Top Garden Design Software To Visualize Your Dream Space

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Published on October 22, 2025

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Creating the perfect garden can be an exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming, endeavor. Luckily, the best garden design software options can help you visualize your ideas, experiment with different layouts, and bring your dream garden to life before you even break ground. This article explores some of the top garden design software choices available, empowering you to plan your outdoor oasis with confidence.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, using garden design software can save you time, money, and frustration. These tools offer a range of features, from simple drag-and-drop interfaces to advanced 3D modeling capabilities, allowing you to create a garden that perfectly suits your style and needs.

What is the Best Software for Designing a Garden?

SketchUp Free

SketchUp Free is a web-based 3D modeling tool that’s surprisingly powerful for a free option. While not specifically designed for garden design, its versatility allows you to create detailed models of your garden, including plants, structures, and landscaping features. It’s a great choice for those who want a high degree of customization and control.

SketchUp Free allows you to import site plans, create custom objects, and experiment with different plant varieties to see how they’ll look in your space. The learning curve can be a bit steep for beginners, but the wealth of online tutorials and a supportive community make it accessible to anyone willing to learn.

3D Modeling Capabilities
Customizable Objects
Import Site Plans
Large Online Community

Pricing: Free

SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a diagramming and visualization tool that includes templates and symbols specifically for landscape design. It’s known for its ease of use and professional-looking results, making it a good option for both beginners and experienced designers.

SmartDraw simplifies the design process with its extensive library of pre-drawn elements, including plants, trees, fences, and patio furniture. You can easily drag and drop these elements onto your drawing, resize them, and arrange them to create your desired layout. SmartDraw also offers features for calculating material costs and generating reports.

Extensive Symbol Library
Easy Drag-and-Drop Interface
Material Cost Calculation
Professional-Looking Results

Pricing: $299 one-time purchase

Garden Planner

Garden Planner by Small Blue Printer is a user-friendly online tool specifically designed for garden layout and design. Its simple interface and extensive library of plants and objects make it easy to create a visual representation of your garden in minutes.

Garden Planner allows you to drag and drop plants, trees, buildings, and other objects onto a grid-based canvas. You can adjust the size and orientation of these elements, add labels, and even simulate plant growth over time. The software also generates a shopping list of the plants and materials you’ve used in your design.

Simple Drag-and-Drop Interface
Extensive Plant Library
Plant Growth Simulation
Shopping List Generation

Pricing: $34 per year

iScape

iScape is a mobile app that uses augmented reality (AR) to help you visualize your garden design in real-time. Simply point your phone or tablet at your garden, and iScape will overlay your design onto the live image.

iScape is perfect for those who want to see how their design will look in their actual space before making any changes. You can add plants, trees, and other landscaping features to your design, adjust their size and placement, and even experiment with different hardscaping materials. The app also includes a database of plants with information on their care requirements.

Augmented Reality Visualization
Real-Time Design
Extensive Plant Database
Mobile App

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases

PRO Landscape Contractor

PRO Landscape Contractor is a comprehensive software suite designed for professional landscapers. It includes tools for creating 2D and 3D designs, generating proposals, managing projects, and tracking costs.

PRO Landscape Contractor offers a wide range of features for creating detailed and accurate landscape designs. You can import site plans, create custom objects, and use the software’s extensive plant database to select the right plants for your climate and soil conditions. The software also includes tools for generating professional-looking proposals and managing projects from start to finish.

2D and 3D Design Capabilities
Proposal Generation
Project Management Tools
Extensive Plant Database

Pricing: Contact for pricing

Feature Comparison

Feature	SketchUp Free	SmartDraw	Garden Planner	iScape	PRO Landscape Contractor
3D Modeling	Yes	Limited	Limited	Limited	Yes
Ease of Use	Moderate	Easy	Easy	Easy	Moderate
Plant Library	Extensive	Extensive	Extensive	Extensive	Extensive
Augmented Reality	No	No	No	Yes	No
Project Management	No	No	No	No	Yes
Pricing	Free	$299	$34/year	Free/In-App	Contact for pricing

Tips

Consider your experience level: Choose software that matches your skill level. Beginners may prefer a user-friendly option like Garden Planner or iScape, while experienced designers may prefer the flexibility of SketchUp or PRO Landscape Contractor.
Think about your needs: Determine what features are most important to you. Do you need 3D modeling capabilities? Augmented reality visualization? Project management tools?
Try before you buy: Many software programs offer free trials or free versions. Take advantage of these opportunities to test out different options and see which one works best for you.

Design Your Dream Garden

Choosing the right garden design software can make all the difference in bringing your vision to life. By exploring the options and considering your individual needs, you can find the perfect tool to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

FAQ

What is the best free garden design software?

SketchUp Free is a powerful and versatile free option for creating 3D garden designs.

Can I use garden design software on my phone?

Yes, iScape is a mobile app that uses augmented reality to help you visualize your garden design in real-time.

What is the easiest garden design software to use?

Garden Planner by Small Blue Printer is known for its user-friendly interface and simple drag-and-drop functionality.

How much does garden design software cost?

The cost of garden design software varies widely. Some options are free, while others require a one-time purchase or a subscription.