Landscape design and simulations online

[bstruss]

I was thinking about purchasing landscape or garden design software
but came across this website. They claim to be able to work with you
interactively (somewhat)to come up with a realistic design of your
landscape from pictures of your property and/or survey sketch. Most of
the design seems to cater more to plantings than hardscape, but thats
fine in my case. I have to admit that it looks impressive but wanted
to get other opinions.

http://www.plant-scapers.com

[Pam]

bstruss wrote:

I guess that depends on what one considers impressive - didn't do a lot
for me. Personally, I think that landscape design by "remote" is less than
successful. One can certainly make suggestions if provided with photos,
but you will miss a whole lot of other valuable input that cannot be
obtained except by site visit. And, unless the remote designers were
pretty darn knowledgeable about plants, it would be difficult to suggest
suitable plants for all the ranges of soil, sun and climatic conditions
all across the country. OTOH, there really isn't any home design software
that provides much flexibility, either.

I think you would be better off finding a designer or design consultant in
your area to visit your garden and give you personalized advice. Or work
closely with a good nursery or garden center to find the right plants for
your needs and suggestion on how to site them.

Pam - gardengal