Depending on the size of the area you can use a variety of clumping bamboos in the landscape. We have a relatively small backyard, think most new housing estates do these days and I wanted something relatively tall but have small culm diameters. Needles to say we went for the ever popular Slender Weavers where the max culm diameter ranges from 25mm to 35mm at heights of 6m to 8m. They grow fast too, we planted 22 of them 8 months ago with an average height of 1.5m and most of them are about 3m. Some of the other species with bigger culms are like the Oldhamii and Buddha's Belly where they reach up 100mm in diameter. For the most part they're planted in rows and mostly for screening purposes but I've seen growers mix and match such as planting the taller Timor Black Bamboo (12m - 16m) at the back of the Slender Weavers followed by the shorter Himalayan Weeping Bamboo and/or Fargesia Fortuna. I'm also not opposed to the idea of incorporating running bamboo into landscapes as they have their own charm such as more delicate looking foliage and straighter stems from the ground as a result of them spreading out their rhizomes to larger areas before shooting upwards. Most common varieties is the Golden Cane Bamboo or Black Bamboo. You can usually tell if a species is a running bamboo by looking out for a flat side alternating between each node along the canes. Hope that helps...

Do you know if it is clumping or running bamboo? I've grown to love our little clump of clumping bamboo. Recently, I pruned back all the old culms, divided and transplanted it along our back fence near the cubby house. It has quickly reestablished and is doing a great job of screening out the neighbours higgle-piggle of sheds. I can see that yours needs some pruning ton thin it out and show off the stems, but you might find that you can create an attractive, instant and cost effective screen to be a uniform backdrop to some new feature plants in pots (bamboo can look good in a classic garden but I have to agree that bamboo and roses aren't the best combination)

Thanks for your kind compliments. Yes, it's great fun living in such an open, bright house that's so unrestrictive to family life. We love it! Maybe you need a similar house too ;)

Hi Leah, I'd think very carefully about what you put in and your conditions. Being in the mallee is a bit more extreme than most inland areas in Australia. Best advice I can give you is speak to your local nursery (not big box store) as they will know what will work best in your area. Unless you're prepared to be watering all the time, it's best to choose plants that suit your climate and soil. Also be aware that your water will probably be quite hard, and a lot of plants may not like that. Have a walk around your area, and see what other people are growing, and what is doing well. That will give you some ideas for planting. I'd steer clear of maples - any of them, as the hot drying winds will dry out the foliage, and they just won't be happy in an exposed spot. Same can be said of the deciduous Magnolias - I doubt you'll find may neighbours with those growing. Look for things like some of the smaller growing Brachychiton cultivars. There are also some great flowering gums, such as Eucalyptus torquata and Corymbia 'Wildfire' which would do well where you are. Crepe Myrtles are a great choice, as they seem to be tolerant of drier conditions. Not sure how crab apple would go, but it would be worth a shot. Also Melia azaderach is another great tree for inland areas, though it can be a bit messy. Good luck!