If you're looking for good background botanical information, you might also check out the Botany site.

One of the bigger 'families' is that for daisies and their many relations.

Cool site with lots of plant links.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tree of Life home page

Rosa. I don't know much "botanery", but that one spans roses, apples, strawberries, and more. And the lily family, which I may be mistaken about but I believe it contains most of the true bulbs, including the hyacinth and tulip. Then again, there are some that are way huger than these, but I consider them big families - imagine having hundreds or even thousands of "kids"!

Believe the sunflower family is the largest (Asteraceae) and then orchids and legumes.

Here's what I did/do....I visit the my local botanical gardens sometimes - usually during weekends. Although they only have native plants, I find the research and activities (also open to public) they do fascinating. It's nice to see things live eh...and people in garden/botany/plants are usually very friendly, approachable lot (as you've discovered :)). I think it has to do with a divine enlightenment of somesort, to enjoy and respect plants.

Ok nough of the rambling :)

You're right, Weeddummie, there is something about people with brown thumbs. Musicians are nice, but we tend to be a little uptight and picky about who touches our instrument, etc. So I appreciate ya'll being so laid back and friendly!