check out this webpage by an Alabama grower about controlling bamboo. I think you'll find it worthwhile.

Here is a link that might be useful: Controlling bamboo

Thanks for the link, John. Very informative! I have also been studying Bambusa Oldhamii as well as Moso. Any preferences from you fols out there? I understand Walt Disney World uses Bambusa Oldhamii extensively throughout their parks.

Moso is exceptionally beautiful with its giant fuzzy culms and contrasting tiny leaves held in horizontal sprays, like those of a shaded Japanese maple making a nice pattern. The only other bamboo I have grown with a similar foliage effect is bignode bamboo. And this produces much shorter, more slender culms so that the foliage is not displayed nearly as well.

The surface of moso culms makes them look older than they are, adding to the overall effect.

The main problem with this wonderful plant is providing the site conditions it needs. Its propensity to take off and form large stands (when happy) is a secondary consideration, like other running bamboos dealt with when necessary by blocking the roots with barriers.

A bigger stand with bigger culms provides the opportunity to walk among the stems.

Thanks, bboy. I believe I will go with the Moso, the appeal of digging mature culms is too strong to pass up. I have done some reading up on the subject, and It would appear that controlling the spread of a grove is not as big a factor as I once thought it was. Zone 9 and hot dry summers notwithstanding, my source has a fantastic grove that he has let me have access to, and It would appear that this will give me a big head start to my future grove. Too bad I will have to lose my view of my neighbor's junk car collection! Any other advice about planting and watering would be welcome.

Lots of moisture and fertility.