Orchid Collection Database

[Tropic]

Rhonda ... so very true and definitely shows understanding of the modern orchid scene. However, there is always the big choice to be made by hobby orchid lovers ... go for quantity or go for quality. If deciding for quantity, then keeping records and updating regularly becomes a major chore and eventually it will fall into the area of abandon. Now if the choice is quality, then the number of plants is less in the select collection and is also of prime importance to keep track of these costly plants. Keeping track of the collection then becomes no more a task than the monthly balancing of the checkbook, though without a doubt, more enjoyable. I now use the Database Base software from Australia, the Orchid Database 2007 and for me this works just fine.

[cloudswinger]

Originally Posted by Rhonda_in_FL

The database gig is always a great idea in the beginning. The trouble is that--despite the best intentions--keeping a database current is a great deal of work. I've tried it more than once, after a while they become a chore.

What I need is a computer that is able to go out in the greenhouse, get wet and dirty, and take my notes from dictation. Such a think may exist, but I imagine it would cost so much money that I would have to give up orchid purchasing to own it.

There are databases that you can put on a pda(which is my next thing!), or you can always use the pen and notebook route.

[epiphyte78]

Access is my collection tracker of choice. It's really quite versatile. Here's a super basic outline of how to set one up. Create one table that has a list of all your orchids. One of the field names should be Orchid_ID (autonumber, primary key). Create another table that has 4 fields... Date, Note (memo), Note_ID (autonumber, primary key) and Orchid_ID (number, foreign key). The date field should automatically display the current date. Create a one to many relationship between the two tables. One orchid can have multiple notes.

Next create a simple dynamic webpage that is connected to your access database. The webpage should have a PDA friendly form that will allow you to type notes for each orchid while wandering around your garden. On the left hand side of the page should be a list of all your orchids so it would be easy to switch between orchids. The note entry form would be displayed at the top of the page with past entries displayed beneath the form, ordered from newest to oldest.

I'll be happy to answer any questions about setting up an Access database and if anybody wants an accompanying data entry webpage, I can set one up as described for...say...$50. Heh, which is a lot less then I would normally charge. I was planning on doing one anyways so it would just be $50 to rearrange my priorities a bit.

[AHAB]

epiphyte78 can you show us a screenshot of what it would look like?
Thanks,
AHAB

[Tsuchibuta]

Call me old fashioned but I use note cards in a file box. It's easy to jot notes on, I don't have to worry about my comp crashing and losing data and I have a printed photo attached to the card so when If I ever sell it or a division of it I can show everybody what It looks like and have all the data at my fingertips. I've tried the computer database thing multiple times but always give up because I have to go inside to imput my data that I jotted down in the greenhouse..way to many plants and not enough space to bring in the laptop. It was an extra step which equals extra time. I guess if you have PDA then that could be a viable alternative but you still don't have any physical records if the electronics fail unless you print it out... Comp databases do have pluses though, especially in terms of search ability. I just keep different files for the different orchid alliances and note my tags with an abbreviated alliance name and plant number so I can find them quickly in my note box.

[epiphyte78]

Originally Posted by AHAB

epiphyte78 can you show us a screenshot of what it would look like?
Thanks,
AHAB

Actually, besides the Access database, I haven't created anything yet. It's on my "to do" list...but there are quite a few projects ahead of it.

[mayres]

I also use Microsoft Access. IMHO it is an EXCELLENT tool for tracking your orchids. I can track everything I want easily with less than 5 minutes per routine week (more if I'm into a spell of doing significant work on my orchids and taking notes). I note all plants spiking, blooming, repotted, etc. among other things on a weekly basis. I have a modest 150 plant collection. There would be a number of plants whereby this would no longer be practical in terms of return for time spent - but it is far more than my collection. I would be happy to share a copy of my program setup for anyone who wants to pm me. All you need is a copy of microsoft access - a part of microsoft office professional.

[nodosakid]

Did OrchidWiz announce they were going to have database capabilities soon?

[CoolPhrog]

Originally Posted by nodosakid

Did OrchidWiz announce they were going to have database capabilities soon?

Yes, it will be in the June 2009 update!

It sounds like everyone has some great ideas on keeping up with their collections! Keep sharing your ideas!!!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Unless you're a real database pro, you're better off just using Excel.

I don't get it Access is a very robust system, not any more difficult than Excel and pretty much a standard. Guess I don't get the Bill Gates comment?