Landscape design online 3D design. Download the yard planning program

Using certain programs, you can visualize a plot, garden and any other landscape. This is done using 3D models and additional tools. In this article, we have selected a list of special software that will be an excellent solution for creating a site plan.

Realtime Landscaping Architect – professional program for creating landscape design. It provides users with a large set of libraries with three-dimensional models of various objects. In addition to the standard set of tools that have become the basis of such software, there is a unique feature - adding an animated character to the scene. It looks funny, but can be used in practice.

With the help of a huge amount various settings the user can customize the project for himself, using certain weather conditions for the scene, changing the lighting and creating arrays of vegetation. The program is distributed for a fee, but a trial version is available for download for free on the official website.

Punch Home Design

The next program on our list is Punch Home Design. It is intended not only for site planning, but also allows for complex modeling. We recommend that beginners familiarize themselves with template projects; there are several of them installed. Then you can start planning your house or plot, adding various objects and vegetation.

There is a free modeling function that will allow you to create a primitive 3D model yourself. A built-in library with materials that would be appropriate to apply to the created object is available. Use 3D view mode to walk around your garden or home. A small number of movement management tools are designed for this purpose.

SketchUp

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the SketchUp program from the well-known Google. Using this software, any 3D models, objects and landscapes can be created. There is a simple editor that contains the basic tools and functions, which is quite enough for amateurs.

As for site planning, this representative will be an excellent tool for creating such projects. There is a platform where objects are placed, there is an editor and built-in sets, which is enough to create a high-quality project in a short time. SketchUp is distributed for a fee, but a trial version is available for download for free on the official website.

Our Site Rubin

This program was created exclusively for landscape modeling, including site planning. There is a built-in editor and a three-dimensional projection of the scene. In addition, an encyclopedia of plants has been added, which will allow you to fill the scene with certain trees or shrubs.

What’s special and unique is the ability to calculate estimates. You simply add objects to the scene, and they are sorted in a table, where prices are then entered, or filled in in advance. This function will help calculate future calculations for landscape construction.

FloorPlan 3D

FloorPlan is simply a great tool for creating scenes of landscapes, arranging rooms and yards. It contains all the essentials that will definitely come in handy when creating a project. There are libraries installed by default with various models and textures, which will add more uniqueness to your scene.

Particular attention is paid to creating the roof; there is a special function that will allow you to edit more complex coverage exactly as you need. You can customize the roof material, pitch angles, and more.

Sierra landDesigner

Sierra landDesigner is a convenient free program that allows you to arrange a site by adding various objects, plants, and buildings. By default, a large number of different items are installed; for ease of searching, we recommend using the corresponding function, just enter the name in the line.

Use the building wizard to create your ideal home, or use the preset templates. In addition, there are simple render settings that will make the final picture more colorful and rich.

ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD is a multifunctional program that allows you to do not only modeling, but also creating drawings, drawing up estimates and energy efficiency reports. This software supports the design of multilayer structures, the creation of realistic images, and work in facades and sections.

Due to the large number of tools and functions, beginners may have problems mastering ArchiCAD, but then they can save a lot of time and work comfortably. The program is distributed for a fee, but we recommend downloading trial version to study everything in detail.

Autodesk 3ds Max

Autodesk 3ds Max is considered the most versatile, feature-rich and popular program 3D modeling. Its possibilities are almost limitless in this area, and professionals create masterpieces of modeling in it.

New users can start by creating primitives and gradually move on to more complex projects. This representative is perfect for landscape design, especially if you download the appropriate libraries in advance.

There are a lot of programs for 3D modeling on the Internet; they cannot all be included in this list, so we have selected several of the most popular and most suitable representatives with which you can easily and quickly create a site plan.

A bright roof - everything is in its place and pleasing to the eye, except for one thing: the surrounding area after construction is uncomfortable and unkempt. How to lay out a lawn, lay paths, plant a garden and put up a gazebo? Everything should be in harmony with each other and represent a single ensemble. Hiring a designer is not always possible for financial reasons. And then the Landscape Design program comes to the rescue. With its help, almost any user personal computer can simulate a future garden plot.

General characteristics

To be more precise, such software is provided by several companies. All of them developed versions for professionals, but the popularity of the process of designing areas adjacent to the house prompted the manufacturers with the idea of ​​​​producing the “Landscape Design for Amateurs” series. For the average PC user, this solution is just a godsend. But out of all the programs, you need to choose one, one that will help transform your own yard.

