Gardenware - News & Tips

Gardenware's Backup Utilities: The Whys and Hows

Now that all of you Version 10 users have downloaded the updates to the Gardenware Backup and the Gardenware Labeling programs, I think a discussion on Backups is in order.  

If you don’t wish to read further, please read and heed this:

IF YOU ARE USING VERSION 10, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST (BEG, PLEAD, IMPLORE…) THAT YOU USE THE GARDENWARE-PROVIDED BACKUP/RESTORE UTILITY PROGRAM IN ADDITION TO WHATEVER OTHER BACKUP SYSTEM YOU MAY HAVE IN PLACE. 

It’s very difficult to overstate the importance of backing up your critical files.  That’s why you hear about it (or are nagged about it) so often.  It’s very easy to think that data loss “won’t happen to me”, but we can tell you for certain that it can, as we have to help people attempt to recover data several times each week. We get almost as sad as our customers do when we discover that there are no files to be recovered!

Because backups are important, Gardenware has included a Backup/Restore utility program for the data that has been included with the Gardenware Labeling installations for Versions 32.54 through 32.123 as well as the newer Version 10.   They are quick and easy to use both for the backup and restoration of your data.

Many Gardenware users do periodic backups of their hard disks to an external hard disk.  Others use CDs or DVDs.  Still others back their drives up to the cloud with a subscription service.  Up to a point, these are all valid methods for backing up most data, but they don’t provide the most effective way to restore your Gardenware data.  And, as hinted at above, they do not provide any straightforward way to restore data for Version 10.

For recovering from a catastrophic crash, most programs (including Gardenware) need to be re-installed onto the new hard disk or the new computer.  If the files had been backed up only to another device or the cloud as part of a total backup, each of the files necessary to restore your Gardenware data will need to be identified (with our help) and copied from the backed up files and to the appropriate folders on the newly installed hard disk or computer.  (Again, this isn’t an option with Version 10.)

However, if you have used the Gardenware Backup/Restore utility all you will need do is insert the CD or Thumb Drive that holds the Backup, start the Gardenware Backup/Restore utility and click on Restore.  The Backup Restore utility will handle the rest automatically. 

There are a number of Gardenware users that use this routine to keep files synched between computers.  They do work at home in the evening on Gardenware, back it up then restore it to the computer at the store so everything is current (or even back up the store and restore on the home computer if changes were made at the store).

Backing Up Data with Version 10:

Because it’s the newest and most critical to be used, we’ll start with Version 10’s backup options.  Unlike with previous versions of the program, restoring your data with Version 10 is not simply a matter of copying and replacing files.  The provided backup program makes simple restoration possible.

Important Note:  With any database, before backing up or restoring your data be sure that the Gardenware Labeling program is closed.

If you haven't done so already, please be sure that you have updated your backup program using the link provided in the previous post.  Use that link only if you are using Gardenware Version 10.  If you're unsure of the version you're using, please call!

The Backup/Restore utility for Version 10 can be found in the Gardenware Program Group.  Go to your Start Button, click on Programs and look for Gardenware.  Click on the name to open it and you will find the Gardenware Backup name and icon.  Just click on it to run.  (I put a Gardenware Backup icon on my desktop for easy access.  Just hold down the CTRL key then click on and drag the icon to a blank spot on your desktop.)

The Backup/Restore utility program for Version 10 has the option of doing a Full backup which contains all of the data as in previous versions plus all photos and logos that are stored in folders that are within the GWLabeling  folder.  A second option is to back up the Database Files only.  The Full backup can take a long time if you have a lot of pictures stored in folders within the GWLabeling folder and is recommended after you have stored new pictures.  The Database Files backup should be fairly quick.  It is recommended that the Database Files backup be used regularly. 

There is detailed information for using Backups and Restore on the screens as well as in the HELP system.  Just click on HELP or press F1 when you are viewing the Backup/Restore screens.

Versions 32.54 through 32.123

It remains a very good idea to use the automated backup/restore function if possible with these versions, but failing to do so comes with less-dire consequences (as long as you have your files backed up somewhere where you can find them).

You will find the Backup/Restore program in the Gardenware32 Labels Program Group.  Click on your start button, then click on programs.  Look for Gardenware32 Labels.  Open the program group and you will see the Backup-Restore Data program.  Just click on it to use it.  Instructions are on the screen.

