Post #19: Hobbies - MyGarden

As soon as I opened the "Hobbies" page of 23 Mobile Things and saw "MyGarden," I knew that was the app I wanted to try.  Since my wife and I spend much of the summer gardening, it was the perfect "hobby app" for me to try.  The free app provides the option of registering with myGarden.org so the user can connect with other gardeners, ask questions of other users and post useful information.  The website can be used independently of the app, but both compliment each other nicely.  Through the app, users can browse plants by popularity or name.  Each plant has a profile which includes planting information and a general description; users can also add plants to a list  This app and the accompanying website would make a valuable resource for gardeners, especially beginners.  Librarians could refer patrons to this site if they have questions about gardening and show them how it works.  The app would be perfect for a gardening class at a local library (or even a school library).  An expert could come in and teach about how to start a garden, then the patrons/students could use this app to begin planning their own gardens.  The expert would be on-hand to mentor and make suggestions as well.  The app isn't perfect.  For example, the plant list can only be searched by using "popularity" or a text box search, so users either need to know what they are looking for or rely on the "popularity" of plants - not the best way to find them.  But overall, its useful and fun - and the website has extra features that help gardeners be successful.