Landscape Design Software programs are used to plot the layout of softscape (plants, shrubs, vines, and trees) and hardscape (walls, fences, and pergolas) features to create a
Landscape. They simplify the task of landscaping and allow you to turn your outdoor area into a piece of art.
Why Do You Need One?
Landscaping is an integral part of home improvement. It is, however, by no means an easy task.
You need to consider a number of factors like the size of your outdoor area, the angles and corners present, the elevation or slope of the lawn, weather, and many more. You need to come up with creative ideas to seamlessly integrate the natural (plants, trees, and bodies of water) and manmade (fences, walls, gazebos, and pergolas) elements and make your outdoor area more beautiful and functional.
The process, as you can imagine, requires a lot of creativity, observation skills, and Design skills. Unless you are a highly experienced Landscaper, you may find it extremely difficult to do it. This is why using a Landscape Design Software program is considered a good idea by many.
The Advantages of Landscaping Software
* It makes the task of landscaping a lot easier. Without a Software program, you have to do everything - right from drawing a plot plan of the area to Designing the Landscape - manually. While doing so, you are bound to forget some small but important details. With a Software program, there are no such problems as you can organize your thoughts, remember all the pertinent details, and plan everything perfectly.
* It helps you finish the task quickly. For example, it may take you one or two minutes to draw a plant or write down a landscaping idea with pencil and paper. With a Software program, it will only take you a few seconds.
* It helps you visualize the whole process. Without a Software program, you have to assume or imagine how your outdoor area will look once you are finished with it. With a Software program, you know how it will look once you are done.
Choosing a Landscape Design Software Program
Virtual Planning Feature
Look for programs that allow you to scan a photo of your outdoor area and superimpose softscape and hardscape features on it. You can also look for programs that allow you to create an electronic base map, choose your favorite softscape and hardscape features, move them around, and make as many changes as you want.
Growth Prediction Feature
Look for programs that predict the growth of plants and trees in your outdoor area and show you what they are likely to look like when they grow. Plan your Landscape in such a way that your pools, decks, and fences remain undisturbed even as the plants and trees in the area grow and mature.
Cost Estimation Feature
Look for programs that help you keep track of the cost at every stage of the process. It is particularly important if you are on a small budget and cannot afford to spend a lot of money on home improvement.
Plant Encyclopedia Feature
Look for programs that allow you to search and identify plants, shrubs, and trees that are ideal for your region's climate and soil quality.
Ease of Use
Look for programs that are easy to use. The user interface should be simple and intuitive. You should be able to figure out things on your own even if you are a first-timer.
A good Software program can make the task of landscaping simple, interesting, and enjoyable. It gives shape your home improvement ideas and helps you create an aesthetically appealing and functional Landscape. So, get one today and get started with your landscaping project.
Many people keep winter parties indoors, since their cold-weather gardens are less than attractive. However, with the right species, architecture and techniques, it's possible to entertain outdoors all year long, especially in temperate Pacific Northwest locales. The following are a few methods your Landscape Designer would recommend for Creating a gorgeous wintertime Landscape.
Install a Rain Garden
Not only are rain gardens an excellent method of protecting your property, they also attract wildlife and add peaceful beauty all year long. Basically, a rain garden is an area that is Designed to soak up extra rainwater. It usually includes a hollow or depression, in which bog plants thrive. Rain gardens also protect local watersheds by filtering more rainwater through the soil, rather than dumping it into the streets to pick up heavy metals and toxic engine fluids.
Select Plants that will Shine in Winter Weather
In snowy areas, a Landscape Designer could suggest adding pavers that will retain heat and quickly melt snow, thus Creating a stunning contrast during weaker storms. Around Portland, however, the near-constant rain has more sway over winter Landscape Design. Gardeners should begin to improve their winter Landscapes by choosing plants that provide winter interest, such as those listed below.
1. Bamboo. Bamboo will keep your garden green all winter long. However, because many varieties spread very quickly, Landscape Design service experts usually recommend installing barriers that bamboo's rhizomes cannot cross. (They should be about three feet deep.) If you don't want to worry about this sort of thing, choose less aggressive clumping bamboo, or plant bamboo in containers.
2. Red twig dogwood. The red twig dogwood features small white blossoms in the springtime, but this is one plant that shines in the winter, as well. Its eponymous red bark is a striking rosy shade throughout the year. (This is an excellent choice for your rain garden; red twig dogwoods are water hogs.)
3. Ornamental grasses. Ornamental grasses can add verticality and texture to an otherwise boring Design. Landscape gurus suggest experimenting with grasses that feature unusual striations.
4. Astilbes. These are the stars of the summer garden, with their feather-like flowers. However, too many gardeners decapitate these beauties too early. Instead, leave the dried flower stalks of these clay-loving plants in place all winter long.
5. Ferns. Ferns of the Pacific Northwest stay green throughout the winter months. A walk through lower-elevation woods in December or January reveals sword ferns still glowing green, for instance. When it comes to hope-inducing Landscape Design, experts recommend licorice ferns, which put out new growth around the first of the year.
6. Trees. Trees are any garden's "skeleton," especially in winter months when barren branches create webs against the sky. If you'd like to create a natural habitat and enjoy year-round greenery, plant a conifer. Otherwise, select tree species that feature unusual branching patterns.
Add a Covered Patio
Many a Landscape Design service recommends building patio covers over clients' decks. This creates a space to enjoy your garden even if it's raining. Install a patio heater to draw your guests outside.
Finally, think like a Design/Landscape expert: Figure out where you and your guests will naturally want to walk through the garden. Install stones or pavers in those zones. This will show visitors where to walk so they'll be less likely to tromp on your tender beds