The Backup/Restore utility for Version 32.123 and previous versions backs up data only.  That includes all library descriptions, prices and print queues. If you have a version prior to 32.123 or use Version 32.123 complete it also backs up price lists and the most current Label Request.  If you use the Purchase Order Module it also includes all Purchase Order Data.  The Backup/Restore utility for versions 32.123 and older do not backup photos or logos.  The Backup/Restore utility for V 32.54 through 32.123 compresses the files and stores them in a folder named GWZIPDAT.ZIP (most current computers hide the ".zip" part, but it's the same file). You may copy that folder to a thumb drive for easy storage off premises or you may direct the program to backup directly to the thumb drive. You may also use CDs but the thumb drives are easier, more convenient, and less wasteful.

Please note: If you are using Gardenware 32.123 on a Windows Vista (64-bit) or Windows 7 (64-bit) computer, the backup utility program does not work with these operating systems.  The easiest way to backup would be to back up your Gardenware folder.  Users of Gardenware V32 will find the folder GWIN32 in the root directory of the C:\ drive unless the installer purposely placed it elsewhere.  Should you need to restore from this folder, call the office at 503-717-9295 for a list of the files that contain your data.

 

Version 10 Updates ready for Download and Installation

If you use Version 10 of the Gardenware program please take the time to read this.

You may have thought we forgot about you. I’ve missed both February and March articles. Well, we’ve been busy and we suspect you have too.

We do have news, however, for those of you who use Version 10. We have an update for you. Programmer, Mark, has set things up so you may download them directly from our GWSupport server. They will be available to you 24-7.  There is no cost to you for these updates.

Did you notice that I used the plural? There are actually two downloads. There is a new version of the Backup/Restore utility program as well as Gardenware Version 10.

Backup/Restore & Gardenware Support Screen The Backup/Restore Program options are expanded and more useful.

When you do a Full Backup, all of your data and all of the pictures and logos that are stored in the Gardenware Labeling folder will be backed up. If you have a lot of pictures, the backup can take quite a while but in case of a hard disk crash can be very useful. That would be a good reason to store your photos in the folders provided for you in the GWLabeling folder (pictures stored elsewhere will need to be backed up by some other method).

The second backup option, Database Files, backs up your data only. That includes all new Library entries, Price Lines and Print queues. We suggest making a Full Backup after you have added more photos than you care to do again, in case of catastrophe.

Database Files should be backed up regularly. You might consider dedicating a thumb drive to Gardenware backups and keep it off premises. We have customers who have experienced fire, theft, vandalism and lightning strikes as well as the more common hard disk crashes.

If you find that you need to restore, there are options as well and if, after reading the instructions on the screen and the HELP screen,  you have any questions don’t hesitate to call. Remember – if you don’t backup or can’t get your hands on your backup you can’t restore.

There is also a new screen available in the Backup/Restore utility. In the upper right of the screen you will see Gardenware Support in a dark blue text. Click on it and the following screen will be displayed.

This screen is useful in locating and installing Gardenware updates and other files we might wish to make available. It will automatically unzip zipped files for you and install them where they belong.

Gardenware Labeling Version 10 update

The changes to the program are minor but they fix a few issues and add a few conveniences.

Shirley Pekosh of Peck’s Green Thumb in Cedar Rapids, IA found a genuine bug. She discovered that some library items had a totally incorrect common name – a name that she didn’t put there. Programmer Mark discovered that it can happen when the user clicks on the Use Customized Text feature for editing a description. If the Save and Exit button is clicked but no changes have been made to the description, the program may insert an incorrect common name. So far Shirley and Hannah with Focal Point Gardens in Arundel, ME are the only ones who have reported it. Mark squished the bug and has included a fix in the update that will prevent future occurrences. The update will also automatically scan your libraries and correct any misnamed items that you might not have caught.

I discovered that the Memorized Price Lines window was displaying Price Lines in the order of entry rather than sorting by size. This means that those of you who use this really nice new feature might end up with price lines for No. 1 containers, for example, scattered throughout the list. With the update, the Price Lines in the Memorized Price Lines window will be sorted and displayed based on the Size/Brief Description field.

You will find a new button on the label selection screen to Delete All Price Lines. I found It inconvenient to delete several lines one by one to get rid of a list of price lines that was no longer relevant.

