Garden/Landscape design software

17 years ago

I am looking for a reasonably priced garden/landscape design program. My yard is basically a blank slate and I don't know where to begin.

Thanks in advance.

polar

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
17 years ago
Please do a search of the archives on this forum - this is a topic that has been brought up and discussed dozens of times.

Software of any kind is only a tool, much like a pencil and paper is to those who do hand drafting. It can only help to assist with visualization (and even then, is often lacking in this feature) but it will do little to help you understand design principles. I'd suggest getting some basic texts at your library or home improvement store and going through them first to understand the process. Only then may some sort of software actually have value for you.
polarbear_77
Original Author
17 years ago
I guess "I don't know where to begin" was somewhat misstated. I have taken some books out from the library. I was just looking for design programs that will be better than my hand sketches and more user friendly than autocad.
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Except for the very high-end professional software ($1,800 to $3,500) most of what I've seen leaves a lot to be desired. Not only does one have to accomplish the learning curve (which can be frustrating) but the pictorial results that display don't look all that realistic. Everything looks like it's made out of candy and plants aren't shaped how a person would want or have them. Nevertheless, if one is willing to put in the time, they can produce a general idea of the results, which is helpful. Also, some can allow you to view spaces from virtually any angle which can help with working out layout. You might take a look at Home Designer Landscape & Deck and see if it could work for you. You could check Amazon for what's available in the non-pro category and then view demo videos of each on Youtube. You haven't said what type of landscape situations you'll be dealing with, but you could always get advice from this forum. If you seek it in the future, start by submitting well-framed and well-lit photographs.
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Thanks for the response. I checked out Realtime Landscaping and can't figure out their pricing and use. They mention $99 for Plus and $149 for Pro with the "no monthly fees" caveat. Does that imply that the software is web base and there may some other fees for usage... or is it just a $99 or $149 one time charge... or is that per year or what? My goal is to draw (for visualization) our lot, house, outbuilding, existing trees, etc and then draw/create different layouts that minimize grass and emphasize low maintenance plant beds... plus pathways, benches, a patio or deck, planters, bird baths, and a possibly a garden pond for Koi or whatever. We will consult with our local nursery and online for best choice plant material... but already have collected some idea's from surveying other landscaping in the area. Thanks for any other suggestions or comments.
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kailleanm
17 years ago
Hi there,

BBC has a VERY basic tool on their gardening website.

You can download a free 30 day trial of conceptdraw, which is a professional grade software - steep learning curve, but great capabilities.

I also picked up a good program called MasterLandscape PRO for $50 CDN and it's very good. You do have to spend some time learning how it works, like anything, but seems to have a lot of good features. Great plant library, hardscaping options, etc. You can build your plan in layers, eg. property lines, then foundation plan for house/garage, etc, then your landscaping plan on top. So you can view things all together or just the layer you want.

Hope that helps.
Brent_In_NoVA
17 years ago
Did you try typing "software" into the search feature for this forum? I did it and it looks like pretty much every hit on the first page is about the topic of landscape design software.

I have posted a couple times before about my limited experience with landscape design software. My impression is that good landscape software is going to cost you over $1000. I do think that the inexpensive tools that let you drop images of plants overtop of photos is a useful tool for visualizing a plan, but for me grid paper and pencils is the best way to create the plan.

- Brent
polarbear_77
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks to all 3 for the tips!

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Garden/Landscape design software

Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

polarbear_77
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Garden/Landscape design software

Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

polarbear_77Original Author

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kailleanm

Brent_In_NoVA

polarbear_77Original Author

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polarbear_77
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polarbear_77
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