Frequently Asked Questions


Q: Can I add to or modify items in the database (e.g. add plants or edit descriptions)?

    A: YES!  You may add new plants (or hard goods) to the libraries and you can modify the existing descriptions.  You can add your prices for as many different sizes as you like.  You may use free-form text to "customize" descriptions.

Q: Can I print photographs on my labels with the Gardenware program?

    A: YES! Current versions have the capability to print photographs on Jumbo Signs and Posters. You can attach the pictures of your choice to plants in the libraries.  No advanced formatting or re-sizing is necessary.  The process is almost the same as attaching a photo to an e-mail message.

Q: Are photographs included with the software?

    A: No.  The program makes it easy for you to use photographs from a variety of sources using common (non-proprietary) file formats, but they are not included in the package. These pictures can be ones that you have taken with a digital camera, or have scanned, or have gotten from another source (a CD library of pictures such as Horticopia, for example).

Q:  Why don't you recommend printers any longer?

    A: It's just not possible to keep up with the growing selection of laser printers these days!  We can't give an honest recommendation for a printer until and unless we've been able to test it for media handling and toner longevity, and the testing process is months long.  Often, by the time we know how a printer is going to perform, it's been superceded in the market by another model, and the process has to start over.  Feel free to call, and we can share some feedback from other customers, but we simply cannot make overt recommendations.

Q: Are dot-matrix compatible or thermal transfer materials still available?

A: We still carry 1" dot matrix tags, both with and without tear-off tabs.  We no longer carry any thermal transfer materials at all.  The increased popularity and tremendously reduced costs of laser printers has moved our focus to sheet-fed, laser-compatible products.   Our online price lists are a good indicator of what's still available.  If you see prices listed on this site, the materials are probably still on hand, but quantities may be limited.

Q: What is your typical lead time?

    A: We try to turn standard, unprinted orders around within 24 hours whenever possible.   In most cases, if you have your order in to us by  2:00PM Pacific, we can usually ship the same day.   If a product is backordered, we will let you know right away and give you  an approximate ship date.

Q: How long does it take to get imprinted tags or pot-sticks?

    A: Imprinting on laser-ready materials generally adds between one and three weeks to your lead time.  Your very first imprint order will generally take a bit longer than that unless we get perfectly-proportioned, ready-for-plate artwork at the time of the order.

Q: Can I do my own imprints in a separate pass through my printer?

    A: Yes, you can, and many people do.  However, the additional long-term cost of printer consumables and your valuable time makes pre-printed materials a more cost-effective option in nearly all cases.

Q: Does Gardenware do Inventory Control?

    A: Gardenware does not do Inventory Control at this time.

Q: Are there versions of Gardenware for other operating systems?

    A: No.  We have seen very limited demand for either Macintosh or Linux/Unix versions and cannot justify the development or support costs involved in producing them.  We have heard of specific cases of Mac users using Gardenware successfully with Windows emulation software, but we cannot either suggest applications or guarantee success.

Q: Can Gardenware be used on a network?

    A: Gardenware is intended as a single-user program.  HOWEVER, we do have customers who are running Gardenware on networks from a single workstation. The program is intended for use on one computer. We do not provide technical support for networks.

Q: What is the price of the software?

    A: The Labeling program is US $399 (new installation, full version) or $149 (for Essentials)
    The Purchase Order Program is US
    $199 (new installation, full version of the Labeling program required)

    Upgrades to current Gardenware versions are available at reduced prices
           
    prices subject to change without notice

Q: I just need basic, weather-resistant labels.  Can I use other programs to print on Gardenware materials?

    A: Yes!  We have a number of solutions available to make our materials usable by various widely-used programs.  Please call to discuss your specific need.  In most cases, we can fax or e-mail setup instructions right back to you.  You can use Gardenware labels to produce a variety of colorful, eye-catching signs of your own design using many desktop publishing programs.

Q: Can I use labeling materials from my office supply dealer with Gardenware software?

A: No.  There are two reasons.  First, Gardenware's printed output is formatted to match the specific sizes and positions of our labels and tags.  Second, our print media is designed specifically for durability and weather-resistance.  Most off-the-shelf labels are intended for one-time mailings or for use in weather-protected conditions and will not hold up in a typical nursery environment.

Q: I have a database of plant descriptions, can I import it into Gardenware?

    A: You can enter new plants into the Gardenware database, modify the descriptions, and delete items.  HOWEVER, you cannot import descriptions from another database.  The Gardenware database follows a complex syntax structure and other databases are not able to replicate it.