Carol Newcomb of Northland Rosarium in Spokane, WA complained (rightly so) that when she entered a new variety to the library and clicked on Save Changes and Exit, she was returned to the plant Library List display, to the first item in the library and not at the plant she had just entered. She would then have to find the plant before she could use it. This has actually been the case since our first windows program was released. No one complained, not even me! With the update, when you enter a new plant and Save and Exit you will find your new entry is automatically the highlighted plant. Thank you Carol!

We learned that with Windows 7, Microsoft discontinued the distribution of the Arial Narrow font that we have used so widely. We have found a new font that has very similar properties of easy readability and narrow spacing to allow more words in less space for use with plant descriptions. It is called Liberation Narrow. It will automatically be installed to your computer if the update program does not find Arial Narrow already installed. It will be displayed for selection with all of your other installed fonts.

Yes, we’ve been busy and now it is your turn:

Here’s how to download your Backup/Restore and Gardenware Labeling updates….

Because there are several Internet Browsers and many ways a user may set up the "preferences", we can't give step by step or screen by screen instructions.

All browsers provide the opportunity to Save the selected file.  Internet Explorer, and possibly others, give you the opportunity to Run the selected file directly without saving it.  While the option is yours, we suggest that you Save the file. You may save the files wherever you wish.  If you have a folder or location where you save your dowloads, by all means use it.  If you don't, saving the files to your Desktop is very convenient. The important thing is that you are able to find the dowloads after dowloading so you can install them.

Once saved, simply find the file and click on the filename to install.

Google Chrome automatically saves the files to it's History folder but provides a small window at the bottom left of the screen showing the downoad status.  When downloaded, simply click on the filename in the window to install.

ISSUES

Gardenware is not a well known name to browsers like Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and others.  It is also not a well known name to security systems such as Microsoft's, Norton, Kaspersky, Bit Defender, etc. 

When you begin your download, the browser security system will inform you that the file is of questionable safety and the publisher is unknown but you will be given the option to continue anyway.  It is safe to continue.

When you begin the installation of the files, your system security will inform you that the publisher is unknown and the file may be harmful to your computer.  Again, click on whatever your security system provides to "continue anyway".

Most browsers provide a dowload status indicator.  Be sure the download is complete before attempting to install. Please be sure to leave your browser window (and the specific tab, if applicable) open during the download, or you may terminate it prematurely.

When you click on a filename to initiate the download, this screen will be displayed.

A click on the Dowload Your File button will begin the dowload.  The Backup/Restore update is a small file and should download in just a few minutes.  The Gardenware Labeling program download will take appreciably longer.

With all of that in mind, click on the address below to download and install the update to the Backup/Restore program Version 10.0.4

https://secure.logmein.com/f?00_sQ0rwtpZOlHOkdALC4IlxoRtdtdGQ1JOaJTEElDw

Click on the address below to download and install the update to the Gardenware Labeling program. Version 10.0.10

https://secure.logmein.com/f?00_lKLcG7xuZSOG-FVf.d9OJpptgeQJASD6x7whrRbH

As mentioned previously, once the files are downloaded, find a file and double click on it.  It will automatically install.  Do the same for the second file. 

As usual, if you have questions, give us a call or send an e-mail note.

Dennis

 

 

 

Happy New Year!

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a HAPPY, HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS  NEW YEAR!

Once again this year we will be exhibiting at the MANTS trade show in Baltimore, MD Jan 11, 12 and 13.  Find us at Booth 2001 in the far back right corner of the show.  A lot of regulars enter the show and head to our corner as an ideal place to begin their tour of the show.  That way they end up at the entrance and don’t have to fight the crowds that begin at the front of the show.  Look us up!

As we head into another sales season I thought it might be a good time to discuss a utility in Gardenware that we suspect many if not most Gardenware users haven’t yet discovered or made good use of.  GLOBAL CHANGES to PRICE LINES  is a selection on the Main Menu.  It was designed to help save a lot of time when price changes are necessary or when inconsistencies creep in to your prices such as having similar size containers listed as 1G, 1 Gal, 1 Gallon, No. 1 and # 1 scattered throughout your libraries.  GLOBAL CHANGES makes short work of such things.

I have put together a video that shows how  GLOBAL CHANGES  works.  The screen layouts are a little different in  Version 32 and Version 10 but the functionality is the same with both versions and both are discussed in the video.  To view the video click HERE.