There are several general characteristics, which every amateur software has. The user is usually provided technical feasibility form projects with clean slate or upload real photos. The last function is very convenient, since the question of arranging the territory most often arises after the construction of a house, and the land may be occupied by some kind of green space. Each landscape design program involves adding snapshot files with real images to the functionality and then adding objects: plants, shrubs, trees, ponds, paths and much more. As a result, the user sees a picture that is as close as possible to future reality.

A clean project is an opportunity not only to arrange lanterns and flower pots in an artistic manner, but also to shape the terrain. To do this, places of elevation or depression are initially outlined on the plan, then large objects are added. Only after this are the remaining details built in: fences, enclosures, ponds or lakes.

Almost every creation program has functions for viewing the finished project in a two-dimensional image, as well as in 3D. A three-dimensional image makes it possible to see in more detail all the shortcomings of the project, correct them and print the finished design plan from any angle.

Free Landscaping Software

The question of whether to buy software or download it from the Internet faces most users. How does a free landscape design program differ in functionality and ease of interface from paid versions? It is not so easy to understand the mass of proposals, but it is quite possible.

Considering a number of free ones, it’s worth starting with Google SkethUp. A beginner in landscape design will be able to easily understand the intentions of the developers. 3D visualization, a rich database of templates, a toolbar for drawing missing parts - these are the main characteristics of this software. Let us note the only drawback: for an amateur user, the English-language interface may be difficult.

The next tool worthy of attention is Sierra Land Designer 3D. This program is ideal for beginners. Landscape design is an exciting task with simple solutions. A special feature of Sierra Land Designer 3D is the ability to set different weather conditions.

The next free landscape design program that has received our attention is Artweaver Free. A powerful tool with a rich set of functionality. The mention that this software is provided by the manufacturer Photoshop already arouses interest in this development. The following features are standard in this graphic editor:

  • customize brushes;
  • work with text;
  • embed various filters;
  • imitate drawing tools: pastel;
  • select selection options;
  • save the result in all known graphic formats.

X-Designer creates worthy competition among free software products that allow you to visualize the landscape of a future site. The graphic editor has an interesting feature. In the program you can not only imagine the site during rain, but also see what the future gazebo will look like in this place at night. That is, the user can set the time of day. It is worth noting the rich library of plant and building templates. And one more nice and convenient point: X-Designer has a shadow function. This tool saves a lot of money. That is, plants can be initially selected for such characteristics as shade tolerance and light-loving properties.

Russian software products

The most famous graphic editor in this area is Our Garden Rubin. This is not a free program. Landscape design with its help is carried out by both professionals and amateurs. Latest version from the manufacturer JSC Dicomp - “Our Garden Rubin 10.0”. It is worth dwelling on this in more detail. And the explanation for this is more than simple: the program has a Russian-language interface, which is a big plus for the user.

Installation and launch

The system requirements for the user's computer are quite affordable, which once again emphasizes: the 3D landscape design program allows everyone to do it - both amateurs and professionals.

The installation includes standard agreement to the terms of the license agreement and offers one of two sets of features. The first one is recommended. When choosing the second option, the user can mark in the checkboxes the functions he needs only. The complete set looks like this:

  • textbook;
  • examples;
  • references, guides, topics;
  • additional pictures;
  • 3D models of plants.

Is it worth saying that it is better for a novice designer to agree with the recommended installation kit?

Interface

You are interested in The program installed on your PC should be carefully studied. The central place is occupied by the field of the future plan. The top toolbar contains the following menu items: "file", "edit", "place", "plant", "view", etc. The interface is very similar to home page regular Word. And yet this is the Landscape Design program. This is evidenced by its sidebar, which pops up and changes depending on the tasks being performed. So, by selecting the “plants” menu item, the user will see in the sidebar not only templates of shrubs, flowers, trees, but also a section with an encyclopedia. It tells in detail about each type of plant, its care, and provides tips on how, what and where to plant.

Features, competitive advantages and disadvantages of the software

The advantages include the following:

  1. “Our Garden Rubin” is software developed for the mass consumer who does not have specialized knowledge and skills in landscape design.
  2. Russian-language interface.
  3. Encyclopedia of plants.

But, of course, there are also disadvantages. The most significant of these is the quality of 3D rendering and textures.

