The PLANT PRESS - Publishers of Gardening Books, CD ROMs

There are two methods for searching the database: by Plant Search for all or part of a plant name or by using the A-Z of Plants. Both methods have advantages for different types of search.

Type all or part of a plant's common or scientific name. You can also paste in a name copied from elsewhere. You don't have to use capitals or complete words. Plant Finder's Encyclopedia assumes you are looking for words beginning with what you type so don't add a 'wild card' asterisk. This search looks through the alternative names (synonyms) as well. So clem finds all the clematis and daff all the daffodils in the encyclopaedia. Use the drop down box to limit the search to Latin or common names and check the 'match anywhere in name' box if you want to find a string inside a name.

Remember, you may get a few 'extras' with your selection: William will find a number of plants with 'William' as part of the variety name plus a number of Camellia x williamsii and some sweet williams.

Click a letter in the A-Z register to see a list of generic names (eg. Acer, Geranium, Rhododendron, etc) and frequently used common names (eg daylily, heather, pink). Click a name to see a list of varieties represented in the encyclopedia. Click a variety name to see the entry for this plant. The big advantage of this method is no typing is required.

When you have a list, and you want to see more information about a plant, click the plant name or the thumbnail image to see details. Where there is more than one image for a plant, run the mouse over the thumbnails to change the main image. The thumbnails are arranged in date order and photo location details appear above each main image.

Use of the Plant Finder's Encyclopedia is free, but the text or images are copyright and may not be reused without permission. If you would like to reproduce images, check the 'add' box under images, click the 'add selected images to pick list' button and use the Pick list screen to send your list to us for an estimate.

A fuller version of this encyclopedia is available on CD-ROM. It has larger images, more searching options and more detailed descriptions with cultivation notes and suggestions for what to grow with what.

The CD which costs just £12.99 plus p&p (UK £1.50; Eur £3; ROW £5) would make an excellent gift for a gardener. Click the BUY NOW link to purchase this.