Many of you are aware that we have posted a number of instructional videos on our website but if you were not aware, HERE is a link to them.

We look forward to working with you again this year.

As usual, should you have questions or need support be sure to contact us.  We still offer on-line demonstrations, refresher sessions and when warranted, on-line one to one help.

Thanks for using Gardenware! 

Dennis Saulsbury

 

Season’s Greetings From Gardenware! (With an intro to something you might like to “give” yourself)

We at Gardenware would like to extend to you, our customers and prospective customers, our best wishes for the holiday season and a healthy, prosperous 2012. We have our fingers and toes crossed hoping our economy has begun to turn the corner in a positive direction.

At a time when demands on finances are at their greatest, we thought you might like to know about Paint.NET. This is a totally free downloadable image editor that is easy to learn and use, quick to download, takes little hard disk space, has a complete help system, a number of plug-ins and a large user community.

For those who choose to use Paint.NET it is truly a gift from a number of people who have worked on, developed and prepared it for use by anyone: no strings attached. They ask nothing in return but do appreciate donations to help cover the continuing costs of development.

Many of our customers and prospective customers do not have an image editor or haven’t learned to use the one they do have. Often things seem too intimidating to stop and learn to use when there are always so many other things that need to be done at any given time.

One of the more important functions of an image editor for Gardenware users is reducing the size of photos from the huge files straight out of the camera to small files that print quickly and take little space.

I have put together a PDF document that introduces Paint.NET, touches on a few features, has a link to our preferred download site and gives a step by step instruction for reducing the size of photo files for use with Gardenware. You may use it on screen but you can also print it and have accessible as you go through the steps. When familiar with the steps it takes just a few minutes to re-size an image with Paint.net.

Click HERE for the PDF document.

As usual, if you have questions don’t hesitate to contact us.

info@gardenware.com

503-717-9295

Dennis

A PagePlus Update

It just figures, doesn’t it? We pass on the word about a particularly good deal on Page Plus, and then Serif introduces a newer version, Page Plus X6, three weeks later!
Well, we won’t be doing any upgrades here for a while yet, just in case any of our readers and customers are starting out with the X5 version. Besides, version X5 is capable of way more than our current needs. From a quick glance the new features seem to be largely geared to electronic publishing.
In our recent experience, some documents and templates created with a newer version were not backward-compatible with older versions. However, documents created with X5 should be forward-compatible with X6, though an X6 user will probably have to commit those documents to a permanent format change.
We have little doubt that X6 will be just as useful and flexible as X5, but we don’t want to force anyone to upgrade.

Here’s a HEADS UP on a great deal for a publishing and design program we use a lot and don’t hesitate to recommend.

For many years we have used Serif Software’s Page Plus publishing program to make all of our price lists, handouts and other promotional materials. We had used Microsoft Publisher for some time and I came across Page Plus and gave it a try. It did everything that Microsoft Publisher did and more. It was easier to use and it cost considerably less.

Over the years, like most software, it has been continually improved and many new features have been added. This program has professional features that go well beyond most users’ needs, but is still very intuitive to use. No previous experience with a design or layout program is needed. Serif offers online help and a series of videos to acquaint new users and bring them up to speed quickly.

Serif Page Plus X5 (the current version) is offered by Costco at what we think is an amazing price: Just $30.00 (OK… $29.99) for the full version, including shipping.

(Costco's offer ended on 11/30/11, so we removed the link, but the rest of the comments about PagePlus remain valid!)

Page Plus can also be used with any Gardenware product to create specialty labels and signs for just about any use you can imagine. We have templates available for nearly every layout.  We’ll be glad to e-mail them to you at no cost.

In addition to the ability to create great documents, leaflets, flyers, etc., you can turn any document you have prepared with Page Plus into a PDF file with a mouse click. This makes it easy to create a quote (or any other document) that you may attach to an e-mail to a client or to create documents that may be linked through your website for easy customer access.

I had planned to do an article on Page Plus, hopefully with a special price promotion from Serif for Gardenware users, but when Scott alerted me to this great offer I felt I had to pass it on to you. If you don’t currently have a publishing program or if you are not happy with the one you are using, you should take a look.

I did go online to be sure this is really a great deal. Serif sells direct and lists the package at $99.99 but there are a number of offers for less. Some were as low as $39.99. The ones I checked out were on e-bay and listed limited quantities and did not include shipping. If you are a member, you probably already know you can’t go wrong with Costco.

