Free Programs

Some of the free landscaping design programs available online include Garden Planner, Realtime Landscaping Photo, Envisioneer Express, ShowOff's, The Visualizer and DesignWorkshop Lite.

Design Features

Landscaping programs allow you to design a garden using garden elements such as shrubs, grass, trees and flowers. Some allow you to choose paving and to even include landscaping accessories such as a pond, deck or fence. Depending on the program you choose, you may also be able to import photos of plants and other objects, choose to design with plants available in your area and even create custom plant varieties.

Functions

Some programs allow you to design a garden by either importing your own photo, using an existing photo from the program or designing on a grid. Designing is usually possible by using a simple drag-and-drop or point-and-click function. You may even be able to add a new yard, change the color of the foliage, touch up photos and save your work.

Limitations

Programs available for download such as Garden Planner and Realtime Landscaping Photo are free on a trial basis only. Garden Planner, for example, is limited to a 15-day trial. However, The Visualizer, DesignWorkshop Lite and previous versions of Envisioneer Express are complete freeware programs.