Professional program “Landscape Design”, or Continuing a hobby

If you are fascinated by the transformation of the site and have a desire to deepen your knowledge and skills, then all the programs discussed above will no longer be suitable. There are more serious tools for professionals. And here are a few of them.

Realtime Landscaping Architect

Those who want to master professional skills in computer landscape design can download a trial version of the program on the official website completely free of charge. By installing the demo version, the user will be able to evaluate its advantages over free analogues.

Designing in Realtime Landscaping Architect involves not only the conditional drawing of various objects on the design plan, but also the following:

  • high-quality 3D image;
  • calculation of estimates;
  • viewing the finished project from a bird's eye view;
  • use of a library containing about 13,000 objects;
  • design based on example layouts, of which there are up to five and a half thousand in the program menu.

Conclusion

At the first stage of creativity, the “Landscape Design” program with a Russian-language interface, a limited set of functions, is most suitable for a beginner. simple settings. The biggest disadvantage of such graphic editors is the low quality of 3D visualization. Only after successfully mastering amateur software should you think about professional ones. paid programs for landscape design.

With the acquisition or receipt of a plot of land, a person dreams of immediately picking up a shovel and starting to use and improve the hard-earned acres. But it would be much more correct to initially evaluate and correctly plan the site in order to use it as efficiently as possible. After all, such preparatory work will allow construction to be completed faster and significantly reduce costs. The essence of the preparatory work is to evaluate according to a number of criteria and, depending on the data obtained, to draw up a plan of the territory and the main work.

The most important natural factors influencing land planning are:

Soil type

The type of soil determines the possibility of growing certain crops, and some soils even present difficulties during construction. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself in advance with the type of soil on the site; for this you can use detailed soil maps, which should be available at the local land management and cadastre department or even the village council. If they are not there, then you can independently determine the type of soil; for this you need to take samples in several parts of the garden plot to a depth of about 10 centimeters. These piles of soil need to be moistened with water and rolled into a ball; if the lump falls apart, then the soil is sandy. Next, you need to roll the ball into a roller; if this does not work, then the soil is sandy loam. If the roller is successful, then you need to twist it into a ring; the loamy soil will crack, but the clay will hold perfect shape. Sometimes, after determining the type of soil, you have to think about adding imported fertile soil to the soil.

It is also important to determine the acidity of the soil; for this, you can again contact the local authorities with the question or again act independently. To do this, you need to pour a handful of soil into a container, fill it with water and mix, lower litmus paper into the settled water and, based on the resulting color of the strip, draw a conclusion about the need to add lime or other substances that change the acidity level; perhaps you will need a whole program for changing the acidity of the soil.

This factor is very important not only for growing plants, especially fruit trees with a deep root system, but also for extending the service life of building foundations. In addition, when groundwater is close to the ground during periods of spring and summer floods, basements, lower floors and land areas can be flooded, which threatens dampness in buildings and loss of crops. Therefore, you need to determine in advance the groundwater level and the need.

Groundwater level at the lach

To do this, two-meter wells are drilled in the garden plot during dry summers, in which the water level is monitored using a regular tape measure. If it is less than 1 meter, then drainage of the area is simply necessary, and it is better to design and construct it before the construction of buildings.

Orientation to cardinal directions

It is recommended to orient the house according to the cardinal directions. It is also very important to determine the illumination of the garden area in order to correctly plant light-loving and shade-loving plants. To do this, you need to mark the shadows cast by fences and buildings at 9, 12 and 18 o'clock. The triple-shaded areas are deeply shaded and are suitable for planting exclusively shade-loving crops, while the unshaded areas are suitable for planting light-loving flowers, shrubs and trees.

Direction of prevailing winds

The local hydrometeorological service office can help you find out about prevailing winds. It is not good if northern winds blow most often on the site, because they reduce the growth activity of crops and contribute to their winter freezing. In this case, you will have to take care of protecting the area from the winds with the help of high, dense fences.

Relief

The site may have a different type of relief from absolutely flat to mountainous or hilly; a ravine, swamp, lake or other small forms of irregularities may fall on the land plot. This has a great impact, since all buildings, garden and vegetable corners must be placed in accordance with the individual characteristics of the uneven surface of the earth. also affects the planning style, for example, the classic symmetrical option is suitable only for flat areas, which can be divided into square and rectangular zones, decorated with smooth straight paths and green spaces. But on sloping and complex terrain, landscape style is more suitable, which is characterized by smooth lines that follow all the curves of the earth's surface.