Scott created our website using another Serif product, Web Plus. They also publish a photo editor but we have little experience with it at this point. You will find in-depth reviews on their products on the internet.

Just so you know, we have no connection to Serif Software. Our only connection to Costco is that we spend too much money with them.

As usual if you have questions don’t hesitate to contact us. If you use Serif products, you might share your experiences with other Gardenware users and prospects who read this blog.

Are There QR Codes In Your Future?

Nursery Management Magazine’s newsletter for Sept 3 carries an article stating that in June 14 million Americans scanned QR codes.  I don’t know how the statistics are compiled but the claim is that over 60% are likely to be male in the age group of 18-34 years of age and over 36% with an income of $100,000 or more.  Click here  for the entire, very short but informative, article.

For those of you who don’t yet know, a typical QR code (Quick Response code) looks like this:  

With a Smart Phone and a QR app (see below), the user can snap, or photograph, the QR code and “something” will happen.  If the QR code is on a product label, the user will generally be taken to a mobile friendly web page with information about the product.  (The above QR code will take you to a Gardenware introductory video.)  If you have been to Home Depot lately, you might have noticed that almost all the products in their garden centers have QR codes on the labels.  QR codes can bring up a company website, display a photo, show a video, dial a telephone number or take most any other action available on a Smart Phone.  When snapped, the QR codes are bookmarked.  A customer could snap a number of plant QR codes then recall and go over the information at home to do their planning and make informed decisions on purchases.  There has been a great deal of QR buzz lately in trade journals, blogs, newsletters, etc.

Being in the label business, we figured we should be on top of things if possible.  We do offer waterproof, weather tough labels on which QR codes may be printed. 

Last month we exhibited at the Farwest Show in Portland.  As a test of interest, we displayed sheets of the QR codes and, when it seemed appropriate, we asked visitors to our booth if they were aware of, or planned to use QR codes in their business.  I don’t believe that any of the attendees we talked with knew what the QR codes were for.  Some were aware of them and noted seeing them around.  Others didn’t recall seeing them.  We were surprised at the lack of awareness.

Toyota invented QR codes the ‘90s as a method of auto part ID and tracking.  They have allowed it to be used at no charge. 

Producing “finger friendly” websites (ones specifically designed for mobile devices) requires attention to some specific details that web designers haven’t had to consider in the past.  “Normal” websites, while accessible by smartphones, are often not particularly easy to use and could create more frustration than satisfaction for many customers.  So, while the “front end” of creating and using QRs is very simple, making the target of the code appealing and useful deserves some thought and planning.

It could be a major project to produce web pages for the products you would like to feature for your customers who have smartphones.  It’s hard to say whether this gateway to information will flower or fade but indications are that the smartphone adaption is about to explode. 

If you want to try producing codes yourself (to target your website, a YouTube video, etc.) you can start with the free generator found here.  There are likely many similar utilities out there. This one steps you through the process very simply and easily and was used to generate the code shown above.  You download the resulting code as an image file, then reduce it if needed and insert it into whatever document, sign, web page, etc., that you wish.

Which app you pick for your QR reading will be a matter of personal preference and (of course) the platform you’re using.  We’ve tried a few, and none have had any real problem “pinging” codes, but what happens after can vary considerably.  For iPhone users, the QRafter app requires an extra couple of taps to get to the reading screen, but it does an especially good job of playing target videos as they were intended to be shown.  Another app called QRReader is even more straightforward (it sometimes reads a code as soon as the app opens), but it’s less flexible in terms of viewing videos and some other targets.  Both are free.  We’re sure that there are Android users will likely have similar choices with different names.

Just to add a little confusion to the issue, Microsoft developed the Tag system to accomplish similar tasks to the newer applications of QR codes.  The MS system is more colorful and seemingly less restrictive in terms of design, but we have serious doubts about its long-term applicability in outdoor applications.  The basic Tag format incorporates all three of the process-printing primary colors (yellow, magenta, cyan) as well as black.  All colors are subject to fading in sunlight, but using laser toners with little-to-no mixing is just an invitation to inaccuracies in reading, in our view.

If you wish more information, have more information or wish to comment feel free to respond.  If you wish you may give Scott a call at Gardenware (after September 19!).  He’ll be glad to share what he has learned so far.  503-717-9295.

