When we lived in NYC, I grew six different varieties of bamboo in the space around our little house.

Although bamboo has a reputation as an invasive plant, it is actually quite easy to control if you keep an eye on it. Bamboo plants fall into two general categories -- "runners" and "clumpers." As their names imply, one type spreads rapidly while the other grows in just one place.

In many ways, this can be a metaphor for people -- those who lead adventurous lives, versus those who remain safely in one place. With bamboos, the runners tend to be the more interesting plants. They're the ones that have different colored stems, some square in section, and they're the ones that grow to the greatest heights. You can see why the people who are runners tend to lead a more interesting life when compared to the clumpers, who tend to lead a more secure life.

The leaves in the picture above are from a dwarf Phyllostachys bissetii, first thing in the morning, with a drop of dew still on the leaf. This plant grew to almost 20 feet in height and would dance beautifully in the slightest breeze.