You have also, rightly, learned that the use of a well structured database is a viable solution to alleviate this problem. You now are convinced that you may need to contract with a database designer who will match your needs with an information system that is flexible enough to change with your landscape planning variations.

With these two points in mind, let’s talk about how we can avoid design mistakes in both the landscape and database businesses.

Landscape design starts with good planning.  You know what some of your data storage needs are.  But, what will they be like in the future? Failing to think about future needs is one of the common mistakes and often results in the need for reprogramming.

There is no way to plan for everything, of course.  Landscape design is full of surprises.  But, with a cooperative effort between experts in your field of choice and experts at database design, it is possible to accurately determine your requirements, now and in the future.

Requirements analysis is a separate skill that some designers have and others don’t.  When you are shopping for a designer, don’t be afraid to ask about their requirements analysis skills.  If they stare blankly or hesitate, then you might want to politely excuse yourself.

Along with failing to plan for the future, another common mistake is not using SQL (Structured Query Language) facilities to protect the data integrity.  SQL is used to dictate base rules that will never change.  Outlining and building these rules into the initial database design will prevent future problems.

The design company or professional that you choose should be able to help you better understand all of these things.  There are a number of different program developers in this field.  Most of them charge by the hour, but some freelancers charge on a per project basis.

Your costs can be as low as $600 for an MS Access database converted from a provider’s own spreadsheet.  That price does not include analysis, testing or training.  Basically, it’s a grid that you will fill in on your own.

Other costs could include hardware, software and software licenses.  A design professional should be able to outline all costs ahead of time.  There is no typical or average fee, so it pays to shop around.  Just be sure to deal with someone that is experienced in database design and you’ll be safe.

Take a look at the landscape design software shown below to get an idea of what you can use as a starter for wrapping around your new database:

Punch! Software Home & Landscape Design Suite

Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture: Contemporary Techniques and Tools for Digital Representation in Site Design 

By: Tom Gruich

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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.

Take a look at the links below for more on this topic:

Home Designer Landscape & Deck 2012

Home & Landscape Design Professional with NexGen Technology v3

By: Tom Gruich