 

 

Version 10 users – Here’s new but overlooked time saving feature

To all Version 10 users: I owe you an apology for not pointing out and emphasizing a new feature that helps make adding new price lines easier, quicker and even more accurate.

When entering new price lines you are presented with this screen…

You could fill in the blanks to create a new price line but … note the word OR to the right of the empty fields and the button  to the right of it…

We have tied the MEMORIZED PRICE LINE utility to this screen.  When you click on the button, the Memorized Price Lines pop up.

You may now click on the check box on any of the price lines available to select them and when you click on the Playback Selected Lines button, all the price lines you selected will be applied to the item with a unique UPC Barcode number (if you have set up your program to do so).

This is really slick.  You may add as many price lines as you wish for your common-price items.  You could have No. 1 at 6.99, No. 1 at 7.99, No. 1 at 8.99 and 9.99 as well as commonly used prices for all your other size and price combinations.

When entering prices for a new item or new prices for an existing item, just click the very top check box to clear all checks then check the prices you wish to assign to the current item and click the Playback… button.  That’s it!  No more manually typing those price lines over and over. 

This feature will be (if it isn’t already) included in a new video for Version 10 on Assigning Price Lines.

We know from talking with customers that many users have never used the utility to apply Memorized Price Lines to multiple items.  If you are one of these, the idea is the same except you can apply the selected Price Lines to multiple items.  There is a video currently available that demonstrates this.  It was done using the previous version of Gardenware so the Memorized Item screen shown does not have the capability of selecting from available price lines.  Also, your access to the Memorized Price Line utility is right on your plant selection screen.  The previous version required exiting to the Main Menu and selecting the Library module for access.

In case you are a Version 10 user and were not aware of the quickly prepared videos we put together for beta testers to show the the new stuff, you’ll find them

Click HERE for info on the Library Screen

Click HERE for info on the Item Selection Screen

Click HERE for info on attaching a picture

Click HERE for info on assigning multiple prices to multiple items

If you have any questions be sure to contact us.  Comments are always welcome.

Dennis

Plant Images for use with Gardenware: A discussion of sources

We hope that everyone who inquires about Gardenware or purchases Gardenware is aware that photographs of the plants are not included with the program. There are a lot of descriptions (close to 7500 of them) included in the program. Since the mid `90s, the Gardenware program has allowed the user to attach pictures to items in the libraries for printing on signs and (more recently) the Hang Tag. The Gardenware program will find the attached picture and print it in the appropriate place, as close to possible to the space allowed on the sign or label. We are often asked “Where can I get pictures for my signs?” There are a number of sources.

Your number one best source is your own digital camera. Keep one or more handy. They don’t have to be expensive, feature-laden ones. A garden center would be wise to keep a camera or two discreetly hidden but available to employees, or to key employees and encourage them to photograph plants as they come in to bloom, as fall color makes a statement as fruit ripens, etc. When cruising your city or town you are bound to come across specimen plants begging to have their picture taken. The really nice thing about your images is that they are undeniably yours and you are free to use them in any way you wish.

There are commercially produced photo libraries. Horticopia has been in the business of providing photos on CDs for many years. Horticopia approves the use of the images on most of their CDs with Gardenware. There are other CDs available. If you purchase a CD, be sure it is OK to use the images in your retail store or garden center for signage and promotion. In the mid 90s two well known horticulture educators prepared CDs with suitable images but the publisher required an additional royalty to use the images for signage.

In many cases, suppliers can be an excellent source of images. I talked with Pam Wasson, with Monrovia. There are plant photos that they make available to customers of Monrovia for use in their garden center(s) for point of purchase and promotional use. If you are a customer of Monrovia, your sales rep has probably informed you already. Pam also told me that they also offer a signage program called POP 1-2-3. If you have questions, contact Pam Wasson at Monrovia or your sales representative. Pam’s e-mail address is pwasson@monrovia.com.

Walters Gardens has an extensive library of perennial images. Susan Martin, marketing director with Walters Gardens, said that current customers are issued a login and password and for the period of a year, have access to Walters Gardens photo library for point of sale and promotional use within their garden center. Users, or customers, who have not re-ordered within a year will no longer have access. Those who need photos for other uses should contact Susan for information. Susan also mentioned that they have bench cards and other point of purchase materials available. Some are free, others available at very reasonable cost.

