The most important decision a gardener makes is selecting the right plant for the right place. We have transformed the NC Extension Gardener plant database into a powerful, multifaceted tool to guide consumers in making this critical decision. NC State Extension granted $104,000 to the NC Extension Gardener program to transform the plant database (http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu) into a world-class resource. Based on the evaluation of plant databases around the world; surveys of Extension agents, Extension Master Gardener volunteers and plant database users; and focus groups, we created an innovative tool for gardeners, Extension Master Gardener volunteers, extension staff, landscape professionals, university staff, and students. We now capture three times more data points per plant record, add high-resolution photos that document seasons, life cycles, plant parts as well as plant use in the landscape, and have expanded the search capability. While the funding covered software, staff, and IT support to create the expanded structure of the database, it would not have been possible to populate the new fields, upload the thousands of photographs, and update the 3,200 existing records without the invaluable support of Extension Master Gardener volunteers, undergraduate and graduate students, and extension agents and specialists.
Based on input from users, a gallery was created of photographs and landscape designs, each illustrating solutions to common challenges (small spaces, shade, deer resistant, etc.) or inspiring strategies for meeting common goals (children’s garden, edible landscape, cottage garden, etc.). A plant list accompanies each entry in the gallery with each plant linked to the profile in the database. In addition, based on years of data on wrong answers on exams, we have added links to plants often confused with the current plant. We have also added IPM information including a link to common insect and disease problems, which are each linked to management strategies. We have included seasonal information and search capacity to help users plan for year-round wildlife habitat, beauty, fragrance, and food production. The database has also been expanded to include recommended varieties of fruit trees and bushes as well as herbs.
