Add Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs
When using garden design software, it is easy to add plants to your landscape. See how different plants appear when they are placed together, notice how much space they require in your garden, and be mindful of the amount of sunlight they receive. If a plant is not blending very well with your garden design, just swap it out with a different plant. Making changes is easy when they are done at your desk and not in the soil.
Place Mulch, Grass, and Dirt
Design a bed for your gardens by placing mulch or dirt. It is recommended to use mulch for garden designs when available, as mulch can be quite attractive in the right setting. Choose the right type of mulch or dirt for your region, and be mindful of the soil requirements of the plants you place in it.
Design your lawn by creating a large grassy region. Choose the type of grass that compliments your house and is easy to care for. Alternately, use artificial grass for minimum care requirements and savings in your water bill. Garden design software makes it easy to see which color of grass suits your landscape design.
Design Decks and Patios
Whether you need to add existing decks and patios to your digital landscape design, or you are tasked with adding new structures, construction is easy with garden design software. Create deck designs with your favorite wood grain, balusters, railing, post caps, and more. Design patios with concrete, pavers, stone, or even custom materials.
Create Ponds and Water Gardens
Many people find ponds to be a relaxing and tranquil addition to a landscape design. Ponds can be added to your landscape in any shape and size, and even populated with Koi fish for an added touch of serenity. Add special pond waterfalls or fountains to your pond design for added visual and auditory effect. If you choose to keep water garden fish, be mindful of possible predators and prepare accordingly.
Modify Virtual Terrain and Add Retaining Walls
Is your landscape design seated atop uneven terrain? If so, use tools to accommodate for slopes, hills, and depressions. Create retaining walls in conjunction with a slope to design garden terraces: very elegant and impressive landscape features. Other terrain features you may consider include raised gardens, raised ponds, and ditches.
Add Roads and Vehicles
Perspective is very important when planning a landscape design, so it is a good idea to include the area immediately around the residence in the design. It is not necessary to design the neighbors' property, but including the street and sidewalk in front of the residence can go a long way toward giving a realistic impression of how your garden design will really look. This is especially true if you or your client lives on a Cul de Sac.
Design Swimming Pools and Spas
If your design includes a swimming pool or spa, then it is important to include it using your garden design software. Alternately, new swimming pools and spas can be designed along with the rest of your landscape. Swimming pools have a large footprint, and affect a lot more of a landscape design's visual appeal than they are typically given credit for. A good swimming pool design will not only provide a pool of rippling water, but will include bordering plants and waterfalls to help integrate the pool into the rest of the landscape.
Conclusion
Garden design software can help you in many ways, whether you are making just minor changes to an existing landscape or you are designing a completely new residence. By making changes in a 3D digital version of your design, you may stumble across landscaping ideas you never would have otherwise considered.
Justin invites you to download a free landscape design software trial: Download Trial. For more landscaping software information, see Idea Spectrum.
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