OK guys, I know. Just seems that sometimes a simple question sets off a firestorm. I enjoy trying to visualize projects before I bring out the shovels. I use Showoff, Photoshop, and even Paint to take a photo of the area I am fooling around with and trying different combinations of things until something clicks. It doesn't even have to be a true representation of the specific plants- sometimes just drawing out some bones and different shapes to balance things can be incredibly helpful to me. I choose my exterior colors this way, my roof color, bed placement, plants groupings, hardscapes, and so on. So while such novice timewasting might be useless to someone trained in the art of landscape design it can be incredibly useful to someone who is not. I know what I like but can't always call it right up- I need to finagle things on paper/screen before I commit. If we want to play with it what's the harm? Some of us enjoy the process of learning what works and what doesn't work and while of course not every eventual problem will show up on a simple program, some things do work this way. I don't want to hire someone to make decisions for me, and them bam do an installation and it's done. I want to continue to work the area and improve it in a way that pleases me and satisfies my own needs while at the same time providing me a fun hobby. I want it to look great, too, but I want it to be my creation. I'm way off course and apologize for butting in. But I still say it's fun to play around with the programs available even if they aren't 100% accurate or fluent in teaching design.

Has anyone heard of or used Idea Spectrum's --Realtime Landscaping Plus 2013? It has a feature where you can upload photos and basically design your 2D structure around them. No CAD, no areial view--this is for the basic homeowner who needs to visual with plantings, colors, shapes, etc. Sells for $80-100 depending on if you get the extra water feature package. Thoughts appreciated! It looks cool from the tutorial, but if there's a cheaper, better or equivalent out there I'd appreciate! Here is a link that might be useful: Realtime Landscape Plus 2013

I am looking for the same thing! The only thing I found (ConceptDraw) seemed too complicated to be easily utilized, and didn't allow photo uploads, which is the feature I most want right now. What I really want is the Punch one, but for a Mac. Doesn't exist. :(

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.