Garden Planning Software
Today, many gardeners have set aside colored pencils and graph paper in favor of computer assisted garden planning software. Specially created computer tools make it possible for even the non-geeky gardener to try out a variety of plans, track actual results through a growing season and make revisions to plans for use in the future. Does this Spark an idea?
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Garden Planning Software Explained
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Garden planning software tools--whether web-based or on a CD--assist home gardeners and professionals alike with everything from plant selection, to layout and design and planting schedules based on local growing conditions.
More than a drawing program, garden planning software connects users to online databases of gardening and horticultural information. chat forums with other gardeners, additional tools and resources including publications and videos, photo galleries and sample designs for inspiration and ideas, as well as tutorials to get started and technical support for using and troubleshooting the software.
How it Works
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Typically, users begin by entering relevant data such as garden type (e.g., in-ground, raised bed, container); geographic location (for hardiness zone and growing season considerations) and surrounding features and structures (i.e. trees, ponds, buildings and patios) that make up the total environment.
Other relevant data may include the garden’s purpose, whether it is ornamental; high-yield produce for canning, freezing, or local sale; smaller-yield, greater-variety produce for pick-and-eat consumption or any mix of purposes. These data are used to customize information and options suitable to the particular garden and gardener’s needs.
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Features
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On-screen tools allow users to select plants, trees, buildings and objects from image databases or directories, and then arrange them in a virtual on-screen garden with a ‘drag and drop’ interface.
Online versions, vs. those on CD, allow the software provider to make updates that keep the software from becoming obsolete. Additionally, user data can be securely stored on the web, making it retrievable even if a user's computer crashes or malfunctions.
Benefits
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Garden planning software is designed for use by novices as well as those with more experience, making it fun and even instructional within families and classrooms.
Customized garden data means, for example, that users in northern and southern hemispheres will be provided with the right planning tools and resources for their gardens' needs.
Considerations
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Not all software runs on all computer systems. Check the specifications and be sure that the software is compatible with your computer’s age and operating system.
Garden planning software is designed with different kinds of gardens in mind. Whether your goal is to increase curb appeal or to sell at the farmers' market, look for those features, expertise and benefits that will best meet your needs before you buy.
Trial versions allow users to test-drive the software before they buy it. Prices for consumer versions as of July 2010 are typically under $50, while professional versions can run $250 or more. Some packages are subscription-based with a monthly membership fee to support ongoing access to customer and technical support, as well as updates, community forums and newsletters.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Colorful composition of notebook, pencils and eraser image by Mediagfx from Fotolia.com