Diagram of the summer cottage plot plan

Shape of the plot and its area

The plots can have various shapes from classic square to narrow rectangular, sector, L-shaped or triangular, examples of which can be seen in the photo. And the style and principles of site planning depend on this. The size of the plot is also important; the more acres, the wider the possibilities for design. At the same time, a huge number of acres is much more expensive to develop and more difficult to maintain, so owners of small plots should not be discouraged.

As a rule, they have 6, 9, 12, 15 and more than 20 acres. If there are 6-10 acres on the site, then every piece is worth its weight in gold, so you will have to abandon unnecessary buildings to avoid the feeling of bulkiness. And on large areas you can use options with large lawns, artificial or natural ponds, rock gardens and even garden areas.

Site layout is the key to construction success

Of course, most owners of land plots figure out the desired layout in their minds ahead of time, but for the success of the business, all thoughts need to be transferred to paper or a layout; for this, a plan diagram is better suited.

Basic principles of its compilation:

  • first you need to determine the scale in which the scheme will be carried out, 1:100 is best suited, that is, with a square plot of 9 acres, the side will be equal to 30 m, which on the plan will be equal to 30 centimeters, this is very convenient for perception and further calculations;
  • further, the paper can be drawn into centimeter squares, which will allow you to better imagine the site, and plan buildings and plantings with an accuracy of up to a meter;
  • Then you should cut out the desired buildings and plantings from thick paper and move them until you get the ideal layout.

Program for computer land planning

You can also significantly simplify the stage by leaving all the complex and painstaking work to the computer. For this there is special programs, which allow you to quickly and easily arrange and move elements of the site and even convert the plan into a three-dimensional picture. To do this, you need to enter the shape of the plot, the number of acres, and the desired objects.


Program for computer land planning

Let's consider the main programs for computer land planning:

  1. – the program uses the latest 3D technologies that allow you to design a site even in the absence of special knowledge. Even a beginner can handle it. Examples of site design in this program can be seen in the photo.
  2. FloorPlan 3D Deluxe - the program allows you to visualize the design of buildings and landscapes in three-dimensional mode, has good graphics and advanced capabilities.
  3. Sierra Land Designer 3D – this program allows you to plan a summer cottage in two-dimensional and three-dimensional mode and even change the camera angle to see the future garden and plot from different angles, at different times of the day and year. Examples of site design in this program can be seen in the photo.
  4. PUNCH! – this program allows you to easily move buildings and plantings according to the plan, add and remove them. But it can only work with standard objects, and it is also impossible to convert the project into 3D format.

Also, some sites offer special planners that allow you to plan online, without installing a program on your computer, which saves time. To ensure that the site is comfortable, functional and beautiful, it is better to spend time and effort on preliminary planning than to later lament the mistakes made and try to correct them. In addition, with the advent of computer technology, this activity has become simple, fast and even enjoyable; you just need to load the initial data into the program and enjoy the three-dimensional layout of the future site.

When a person has a dacha or just a plot of land, he is faced with the important question of how to properly manage the territory. You shouldn’t dig up everything, build, mark out everything at once. It’s better to start by reading the relevant literature and asking experienced gardeners for advice. When designing, you will need to take into account many different nuances, for example, how to correlate the site with the cardinal points (this is necessary in order to correctly position all future buildings). Generally, The planning process is a rather complex and costly process.

You will need to delimit a space for buildings, a recreation area, and a parking lot. All this is decided before the house is built. The fact is that from the first days you will need somewhere to sleep, relax, and have lunch. You can first build a temporary shed, and later move it to the utility block.

In general, there is a lot of work to be done. It is important not to make a mistake anywhere and plan everything in advance. Landscape design programs will help you with this. On the Internet you can find a huge number of ready-made layout options, but how nice it is to create and implement your own project based on your preferences and tastes.

Today there is more than a hundred different landscape editors that offer different functionality. It can be quite difficult to figure out which program is best suited. We will help you with this.

How to choose

First you need to determine your level of preparedness. For example, if you are not particularly good with technology and have only mastered basic computer knowledge, then it is better to give preference to simple home programs.

