See below for a Note From The Author

'Mr. Bamboo' is the name by which Durnford Dart is popularly known today throughout Australia. From farmers to manufacturers, related product producers, to purpose cultivation specialists, Durnford Dart is generally acknowledged as this country's Bamboo growing expert.

He is equally recognised in the massive Asian Bamboo Industry through scores of fact finding visits, co-operative planting programs and bamboo variety experiments here in Australia. His thirst for knowledge has led him to China, Thailand, Japan and many other countries world wide.

After serving 6 years in the R.A.A.F. and building a highly successful business in the Auto Recycling business, his love for the land ( he was raised on a farm ) led him to establish 'Belli Bamboo Parkland' west of the popular seaside resort town of Noosa Heads in Queensland. Here, in 1989, he established Australia's first broad acre commercial Bamboo farm and Botanic gardens in combination with research facilities.

Today, Durnford Dart (Mr. Bamboo), continues to develop his thriving farm complex and commercial consultancy to Australian and Overseas Bamboo growers and Bamboo related businesses.

Note From The Author

It is an exemplary person, a rare individual, who possesses the clarity of perception and depth of sensitivity required to express sentiments that harmoniously meld mans soul with the forces that drive his endeavours in life.

I am touched by the Quote included below. No other words I have read, or could imagine in my mind, more succinctly express that to which David Fairchild has so profoundly turned his pen …

" I have always liked horticulturists, people who make their living from orchards and gardens, whose hands are familiar with the feel of the bark, whose eyes are trained to distinguish the different varieties, who have a form memory. Their brains are not forever dealing with vague abstractions; they are satisfied with the romance which the seasons bring with them, and have the patience and fortitude to gamble their lives and fortunes in an industry which requires infinite patience, which raise hopes each spring and too often dashes them to pieces in fall.

They are always conscious of sun and wind and rain; must always be alert lest they lose the chance of ploughing at the right moment, pruning at the right time, circumventing the attacks of insects and fungus diseases by quick decision and prompt action. They are manufacturers of a high order, whose business requires not only intelligence of a practical character, but necessitates an instinct for industry which is different from that required by the city dweller always within sight of other people and the sound of their voices. The successful horticulturist spends much time alone among his trees, away from the constant chatter of human beings."

David Fairchild. 1876 - 1954.

Plant Explorer.