Garden ForwardPrivacy and your data
Garden Forward works without an account. Your garden is kept in this browser unless you choose to sign in. Everything we store is listed below, in full, with a control to remove it.
What we never store
- We never ask for your address, and we never store one.
- Your coordinates and postcode stay on your device — they are never sent to our measurement records.
- Nothing you type into a search box is recorded by us.
- We do not sell Garden Profile data, and we do not use advertising or tracking cookies.
- Commercial links never influence which plants are recommended.
What is stored on this device
The count shows what is present in this browser right now. Each group can be cleared on its own.
Your garden (0 records here now)
Garden Profiles
Each garden you create: its name, the place you chose, your answers, saved plants and completed actions.
Why: So your garden, climate record and plant list are there when you come back. · Kept: Until you clear it. Also saved to your account if you sign in. · Stays on this device
Which garden is open
The identifier of the garden you last looked at.
Why: So the site opens the right garden. · Kept: Until you clear it. · Stays on this device
Unfinished answers
Answers you have given while creating a garden but not yet finished.
Why: So a refresh or a closed tab does not lose your progress. · Kept: Until the garden is created, or you clear it. · Stays on this device
Plant shortlist
The plants you have shortlisted.
Why: So you can compare, print or download them later. · Kept: Until you clear it. · Stays on this device
Action plan progress
Whether each action is saved, planned or complete.
Why: So your plan keeps its progress. · Kept: Until you clear it. · Stays on this device
Your browsing (0 records here now)
Plant finder filters
Your current filters, how many results were open and your scroll position.
Why: So returning from a plant page puts you back where you were. · Kept: Until this browser tab is closed. · Stays on this device
Cached data (0 records here now)
Climate records
The measured climate record and outlook for places you have looked up.
Why: So the page loads quickly and still works if the climate service is down. · Kept: 30 days, or one hour for an incomplete answer. · Stays on this device
Weather forecasts
The last seven-day forecast received for a place.
Why: So the panel can show the last good forecast if the service is slow. · Kept: Refreshed in the background; replaced on each successful update. · Stays on this device
Places you looked up
Up to 40 places you searched for, with their coordinates.
Why: So a place you have already chosen does not need looking up again. · Kept: Until you clear it. · Stays on this device
Measurement (0 records here now)
Beta participation
The cohort code you joined with — a group label, never your name.
Why: So beta results can be read by group. · Kept: Until you leave the beta or clear it. · Some of this leaves the device
Random browser id
A random string created in this browser. It is not linked to your name, email or address.
Why: So return visits can be counted without identifying anyone. · Kept: Until you clear it. A new random id is made next time. · Some of this leaves the device
Measurement choice
Whether you have switched measurement off.
Why: So your choice is respected on this device. · Kept: Until you clear it. · Stays on this device
Recent steps
A short local list of the steps recorded, capped at 300 entries.
Why: Used for on-device diagnostics only. · Kept: Until you clear it. · Stays on this device
Which services receive a request
Using the site means these services are contacted. Each one is named with exactly what it receives.
Google Places
Receives: The place name or postcode you type, when you search for a location.
Why: To turn what you type into a place with coordinates.
Open-Meteo (ERA5 and CMIP6)
Receives: The coordinates of the place you chose.
Why: To return the measured climate record, the 2050 outlook and the seven-day forecast.
Shopify Global Catalog
Receives: A plant name and a delivery market.
Why: To look for a live nursery listing. No personal detail is sent.
Wikimedia Commons
Receives: A request for a species photograph.
Why: To show a real photograph of the plant.
Garden Forward (our own database)
Receives: Measured steps with a random browser id, your market, the rule version and a cohort code — only while measurement is switched on.
Why: To see where the journey works and where it fails. Never a coordinate, postcode, address, email or anything you typed.
Your controls
Signed in? Clearing this browser does not remove gardens saved to your account. Use your account to export or delete those as well.
Questions or a request
Email privacy@gardenforward.app for a copy of anything held against your account, or to have it deleted. See also our methodology and data sources and our editorial standards.