You will be required just enter the parameters of your land plot and choose from ready-made models presented in the database (there are quite a lot of projects, there will be plenty to choose from).

But, if you are serious, you need to create a drawing or layout with your own hands, then you will need graphics editor with extensive functionality. Unfortunately, utilities for detailed model creation are not officially distributed free of charge. To work, you will have to purchase a licensed product (download a pirated version) offered by the developer.

Five best programs for home use

The advantage of home editors is that they have a very simple and understandable interface for everyone, they are distributed free of charge, allowing almost everyone to create their own site layout and change already available projects to suit their needs. This is really convenient; sometimes it is very difficult to understand what an idea will look like when implemented in life. We'll tell you about the five most convenient and functional landscape design programs.

X-Designer – garden plot planning

This is perhaps one of the most simple programs for landscape design. It does not require the user to have any knowledge or skills in operation. It's very easy to understand.

The program is easy to download and install (we downloaded it), but the utility can be easily found using a search engine).

It’s not difficult to figure it out, it will take the average user no more than 10-15 minutes. First, you just need to enter the type of your plot, indicate its dimensions, set the date and other parameters. For example, let’s call our plot “my plot” and choose dimensions 60x80. Next, select the month, date and time of day.

Then all that remains is to fully plan the structure and select decorations from the library (quite a large selection of models). As an example, let’s take our site and display a house (the dimensions of each object can be changed, for example, specify the slope, dimensions, etc.).

Each plant is accompanied by a voluminous card, which describes how to care for, water and its characteristics. You can also monitor in real time the changes in the flower bed in the coming years, taking into account the characteristics of the growth and development of the selected landscaping.

The program is convenient in its simplicity. Like X-Designer, it is very easy to understand (it will take no more than 20 minutes to learn the basics and get into the process). You can download it using a search engine (we used the program).

After opening, you will need to choose - create a new design, open a plan from a computer, or edit a template design.

A new design means planning a project from scratch. For example, let's create a small area measuring 5x10.

It is much easier to change a ready-made plan than to create a completely new one. However, your own design will help take into account all the details of the site and your wishes.

As in the previous program, here is presented a huge selection of objects and tools for working with the site. All of them are divided into categories to make it easier for the user to find the right model.

Tools are needed to create a site. With their help, you can mark out the territory and create the necessary areas. A distinctive feature of the program is its simplicity, it is easy to learn and it makes it possible to schematically evaluate the layout of your site.

SketchUp

Functional utility for creating projects. It allows you to develop a full-scale landscape design and carry out preliminary preparation and territory planning.

There are two versions software– free and paid. The first one is suitable for home use, allowing the user to take advantage of all necessary functions. The second is needed for commercial purposes of companies and ordinary designers.

The easiest way to download the program is through a torrent client or the official website (you will be provided with a temporary free license).

One of the most significant advantages of the utility is its collaboration with third-party Google products. For example, the service allows you to exchange data in automatic mode With Google Earth. This is truly convenient, because you don’t need to create a three-dimensional model of the site manually, but you can simply take a ready-made one from the globe, which will fully correspond to the real parameters. This material is easier to work with.

However to the average user it will be difficult to cope with this program. It is complex, because it allows you to work out each element in detail. SketchUp is more suitable for experienced designers; if you need such a detailed design, then it is better to turn to a professional.

Our Garden Rubin 9.0

This program is a kind of Russian version of Sierra (an excellent design program, but it is not translated into Russian). All the possibilities are similar, and the implementation methods are similar. The program is divided into several blocks, each of which is designed to solve a specific problem. If you use the entire range of functions at once, you can get a completely finished landscape design project for the territory.

One of the main advantages of the utility is that the interface is translated into Russian. It is distributed free of charge, which means it does not offer huge functions and is designed for the average user.

Yet again, the program is good because of its simplicity. An ordinary summer resident does not need complex and detailed plans, and he is unlikely to be able to create something similar on his own (it is better to contact a designer).

The program is quite simple, so even an inexperienced user can handle it (about 10-15 minutes is enough). On startup, the main screen opens with ready-made template plot.

Let's create a new plan. The program provides a large selection of models and template options that can be changed at your discretion.

First you need to mark the territory, then install objects in place as desired. For example, let's build our house with a bench, a lantern and trees.

After creating a two-dimensional plan, you can view the result in 3D. By the way, a whole assistant is provided for caring for plants.

