Re: Databases--MS Access

I haven't taken a look at Janet's database, although I do intend to download
it and look it over.  The reason I've been so slow about this is that for the
last three years I've been using one I built out of MS Access with fields that
allow copying the Check List or R&I data directly.  Then I use the MailMerge
feature of MS Word to assemble a "catalog" I use for my "On Hand" lists.

I have found this very easy to use for data entry, somewhat less easy to
modify, as I have to go back and learn Access all over again every time I
think about changing the design.  It never occured to me to put in fields for
garden location--but that is a very good idea as I'm having a problem with
fading and mobile labels--they frost heave right out of the ground and blow
away.

Access would allow me to put in a field for photo, but I've never bothered.  I
just keep a set of files I label "pics" and "seedlings," plus smaller files
for Siberians and one for other people's photos of ones I find interesting.
I've gotten in the habit of attaching to the file name the source of the
photo, usually the name of the photographer or owner.

I make a lot of changes each year with the "on hand" list as I have limited
space (who doesn't?) and have to eliminate something to add anything new.  I
keep trying to hold down to varieties I plan actually to use in making
crosses, following Monty Byers' bit of oft-quoted wisdom'--"If I had to choose
but ten irises I'd have two named ones and eight seedlings" (or something to
that effect).

My problem (and I figure I'm hardly alone in this) is that I keep finding new
things about which to get interested or excited.  "Keep it simple" gets lost
in the shuffle too easily, but there just isn't any more grass I can dig up.

Neil Mogensen

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