Mikey, when we plant bamboo at work on our jobs, we use a bamboo barrier too.
We use the 3' deep barrier, because about 6" needs to be above ground too.
And when you overlap the seams, we use the plastic twist ties and then gorilla glue and clamps
to seal it up. Our clients think it is overkill, but we don't.
(especially when they would probably get mad at us a year or two down the road when the bamboo starts taking over)
Remember, bamboo shoots are edible and delicious, so when snapping them off, save them!
There are probably dozens of recipes on the internet for Bamboo Shoots.
Tinks, get a clumping bamboo!
I am nursing along 'White Dragon' which I bought in the middle of the winter.
It's a variegated clumper.
I bought it here when we were ordering wholesale from them at work...
http://www.bamboogarden.com/Hardy%20clumping.htm