Our Garden 6.0 Omega

Another version from the “Our Garden” series. It allows the user to create their own projects for planning or designing areas based on a digital photo.

The main advantage is the possibility integration of the plan with regular photographs. The program provides information about 7.7 thousand plants available for work. The selection of soil, flowering time, zone, timing, etc. is also provided. With the program you can easily create your own flower garden, which will continuously please the eye.

The layout you create can be viewed in 3D at any time (saved). You can specify different times based on which the plants will change in shape and size. Large amounts of information are provided regarding the care of flower beds of various types and the fight against harmful diseases. Our Garden 6.0 Omega can be an excellent option for those who want to create a cozy place in their dacha, decorated with amazing flowers and plants.

The functionality and process of creating an object is the same as in Our Garden Rubin 9.0.

There are not only computer versions of garden design software. If you don’t want to deal with the interface of conventional utilities, then you can use online options. They are very easy to learn (simpler than all those mentioned above), but the working methods are also simplified. The bottom line is that online versions do not have even a fraction of the capabilities that full-scale programs provide. But with their help you can get a schematic sketch of the layout of the territory.

Which video lessons should I choose?

For those who don’t like to learn at random, here are training videos. The material below is the first video in a whole series of lessons. This is not to say that this is a high-quality educational material, but in general it is more detailed and lively than other lessons presented on Youtube, and can be a good help for intuitive learning.

A landscape design sketch can be drawn by hand in front of the customer or in the office, at home, but this can be done either with a regular pencil or by adding paints. If we move on to more complex stages (general plan, layout and planting drawings), then modern world You simply cannot do without computer technology.

Programs for site design will satisfy both a novice designer and a professional - everyone chooses a program according to their level and capabilities.

Our Garden Ruby

If you want to work with the best programs, then contact Our Garden Rubin. This is a special landscape planner that will help you design a garden plot at any level of complexity.

Our Garden Crystal

This program combines a unique plant encyclopedia with the latest landscape design capabilities. Whether you are a beginner, an amateur gardener, or have been designing a landscape for years, this software will help you in any case.

Using it you can not only learn yourself, but also teach others, which is why “Our Garden Crystal” can be found more than once as a teaching aid for teachers and students of design schools, colleges, and institutes.

Realtime Landscaping Architect

If you want not just to arrange elements around your site, but to turn your landscape into a dream, then turn your attention to this program. It uses new 3D technologies that even a beginner can master. Dream, fantasize, and make your visions come true!

FloorPlan 3D Deluxe

The program helps to visualize the design of landscapes, houses and apartments in 3D space. It is simple and reliable. Will help you simulate a landscape area.

This program is different high quality graphics, the presence of diverse and convenient tools, great opportunities for creating 3D projects.

PUNCH!

This program is good because it allows you to add various landscape elements, buildings, and even work in three-dimensional mode to your site. However, it has significant drawbacks - in PUNCH you will not be able to add your own objects (only standard ones), and you will also not be able to export your work to any 3D format.

Sierra Land Designer 3D

This program is also very attractive to users due to its versatility. It allows you not only to design your future landscape (not only in 2D, but also in 3D visualization), but also change the position of the camera to see your garden from different angles. It is also possible to see how your garden will look in different seasons and at different times of the day, which is especially important when designing lighting.

Google SketchUp

There are programs for site design that were not originally intended for this. Google SketchUp is just one of them. However, it can be safely used for this task, for example, to check the effects of shadow from the sun at any time of the day.


If you do not have the time and energy to independently implement all the ideas for the design of your site, then professional agronomists and designers of our company "Lawn Zone" will help you with this, develop a landscape design for the site, and provide free consultations and advice.

What and where to place on your 6 acres, 10 acres...?

So you finally have your own piece of land. And it doesn’t matter what its area is - 6 acres or 10 acres. Do not immediately rush to dig it, build it and fence it. Read specialized literature, think, consult with experienced summer residents and gardeners. Create a plan for the future site, correlating it with the cardinal points. This will help you correctly orient all your future buildings and plantings. Planning your own plot is not an easy task, and our advice will help you with this.

You will need to determine places for a house, a utility block, a recreation area, and parking a car. But keep in mind, first of all, it is necessary to solve the housing problem before the construction of the house is completed. After all, from the first days of your stay at the dacha, you will need to somehow spend the night, rest, cook food, etc. Therefore, plan to immediately build a temporary shed, which will later turn into a utility block, a warehouse for storing building materials, work equipment, etc.


