Computer garden design programmes

[sweetcorn]

Anyone ever used one? We've just moved house and I thought I would give one a go, but they're quite expensive, so I don't want to waste my money!!! Will have to resort to high tech squared paper, a ruler and a pencil otherwise. Oh and my brain - therein lies the problem

[Alice]

Hello Sweetcorn, no expert here but I've looked at these design programmes and I just had to say it's not for me. They might work well if you're getting the landscape gardeners in to do a one off job for you and it's all going to come to fruition instantly.
My garden was just made bit by bit as time and money allowed. A lot of things were planted just because I saw them and liked them. Others were planted to mark significant events for us. And some came from other peoples gardens. I'm sure the garden could be much better - but I like it just the way it is - it's ours. But see what others think.
The cherry tree below was planted 23 years ago to celebrate a decent electricity supply when we had the house rewired. (We call it the electric cherry !) The grass path leads to my kitchen garden. A bit more planning in there, but no CAD.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Your garden looks lovely Alice! You've got lots of flowers and colour in there already - just wait until the summer arrives.
Bernie aka Dexterdog

[Snadger]

I see other peoples plots on telly, in books, in magazines, on garden visits, online etc.
I just make a mental note of what appeals to me and incorporate it into my own design! Part of the fun of gardening!
Sometimes I get it wrong, but usually I am able to put it right again the following year!

[nick the grief]

I use Powerpoint Sweetcorn. I know what I want to do so it just helps me visualize it better.

I took some foto's of my friends garden reccently and imported them in to powerpoint then just drew over them to show him what I thought he could have like this.