keith8 said: At 7,000 feet with good water why not go to Zoysia, slow growing, and good grass in many areas. Paspalum is great if you have poor water, I see no other advantage.
Keith
Keith,
Slow growing is the disadvantage to Zoysia. Are refined varieties propagated from seed? I've only seen Zoysia greens once in my life, in the Philippines, and it wasn't as good as Seashore Paspalum greens I've seen.
From what I've observed, Paspalum has a better color, stripes up nicely, and is altogether more pleasing aesthetically than Zoysia. Zoysia might be more cold tolerant, but that's not an issue in Kenya. Besides, with Paspalum all we need for weed control is alkaline solution.
Also, as I said, there is a dry season in Kenya. Sure, there's a water source, but you don't know in these situations what problems might arise - extended power outages for example - and you need to fall back on a drought tolerant species, and Zoysia doesn't compare in that respect. And before you say it, yes, there will be an emergency generator for the pump station, but it won't have the power for more than greens irrigation.
And guys, this isn't Egypt, OK? We don't have any way to expedite sprigs through customs. Further, neither the architect nor the owner is going to wait for the interminable propagation of a bushel of sprigs to cover 80 acres of turf. Ain't gonna happen. Period. Full stop.
Finally, Wallace, there's only room here for one consultant, and even I don't get business class tickets. That said, they will need a superintendent next year. Doesn't pay much, bad roads, but all the goat you can eat. On the other hand, it can be interesting. Spectacular terrain, I toured the site this weekend, and saw zebra, giraffe, impala, gazelle, vervet monkeys, guinea fowl, Cape buffalo, and a hippo. Send me a resume if your interested.
Thanks to everybody for your help.