Determine the sides on which the windows of the future house will face. It is advisable that these be west and east, otherwise the rooms on the south side may be hot all the time, and the rooms on the north side may be cold all the time. On the south side you can place a veranda or terrace; it will act as a kind of thermal insulator, preventing the house from overheating in the summer and cooling in the winter.

The house is usually located 5 m from the road along the “red line”. On the shady northern side, you can plan to plant currants and other shade-tolerant ornamental shrubs and trees. On the south side of the house, it is advisable to plant apple trees and other fruit trees - then they will receive the sunlight and warmth they need, and at the same time form shade, which will save you from the heat on hot days. Currants are planted at the western border of the site, and raspberries at the southern border. The layout of a summer cottage implies immediately defining a recreation area and a children's playground. However, they should not be in the open sun. The recreation area is made, if possible, secluded, inaccessible to prying eyes.

If you plan to create a pond on your site, then you need to provide a place for it that is not exposed to constant sunlight. The remaining free space is allocated for a lawn, or... Behind the house, if desired, we have a vegetable garden and strawberries, and behind them we plant currants.

It is important to correctly place your plants, trees and shrubs so that their shadow does not disturb you or, especially, your neighbors. Currant and gooseberry bushes are planted at a distance of about 1.5 m from the border of the site. Apple trees, pears, plums, and cherries are planted even deeper in the garden. If the area is small, it is better to plant trees on a dwarf rootstock.

Programs for creating a DIY landscape design project

On the Internet you can find a large number of ready-made projects for summer cottages. But you can create a project yourself, based on your preferences and the location of your summer cottage. There are various landscape design programs for this purpose. Let's look at some of the simplest and most accessible of them. The presented programs are posted in Russian and they can download for free!

Self-instruction manual. Landscape design

For those who are trying to work with programs for designing a summer cottage for the first time and want to master and use all their convenient functions, we offer a tutorial on landscape design. Interactive video instructions, voiced and commented in Russian by a professional speaker, with the opportunity to participate in the learning process, will help you quickly master all the functionality of the programs.
This video instruction covers several of the programs listed below (Garden Planner, Garden Planner, 3D Home Architect Design Suite Delux).
Download Self-instruction manual. Landscape design (124 Mb)

1. X-Designer. Garden plot planner 3D

In this program, you can not only competently model a site using a fairly extensive library of garden plants and other landscape objects, but also see your site in all its glory at different times of the year and even at different times of the day!
After the project is formed, you can see the result from all sides and photograph the result for further reproduction of the project on the site.
Download X-Designer program (202 Mb)

2. Our garden. Ruby 9.0

This powerful program allows you to create a landscape design project using existing digital photos. This will be appreciated by both users who create landscape design with existing objects (trees, buildings, etc.), and those who are planning a site from scratch. The program also provides a huge number of different plants, garden elements and garden objects.
Download the program Our Garden Rubin (4.3 Gb)

3. Our garden 6.0 Omega

A powerful program from the Our Garden series allows you to create a landscape design project or design plans based on digital photographs. Integrate the plan you create with real photos. detailed information o more than 7,700 plants contained in the program, with the ability to select soil, flowering time, place of growth, life span and much more. etc. will help you assemble and create the perfect flower garden - a flower bed of continuous flowering.
You can view the created plan in a 3-dimensional image at different times of the day or year. Depending on the specified year, the plants will be adjusted in growth form and growth. Contains a huge amount of information on caring for outdoor and indoor plants and controlling diseases and weeds. The program will be a real find for people who create a cozy corner on their site, decorated and decorated with beautiful flower beds.
Download the program Our Garden Omega (690 Mb)

4.

One of the simplest programs that allows you to create a garden layout by dragging all the necessary and desired elements onto the plan and arranging them as you wish. Also, for convenience and clarity, you can change the foliage color and scale.
Download Garden Planner 3 (3.5 Mb)

5. 3D Home Architect Design Suite Deluxe

This interesting program allows you to create a design project for a summer cottage or other interior from scratch. A rich selection of design elements (plants, lighting, fences, trellises and even playgrounds) with the ability to adjust their sizes will help you create an easy and effective site design in 2D format, and with the help of the built-in functionality you can view it in 3D (in all perspectives, angles and at different distances).
Download the program 3D Home Architect Design Suite Delux (222 Mb)

For professionals who are familiar with design programs first-hand, we can recommend using the following programs.

