I'm with Zoia, Diana, and Jan. I try to take a lot of pictures. I use the plant list here and I also write things down but sometimes forget where I wrote it or put it. I try to make mental notes but am learning that is the worst thing to count on.
I do understand where you are coming from Larry since you are going to do things from a business standpoint and want to know what traits a certain plant has for hybridizing purposes. All I can say is good luck and I hope you can find what is going to work best for you.