Do you use a computer for garden layout? What garden design software do you use?

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.c...

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

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?

Hello,

A good site for home and garden design/landscaping http://www.downloadita.it/r/rd.asp?gid=418

Bye

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..