WikiGardens Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wiki?

A Wiki is a web-based resource that is available to and maintained by a community of users. For more information, see WhatIsWikiWiki as well as Wikipedia:Wiki .

What is WikiGardens and how do I use it?

Think of it as a large web-based botanical reference library that is full of books but all the pages start out blank. Gardeners, horticulturalists, entomologists, landscapers, botanists, etc. will all contribute to the development and maintenance of a timely, accurate horticultural reference resource. Any registered user can post a new page or edit an existing page.

How can my gardening club benefit from WikiGardens?

Help us grow – and help your non-profit club or association, too!

Our sponsors offer important products and services to WikiGardeners. They may sell that brand-new cultivar you read about, design inspirational garden paths, or import the world’s most resource-efficient irrigation system. Whatever you need, we aim to help you find it.

You can help us provide the gardening resources you need! When your group finds sponsors (our word for advertisers), WikiGardens will donate 10% of that advertising revenue to your organization. You’ll get 20% of the revenue if your organization also posts a link to WikiGardens on your website.

WikiGardens ’ advertising is:

• Local – WikiGardens favors local sponsors! When you and other WikiGardeners click on a sponsor category, you’ll enter your ZIP code or City. We’ll list the sponsors in your area first.
• Very affordable – Just $30/month
• Egalitarian – All sponsors get the same space: a two-line description of their product or service and a link to their website. (Click to advertiser page.)
• Considerate – We don’t bombard you with flashy banner ads and annoying pop-up windows. You find the resources you need without the usual advertising buzz and hassles.

As we’ve said, WikiGardens is a collaborative project. Help us help you find what you need, while we help your gardening club or organization!

What’s in it for me?

Recognition for your gardening and plant skills and knowledge. If you post an article your name will be listed as the original poster.

Is WikiGardens a safe site to browse?

Yes – we guarantee no spyware, no viruses, no irritating popup windows and no banner advertising.

I can read gardening information and browse but when I try to edit a page I get an error message – Why?

Anyone can browse and find the information they need. In order to post or edit information you need to become a member of WikiGardens. Fill out the information form and a confirmation will be sent to the email address you provide with instructions for completing your registration. Although most pages are available for posting or editing, occasionally a page will be “locked” to prevent accidental changes or vandalism. The welcome page is an example of a locked page. If you find pages that you believe to be locked in error, please send us a note by clicking on the "Send feedback" link in the copyright statement at the very bottom of every page.

Can I copy information from WikiGardens?

Cutting and pasting is encouraged. However, if you post WikiGardens information to other sites or use it professionally you must give credit to WikiGardens for the original material. You may not sell the information which you’ve found on WikiGardens. Please read the “Terms of Use” agreement that is necessary for membership in WikiGardens. Future development plans include a download feature which will make WikiGardens information available to PDA’s, RAM drives, etc.

Is my email address private or will it be sold for advertising?

Your private email address will not be disclosed or sold.

Can I use my real name?

Yes! In fact, we encourage folks to use their real name when registering as we believe that encourages a more transparent and friendly community.