garden designing software?

[bennettsleg]

Well, hello!  Long time no visit but here we go again!

Our small bit of non-paved garden (3.5M x 2.5M) is just about to come out of being under 6 months of building rubble.  We didn't have much in the way of plants to begin with so it's a bit of a clean sweep.  I've been trying to work my way through the RHS encyclopedia in search of plants and have hit The Wall of Intimidation.  This has left me wondering if there was any recommended software on the market with 3d viewing capabilities over seasons and growth over a number of years.  I've had a look online for reviews with little joy - the most recommended CD is "Complete Gardens" which is much praised for information but doesn't seem to have a mention of 3d viewing at all while the 3d versions seem to be slated for lack of information.

Any ideas?

[bennettsleg]

[posie]

Well I managed to get a copy of Your 3D Garden Designer Deluxe Edition from someone on Freecycle and whilst the 3D bit is great, the actual design part of it is not.  You cannot create a straight path, it must be curved.  If you want to do a wavy shape to a flower bed, it appears impossible.  And finally........and the most stupid bit of all.........there are thumbnails down the side of various plants and you can choose from shrubs/trees etc, however what you can't do is search for a specific plant!!!  The only way to discover what plant is what is to put it onto your plan, then right click and ask for plant info, then if you don't want that one you have to delete it from your plan and go onto the next one.  How ridiculous is that?!  Add that to the fact that the thumnails are small and drawn rather than photos and you're in the middle of a nightmare.  I'm just glad I didn't pay for it quite honestly.  So avoid this one if I were you.

Although not a design programme I have heard good things about the Your Garden Encyclopaedia Deluxe Edition for information on plants.

Let me know if you find a decent programme........ :)