Weeks Roses has made it very easy to download a number of their photos. Here is the web address http://www.weeksroses.com/download_weeks.htm.

Iseli Nursery has a library of plant photos for use by their customers. Here is their photo library link http://www.iselinursery.com/articles/ImageLibrary2006.htm

Proven Winners has a photo library available to help you sell their products as well. Their photo library link is http://www.pwcertified.com/photolib/login.cfm

These are just a few. Check with your suppliers and originators of plants that you sell. Chances are, you’ll find lots of photos for use with Gardenware to help sell your plants.

Consider trading images with your friends in the business. This is another good possible source of images.

We used to mention scanning images from catalogs as a source of images and in some cases it might still be appropriate. With permission, I have scanned a number of catalog images. It took a lot of time and work to eliminate or minimize the screen dots pattern inherent in commercial printing to make them suitable for my laser printer. Most suppliers now have their images available in digital format as discussed previously. Note that copyright laws apply to scanned images just as they do to any other image.

We really must discuss the “elephant in the room”: the internet. You probably already know that if you go to Google, there is a category called Images. It is right there with news and shopping, videos, etc. There are millions of plant images on the internet. I just Googled magnolia and in a few seconds there were over 850,000 magnolia images found. When a company or individual puts their images in a website or blog, they are subject to discovery by Google and the other search engines. Each of those pictures is owned by someone. It may be a business, photographer, horticulturist or a blogger but they all belong to someone. When you “hover” your cursor over a photo, details including the size of the image, title, possibly a short description, and a link to the website the photo came from. Some are watermarked to make it difficult to use discretely and some carry the name of the owner often in the form of a copyright notice.

Most everyone knows by now that these photos are easy to copy and borrow for their own use. Piracy in the internet age is rampant. Just because “everyone does it” doesn’t make it right or legal. Now, we have not yet heard of anyone being taken to court for misappropriating a photo and using it within a garden center. Others with whom I have discussed this issue tend to doubt that it would be economically feasible for the owner of a photo, used without permission, to take a garden center to court for damages for the misuse of a photo on a Gardenware sign. Certainly many copyright holders could be displeased to have their photos used without their permission. On the other hand there are probably others who would be flattered to think their pictures were considered worthy of piracy, but that’s not something one wants to assume.

Scott, here at Gardenware, is a photographer in his off-hours. Recently, he noticed a poster advertising a concert by a well known artist at a popular Portland-area venue. It featured a photo of the artist in performance. There was no question about the source of the photo. It was Scott’s photo and he had the original file to prove it. The photo had been “borrowed” without his knowledge or permission. He stated his case and was paid for the use of the photo. Scott’s thoughts about unauthorized commercial re-use: “If it’s worth stealing, it’s worth paying for. And when you see your own work staring you in the face, it’s a very visceral feeling of violation. It was like seeing a bike that was stolen from our front porch when I was a kid in a front yard a few blocks away. ‘Hey, that’s mine, and nobody said you could have it!’”

Fair warning: Using someone else’s photo without their permission is at least potentially illegal. The maker/owner may or may not approve of the use. Using such a photo on a sign in a garden center would likely be difficult to discover, however. Using such an image in a website could be a very different matter. There are businesses that use very sophisticated software to comb the internet for images that have been inappropriately used. They make their money reporting the misuse to image owners for the specific use of copyright litigation.

We’re not attempting to tell you what to do or not to do but it might be worth asking before “borrowing.” The best route, when possible, is still your own camera.

Dennis

I CAN’T USE MY PICTURES! Everything worked last week. What’s going on?

In the last few weeks we have received calls from Gardenware users who suddenly found that they could not get access to their pictures for printing them on Gardenware signs. 

In each case the operating system was either Vista or Windows 7. Also, in each case the user had stored their plant pictures in the Pictures folder that Microsoft so conveniently put there in an attempt to be helpful.  They had been using them regularly without incident.

You probably get automatic Microsoft updates to your system from Microsoft via the Internet.  It seems that one of these updates blocks the Gardenware program’s access to photos stored in the Pictures folder.  We don’t know why.  It doesn’t make any sense.  Gardenware is written using entirely using Microsoft products.

We do have a simple straightforward solution, however.  If you encounter the problem give us a call.  We should be able to get you and your pictures together again.  503-717-9295