Lacking Plants Database Options

Say, Dave, you might consider adding Cacti, Conifers, Palms, and Succulents to the Categories, and under 'Foliage' we could use "fleshy", "strap shaped" and perhaps "broad-leaved" vs. "needles". It is not clear to me when one would check "Grown for foliage". That means food or fodder to me, or on the other hand, something like Crotons and Coleus.
Under "Propagation from Seed" we are missing the fact that a good part of these here United Stated has no "before" or "after" any kind of frost. So I always have to leave that one out :-(
I noticed that under Hosta, 'Twisted Sister', you got a completely different set of options; what gives?
Notorious Max

Hi, Max-sorry I didn't answer your hosta question you sent by email, but this way others will benefit from the question as well. Yes, the Hostas (and Roses, beans, tomatoes, etc.) each have a different form to complete for new entries, with options that are unique to that genus.

Cacti and succulents will eventually have their own form, too. I confess I've been covered up with a lot of stuff lately, but it's still high on my list of priorities.

When we create this form, I'll sit down with some of ou resident cacti/succulent afficionados, and get input on what those options should be. I don't want to start adding things now, until we have a chance to come up with a complete list - otherwise, things end up tacked on to the end, creating some odd sequences.

Regarding propagation techniques - well, all I can say is we're trying to please all the people all the time (an impossible task, no doubt.) But considering that the same seeds may be grown by gardeners in a wide variety of climates, we chose the techniques that seemed to fit the majority of situations. If you live in a frost-free (or nearly so) climate, then the "sow after last frost" would imply an early spring (or even late winter perhaps) sowing date.

There is still the part with "... add 'Conifers' and 'Palms' to the Categories, and under 'Foliage' we could use 'fleshy', 'strap shaped' and perhaps 'broad-leaved' vs. 'needles'. It is not clear to me when one would check 'Grown for foliage'. That means food or fodder to me, or on the other hand, something like Crotons and Coleus."

I am one of the dumbest gardeners here...no question about that! BUT when I see "grown for foliage" I would think it meant ...no blooms, but makes a nice plant...like Crotons. hehehe...Just my opinion!! Jo

Jo, you hit the nail on the head. Some plants have inconspicuous (or downright ugly) flowers, but we do grow them for their foliage value, and that is what the checkbox is intended for :)

Regarding the additional categories, that's a Dave question...

Thanks for clearing that up. Glad I mentioned Croton so I won't look like a cretin.

This message was edited Oct 5, 2003 10:00 PM

Well, I'm not sure I can safely assume he's read these. Especially on the weekends, Dave and Trish try to focus on non-DG activities :)

As to the navigation, I don't want to presume too much, but Dave has made some recent and systematic changes that separate the GWD and the PDB from DG, except at certain strategic points.

The main reason (I think) is because we have a fairly high proportion of our members who use these features, but they don't cross over into DG - in fact, a lot of them are probably unaware of the existence of DG or its other features.

In order to fully access the DG features (forums, member list, etc.) you must be within the DG site (all the sites are linked, but when you get down to it they really are three separate sites.)

And it's more likely that DG members want the convenience (and are aware) of the other features, so there are links to them from DG, but not necessarily vice-versa.

I liken it to a wheel - at the center is DG, and it is connected to the features or "spokes" - the GWD and the PDB. But the GWD and PDB operate fairly independently of one another, and of DG.

Sheesh, any more acronyms and we'll be making alphabet soup!!!

I'll leave my explanation/assumptions at that, and let Dave come in and confirm or correct what I've just told you ;0)

Wow, that was a mouth full. Thank you so much for taking the time.

Additional categories in the PDB? Sure, why not? Vols: Just tell me which ones and I'll put them in. (Actually, I think you have access to this. If not, you should) :)

dave

Grrreat! Thanks.

One thing that Weezie brought up at the helpdesk was that some plants - although perennial in some of the warmer zones are grown as annuals in the colder zones. It's led to some contradicting info entered. Perhaps an additional catagory or two for those type of plants will help.

Dave, I don't *think* I have access to add categories, but I could be wrong. Let me take a look at the list Ulrich has mentioned and compare it to the current list. In the meantime, are there any other categories of plants that come to mind?

With regard to tender perennials, I'm reluctant to add such a category, as it can be fairly subjective (as those of you in zones 8 and 9 probably know :) When the PDB was first set up with categories, you could choose only one for each entry; now we can choose multiple categories, so those less-hardy perennials can be checked as a "perennial", "tropical" and (when the plant is frequently grown as an annual) "annual". That way, no matter which of those categories was chosen to search among, the plant will be included in the results.

Vols: The categories are checkboxes like any other option. It's the first option listed in the "Checkboxes Admin" screen. I know you have access to that, since you created almost all those checkboxes. :-)

dave

If desperate for more categories, we could add "grown for fruit", "grown as vegetable", "vampire deterrent (i.e. garlic)", "tubers", "medicinal usage :-)", "beer (hops)", etc. - naa, let's forget it.

hehehehe, you had me going until I got to vampire deterrent :)

Just reminiscing.

I was thinking of planting a vampire deterrent garden but I just couldn't find enough information ... LOL

Cheri'