Is there any landscape design software that I can buy that won't force me to take out a second on my home? I want to re-design my landscape and would like to do it on a computer. My drawings suck!
thanks

 

You bet there are! The problem is deciding which one. Check out the display at your local office supply or computer store.

The one I have is "Complete LandDesigner" by Sierra Home. It is a 3D designer, photo designer, personal garden planner, garden encyclopedia, and 3D deck designer all in one package. I think I paid about $25-$30 for it. It carries a 90 day money back guarantee.

I prefer to draw mine to scale by hand but then I'm kind of nutty that way. I can see where this would be of great benefit to anyone who does not want to hand draw it out.

Check out the display and be prepared to puzzle. I had an awful time making up my mind which one to get first.

Have fun!!! Cheers - Ladybug

 

Ladybug,
Does the garden encyclopedia consist of only common cultivars, or does it have any native species on it? I'm a landscape architecture graduate student interested in ecological work, but have yet to find any software that discusses/presents many native plants at all. They all seem to focus on the common exotics and man-made hybrids. Any thoughts on some good software for this? (We still do hand drawings around here, so people don't have a lot of experience with designing software other than CAD).

 

The garden encyclopedia has primarily standard landscape cultivars. I believe this is to accomodate the average homeowner who will be checking his local nursery for availability so commonly available plants are what is included.

Any of the programs including the one listed above are designed for the average homeowner. As a landscape architecture graduate student you may find it useful but possibly more as a toy. As a retired commercial nursery owner I play with it but generally use my reference library and scale drawings to do "real" work. I don't use CAD because being retired I'm just doing it now for the pure fun of it.

I know of no good source for native species software though there may be some out there that I am unaware of.

You might want to subscribe to a publicaton from www.greenbeam.com. I get GM Pro, NM Pro, Garden Center, and GCP&S. These publications list a ton of sites, books, and publications available to the trade which you might find of interest in your search for native plant info, sites, uses, and sources.

Also, you might just try entering xeriscape in your search engine and see what comes up.

Since you're interested in native plants being used in residential/commercial landscapes in case you haven't learned this already do be aware that in their native habitat many of these plants are considered weeds. Check any you find listed very carefully. Planted in the wrong climate/locale/moisture available area they can really take off and take over.

To check out a supplier of native plants for western gardens log on to www.highcountrygardens.com. This supplier puts out an excellent catalog. You might want to get on the mailing list for catalogs. It is oriented toward native and low water use plants. Since plants shown include zone adaptation I feel that many, if not all, could be used nationwide taking into account the specific plant requirements i.e. drainage, moisture availability, etc.

Hope this helps you. Best - Ladybug

 

I have Garden Composer software and it has helped me in designing my nursery layout. I've bought it at http://www.gardencomposer.com. It cost me $30.