter. Use a variation of textures and height to help frame the front entrance of a home. Plant low ground covers nearest the path leading up to the home, with the more colorful and textured plants in the middle or rear of the lawn. I'm a fan of the Pacific hybrid delphiniums, Asiatic lily and ligularia for some colorful showmanship.

Lawn. A recent survey of 2,000 Realtors by HomeGain.com reported that an investment of $500 in lawn improvements would likely yield 400 percent of that total when selling the home — that's an extra $2,000 tacked on to the home price! Gardeners of large estates are gussying up their traditional lawns with more than just grass. Fellow HomeFinder.com blogger Frank Schulte-Ladbeck says the use of various herbs and weeds are a great addition, because it doesn't require as many herbicides or fertilizers, making it an eco-friendly option. These botanic alternatives will also fill in sparse patches faster than grass, so the lawns look fuller. Try planting aromatic herbs in the front lawn, such as mint and lemon thyme patches, to create enticing smells.

Got hot local housing tips or a story you want to share? Contact Amy Le at openingdoorsblog@HomeFinder.com.