Seed, Bulb, Plant Inventory Software
Tom Mitchell (Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:59:43 PDT)

A couple of years ago I spent quite a lot of time investigating
various relational database possibilities, aware that having made a
choice I was unlikely to want to change my mind. In the end I went
for Filemaker, a database program similar to Microsoft Access in
concept but much easier for a layman to work with. It's available in
Mac and Windows versions (important for me, because I'm a Mac
devotee). Anyone who is contemplating purchasing a database program
should at least consider Filemaker as an alternative to Access or the
various open source alternatives. For what it's worth, the JC
Raulston Arboretum database manager, who has long experience of both,
told me recently that she regards Filemaker as vastly superior to
Access for horticultural applications. Her boss, who dislikes
computers, agreed. Tasks like importing and exporting text or Excel
files are extremely simple and, once you have filled it with data,
using the database to generate reports (e.g. 'give me a list of all
blue-flowered bulbs, acquired through PBS, flowering between March
and May' is straightforward). I'd recommend it highly and would add
that a good relational database can become an immensely powerful tool
over time, if the data it contains are accurate. Email me privately
if you have specific questions and I'd be happy to answer them if I can.

Tom, Zone 8 (Nerine in full flower, Colchicum going over and autumn
Crocus species starting)