Garden Encyclopedia Version 2
by Marvin J. Kosmal

The Garden Encyclopedia contains information and photos for more that 1500 plants, as well as videos on plant care and selection. This software is marketed by BOOKS THAT WORK and they may be contacted at 800-242-4546 x 136 or, even better, http://www.btw.com

Ever try to find plants that bloom when you want, in the colors you want, and thrive in your garden? With more than 1500 varieties of plants, Garden Encyclopedia help you find the perfect annual, perennial, bulb, vegetable, tree, shrub, or ground cover for every spot in your garden.

You can browse through the Encyclopedia page by page, like a book, or you can search for the plants that meet your garden's specific needs, view specialized lists of plants, or create you own lists.

System Requirements are as follows: 100% IBM - compatible PC, 486 or higher, Window3.1 or Windows95, 4MB of RAM minimum (8+MB recommended), 2MB of free hard disk space, VGA (256 colors or higher), CD-ROM drive (double-speed or higher recommended), and Sound card recommended. The system used in testing is Pentium60, 16 MB RAM, 2X CD-ROM Drive and VGA256.

This is the type of program I like to have. Put the CD in, select " install" from the program manager and it's done. Just that easy!!!

Once installed the main viewing screen gives a variety of choices.

1. Getting started

Preface
If you Read Nothing Else
About Plant Names
Pronouncing the Latin
USDA Hardiness Zones

2. Buying and Caring for Plants

Choosing the Best
Finding a Good Nursery
Seeds and Plant by Mail
Mail order Sources
Choosing Color
New Plants from Cuttings
Starting Seeds
Dividing Crowed Perennials
Transplanting seedlings
Garden-Care Tips
Pests and Diseases

3. Kinds of Garden Plants

Annuals for color
Labor-Saving Perennials
Climbers for Walls
Ground Covers
Flowering Shrubs
The Very Best Vegetables
Herb for Your Kitchen

4. Plant for every Persuasion

Plants for the an Informal and Formal Garden
Best for Bed and Border
Accent Plants
Hanging and Trailing Plant
A Cutting Garden
Plant that Attract Hummingbird and/or Butterflies
Fall Color
Spring Color

5. Problem-Solving Plant

Plants for Hot Sun
Shade Lovers
Wind Resistant Plant
Plants for Hillsides
Plants for Dry Places
Plants for the Seaside
Plant the Stand Neglect
Fast Growers

If you choose not to go with the main selections you may;

Search for a plant by name
View Plant Information
Search for plant that meet specific requirements
View the search results in the Photo Album
Go to an individual plant
Create a personal list and add a plant
Look at a list of expert selections
View one of the videos about plant care and selection.

This is a really great program. It is a must have for anyone that does any amount of gardening. One of the really neat features of this program is that it pronounces the botanical name of the plant upon request. The color photos of the plants are of such good detail I found myself leaning over to the computer screen to smell the flowers.

The price on this product runs in the 35 dollar range locally. There is a companion program to this called 3D Landscape. The combination of the two would really be great.

I love this program and recommend everyone get it.