I'm especially interested in cheap or free garden design software, or a good online garden design site.
I actually prefer to design on paper, but I get a lot of questions from people asking about design software, which I know nothing about. Yet another good reason to be part of Yahoo Answers!
Thanks for your thoughtful responses!
OURScott
Favorite Answer
Landscape design is merely an avocation for me and I haven't designed a garden for anyone but myself in a couple years. When I do I've always used bubble sketches and water colors.
This Christmas however I was given this software.
http://landscaping-software-review.toptenreviews.com/landscape-deck-patio-designer-review.html
I've been playing with it using my old plans and photos to compare my original plantings and what the computer thinks they should look like at maturity.
Evidently the computer is a little more optimistic about my Z4 growing conditions than the plants are.
I think in your line of work it could be helpful but I'll stick to my sketches.
RScott
Anonymous
I have found some good ones and they all want money. lol. I have read your answers before and you are extremely knowledgeable. I am pretty sure your instincts and knowledge far surpass any program available. besides. You know that once you are at the install phase it all changes anyways. I have a couple of programs in my computer and I never use them.
I also hate the fact that many installs I do from designers don't work, don't follow the basic principles of design, aren't practical, look bad, or the scale is so far off, I have to do it over again for them.
I can't believe the money I have seen people spend on poorly done plans. wow.
You know the saying, " It looks good on paper"
Although I have taken landscape design, I opt to work off bubble diagrams with my customers. I tell them this is easier, free, and allows them to free up more money to spend in their yard. they love this fact. ( except for higher end clients )
Do you have a landscaping business too? or just gardening?
Anonymous
Hello,
A good site for home and garden design/landscaping http://www.downloadita.it/r/rd.asp?gid=418
Bye
Anonymous
Dead Reckoning...You get on the tractor, pointed in the right direction, pick out a Landmark, and faithfully shoot for that mark;)..On the second pass, straighten out the zig-zags...
P. Allen Smith uses a software for design on his PBS show..