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Sacha[_1_] · 15-09-2006, 09:02 AM posted to uk.rec.gardening

On 15/9/06 07:30, in article , "Les Hemmings"
wrote:

I just got a job in a nursery! But could use some help. Perhaps there's a
computer fix out there?

A customer asks (this one a few days ago) for a tree to replace an Elder
that her neighbours cut down. To grow next to a wall so pretty dry,
evergreen, fast growing, spreading and reasonably dense for privacy. Seems
she wants a tree that would be just about "perfect" in all respects. I was
stumped here... if it exists at all (Photinia "Red Robin" perhaps?)

It depends on the height she wants but does it have to be a tree, or would a
fairly tall growing shrub do? e.g. Camellia? Aucuba? Azara? Bay? Choisya
ternata Sun Dance.

Anyway, a bit of software that will enable you to enter requirements and
then produce some suggestions would be splendid. Plus the ability to cross
reference Latin names and common names would help too. We only use the Latin
at work, so if asked for, say, a Fig tree if you don't know Ficus your
stuffed!

The RHS encyclopaedia uses both Latin and common names by listing the common
names at the back and I used to have a Reader's Digest book some time ago
that listed plants for 'special purposes'. I don't know of a computer
program that does that, though. But you can get the RHS book on CD.

There is something similar for id'ing mushrooms. Enter characteristics and
it will offer closest matches. Does anything like this for plants exist out
there?

Yes, it's called uk.rec.gardening! ;-)
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
http://www.discoverdartmoor.co.uk/