Horticultural Science - A guide to the science programs at the Royal Horticultural Society, this site provides a wealth of information for gardeners of all levels. From the home page, users can browse for articles using an alphabetical listing of horticultural topics or search for more specific information the RHS Horticultural Database. The site also offers free gardening advice from RHS experts, including a list of current problems and solutions that is updated each month. Some articles from the Society's magazines, The Garden, The New Plantsman, and The Orchid Review, are also available online, although not the entire publications. The site also provides information on current research projects at the RHS gardens. Research projects are focused in the areas of soil science, plant physiology and the RHS Trials, which are aimed at identifying plants for the Society's Award of Garden Merit. In addition, RHS members get specific horticultural advice directly from RHS scientists (4 November 2001) RKM
http://www.rhs.org.uk/science/
The Canada Agriculture Museum - Can you name three breeds of goat? Where does milk come from? Did you know that in Canada at the turn of the century, one farmer could produce enough food to feed 10 people, whereas today one farmer can feed 90 people? This UNESCO-endorsed website is a showcase for Canada's largest urban working farm and research station and provides a fact-packed tour for people learning about food production for the first time. A visitor to the site can meet Nubian, Toggenburg and Angora goats in the Small Animal Barn, see a magnificent Clydesdale horse, or read about any of six breeds of cattle including Limousin, Charolais and Aberdeen Angus. Photographs and descriptions of the animals are backed up with hard facts about where our food comes from, as well as general information on agriculture in Canada. (7 September 2001) TA
http://www.agriculture.nmstc.ca/
Riceworld - It may be a blob of white starchy substance on your plate, but to half the world's population, it is a staple food. This virtual museum will introduce you to the inhabitants of Madagascar, whose usage of their word for rice as a unit of measurement is but one example of their immersion in a rice culture. Insects normally viewed with hostility by farmers, such as earwigs and fire ants, are lauded here for their role in controlling rice pests. There is a look at biotechnology of the past and present, and how a transgenic rice plant is produced. The plant breeder/geneticist who was instrumental in helping to double the world's supply of rice is prominently featured. The one jarring note would be the unremittingly blinking text of the Grain Fact at the bottom of many pages. (17 May 2001) AD
http://www.riceworld.org/
Museum of Garden History - When the cubicle walls begin to close in, or should the day seem stuffy and drearier than usual, step into this replica of a 17th century knot garden. It is dedicated to the memory of the famous royal gardeners and plant collectors, John Tradescants, father and son, who are also buried in the churchyard here. So is Captain Bligh (of the Bounty), John Smith (the one who loved Pocahantas), and six archbishops. The virtual tour features opportunities to play with panoramas of either the museum or the gardens, of which there are four. You can move in all directions, zoom in for a closer inspection, and look up to see that the photography was done on a day that was also somewhat cloudy (but you're virtually outdoors). The plant database is a work in progress. There are gardening tips from the 1920s (pollinate peaches with a rabbit's tail at midday), a good links page, and a web cam with archive. The symmetric drama of the Tradescant garden in snow is a striking image. (3 April 2001) AD
http://www.museumgardenhistory.org/
National Agricultural Library Kids' Science Page - A directory of references for kids and educators on agriculture and related topics. Broken down into the subject areas Animals, Environment, Food and Nutrition, General Science and Plants, the site offers a selection of resources, both paper (books and articles) and electronic (links to other sites). You can also find information about 4-H Projects, science fair projects, careers in science and other multimedia resources. Though the site is relatively small, the information offered is of the high quality one would expect from the National Agricultural Library. (18 February 2001) KN
http://www.nal.usda.gov/kids/
The Garden Bench - Have you ever wondered why birds flock to some gardens yet shun others on the same block? A number of factors, from species planted to gardening and spraying practices, make some yards more appealing than others to local wildlife. For folks looking to increase the wildlife-friendliness of their home yard and garden, the Garden Bench presents a wealth of information. Designed and maintained by Murdo and Kathryn Morrison, this site documents their journey to turn their own New Jersey yard into a "backyard habitat" for birds and animals. Additionally, the Morrisons include a wealth of tips and resources for prospective wildlife gardeners, as well as links to recommended books at Amazon.com. The navigation on the site is not always intuitive, but the high quality information makes it well worth the effort for interested gardeners. (11 February 2001) RKM
http://www.thegardenbench.com/
