Prolandscape seems to be the most popular with design/build landscapers followed by Dynascape. These are not cheap. They run over $1k. I believe Prolandscape has bot photoimaging and 2d/3d drawing software. Dynascape is a plan drawing software with lots of built in settings that make the plans look less mechanical (you can do this type of thing with other cad software with experience). I use Autocad, but it is not a landscape program, has a huge learning curve, and is only necessary if you share files with engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Here is a link for you--I've never tried any autoCAD stuff, but this says it works...and CNET is a great source for all types of software I've used often. Here is a link that might be useful: AutoCAD Free Viewer

Never mind, I figured it out. I'll be back tomorrow for your opinions on the wall unit I'm planning.

hahaha mushcreek. I can relate as I used to do paper sculpture. I suppose I could do a scaled model of my house. Hmm, maybe I should? Nah! Lindsy, I did use my computer program (photoshop) to sketch up what I wanted at first. I didn't work with an architect which is probably why it took me so long. I worked with a draftsman. Big Mistake! If I had it to do over, I would have brought my ideas to an architect. This is the very first sketch I brought the draftsman. Notice I didn't really concern myself with actual sizes etc but only with an overall general feel of which rooms I wanted where. For example, I knew the garage had to be where it was and I was required to have the front door on the other street (it's a corner lot). I also knew I wanted a "courtyard feel to my back yard and I wanted my kitchen near my garage. I also knew I wanted the master, DH's study (labeled den) and the great room to open to the yard. The problem was as some here alluded to, was that he then got stuck on the idea of the stairway where I had it, etc. He couldn't visualize anything on his own. I have a design background, so wound up designing it completely by myself WITH the help of the folks and especially with the help of the architects on this forum. And this is what we wound up with: