LarryR,
Without even realizing it, I was actually already using a similar record keeping system. I print out the ATP database entries and keep them in a notebook (sometimes have to hunt other photos) out in the garden shed, but I will certainly be able to do a better job using some of your suggested methods. I just considered my system as a mere reference and had never thought of it as a "record keeping" system. I guess the issue of bud counts, branching et. made me think more along the lines of spreadsheets, and the ATP plant lists which I am also using in a limited capacity.
