Review

This app presents a virtual simulation of flower gardening that allows users to plant, nurture and watch flowers grow in beautiful clay pots. The app contains very clear and realistic graphics along with calming background music. Control methods for planting and watering and simple to use, making the app suitable for users of all ages. In addition to the on-screen controls (swiping/tapping) users can interact with their flowers in a completely new way by tilting the device side to side causing the flowers to sway!

Users are able to pick flowers from their garden to arrange into beautiful bouquets which can be sent to friends and loved ones via email or text message (Wifi connection required). Additionally, users can accept virtual bouquet requests to earn green thumb points. These points can also be earned by growing pots of flowers or sending bouquets to loved ones. Once enough points have been earned, users can redeem these at the flower shop to purchase additional seeds, additional flower pots or fertilizer. Users are not required to engage with flower requests and the game can be played without any problems should the user choose to ignore them.

The paid version of the app includes 12 initial pots for planting (compared to the 3 pots within the free version) and 20 different sets of seeds (compared to the 3 seed types within the free version). However, due to the nature of the game and the ability to earn premium features using green thumb points within the free version, we do not consider the paid version to be necessary for users to enjoy this game.

Tip: In-App Purchases do require a password before completion, but they can be completely restricted on your device, if preferred. For information on how to do this for the Apple iPad, read our step-by-step guide.

How to Navigate the App & Recommended Settings

Within the ‘Single Pot’ view (see picture), users can quickly access the gardening and watering tools.

• Watering Meter (top right corner)

  • Different plants require different watering frequency. Press on the water droplet button to water the plants to the appropriate level (stay within the green zone). When the plant reaches the red zone, it needs to be watered again. Make sure not to reach the yellow zone to prevent overwatering!

• Plant Information Tag (in soil)

  • Tap on the yellow tag found inside the flower pot to find information the flower type, growth progress, and time left until next watering cycle. Tap again to read about care difficulty, watering frequency and time since first planted.

• Fertilizer & Colour Dust Tools (top left corner)

  • Tap on the plant icon on the top left corner to access this menu. One dose of fertilizer will grow your selected flowers by one full day. One dose of colour dust will change the flowers of your selected pot to a random colour.

  • Fertilizer and colour dust can be earned for free for being a good gardener! These can also be purchased through the flower shop.

Tips:

• You can rotate the flower pot to view flowers from different angles. Simply tap on the rim of the flower pot and swipe left or right to rotate.

• To be reminded to water your plants before they dry out, turn on app push notifications (see below for details on how to do this).

Within the ‘Garden’ view, users can access the flower shop, seeds, view bouquets, view flower requests , rearrange pots and access the settings menu.( Tap on the bottom left icon with stacked dots to access the Garden view screen)

• To visit the Flower Shop, tap on the bottom right icon with a shopping cart

• To view available seeds in your collection, tap on the Seeds icon beside the Flower Shop icon

  • Tap on the desired seed packet to view plant information. Tap on the pot and arrow icon to plant to seeds in an available pot.

• To rearrange pots, tap on the pot icon along the top banner

  • Pots will begin to shake. Tap the pot you would like to move and drag to the desired location. Lift your finger to confirm the location. Click on the X button on the top left corner to exit out of this setting.

• To access the settings menu, tap the house icon on the top left hand corner

  • Tap on the Settings icon. Select your desired background music (bird chirps/ piano music) or change the volume level using the slider bar.

OPTIONAL: To view and accept flower requests (not necessary to enjoy the game):

• To view flower requests, tap on the flower icon on the top right corner of the Garden view screen

  • Flower requests will specify the number of flowers required and the type

• To fulfill a request, select the flower pot containing the flowers you want

  • To cut a flower, tap on the petals and then select the scissor tools.

• Once your bouquet has been arranged successfully, return to the Garden view and select the bouquet tab once again (top right corner). Tap redeem to earn green thumb points.

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Using Push Notifications:

Push notifications are used by apps to send reminders or information to encourage users to return to the app. This game allows users to select the option to be reminded to return to the app when flowers need watering. This feature allows users who may be prone to forgetting to check on their flowers to directed back to the game before the plants dry out.

To enable this feature:

• Navigate to the Garden view (bottom left icon with stacked circles) and tap on the house icon on the top left corner.

• Select the Settings icon from the drop down list

• Tap on the box next to ‘Notify me when pots need water’ (should now have a checkmark)