In this age of computer technology, it is much easier to perform some tasks with the help of machines rather than manually. Architectural and landscape design are not left out either. Now any non-professional user can create a simple project in a few minutes. In this article we will look at the main programs for planning the site of a country house - paid and free, with an interface in Russian and English language.

  • Simple programs for site planning and design

    Let's first look at a list of simple programs that are often free. Even a beginner without experience will be able to make a plot plan in them.

    Garden Planner

    Garden Planner is an easy-to-learn program from Artifact Interactive for designing a site in 2D format. Its advantages are that you can plan your site in literally 5 minutes. The only downside is that the interface is in English. But it is simple and intuitive.

    Design Interface

    In the program you can specify the dimensions and create a plan in just 5 minutes! The base of objects will be sufficient for the average summer cottage.


    Example plan created in 5 minutes

    There is also an online version this application. It is practically no different from the desktop one.

    FloorPlan 3D

    FloorPlan 3D (TurboFloorPlan Home and Landscape Deluxe 2017) is a multifunctional complex for designing buildings, houses, offices and plots. Suitable for both professionals and beginners.


    Interface screenshot

    The interface is quite simple, so you'll get the hang of the program pretty quickly.


    2D plan view

    In FloorPlan 3D you can customize the sizes, colors and materials of objects. There is also a Vedomosti service where you can calculate estimates and costs of materials. Thus, the program is perfect for creating a plan of objects on the site, as well as a plan of your house with the arrangement of furniture and an estimate for construction.

    X-designer

    X-designer - garden plot planner in 3D format. This is a product Russian developer"IDDK" allows you to design your site without special skills. In the program, you can choose a plan view from above or 3D display. The interface is entirely in Russian.


    Also in X-designer you can control the terrain of the site, seasons and days. The library contains more than 500 objects.


    Professional Design Products

    The next line of products is designed for professional graphics processing and drawing up high-quality plans by specialists.

    Our Garden Crystal

    Our Garden Crystal version 10 ( previous version Our Garden Rubin 9.0) is a program of the domestic developer JSC DiComp. It is not only a design tool, but also a real encyclopedia of gardening. The database contains information about more than 17,000 plant species, including about 2,000 roses. It is possible to select plants according to more than 20 parameters: soil, life span, growth rate, etc...


    It is noteworthy that there is a built-in photo editor into which you can insert real photographs of objects, then process them and insert them into your summer cottage project.


    The program designer has a 2D and 3D view and allows you to design the terrain, paths, ponds on the site, decorative elements and construction objects.

    Sierra LandDesigner 3D

    Sierra LandDesigner 3D is a design application for landscape design in 2D and 3D format. The developer of the program is Sierra, a company known to many video game fans. Unfortunately, the program is old (2000) and cannot be found on the developer’s official website. However, you can download it on the Internet. There is a Russified version of the program.


    Punch Home Design

    Punch Home Design is a package of products for visualizing the interiors and appearance of a house and a summer cottage.


    The simplest product “Punch! Landscape, Deck & Patio v19" allows you to design a landscape using a library, the import and export of which is possible from other AutoCad programs and Sketchup!


    It is as well suited for professional design as Realtime Landscaping Architect, and its integration with other 3D objects makes it indispensable.

    SketchUp

    SketchUp is free software package for 3D modeling not only of summer cottages, but in general of any object or object. Suitable for beginners who want to plan their garden in three-dimensional form. For corporate clients you will need to purchase a license.

    The program has its own database of objects, which is updated by users. You can add them to your plan.


    Example of searching for a 3D object “spruce”

    Despite the fact that SketchUp allows you to create a site plan, its main purpose is 3D modeling. Therefore, it is most likely suitable for landscape design.




    One more example

    Realtime Landscaping Architect

    Realtime Landscaping Architect - a program for site planning in 2D and 3D format for operating system Windows. This product is distinguished by a more professional approach to design and is suitable for advanced users, as well as landscape designers.


    Interface screenshot

    The program is also distinguished by more detailed drawing of objects. The Plus package database contains 10,400 models, of which 5,100 are plants; the Architect package contains 16,400 objects, of which 7,200 are plants.


    Detailed drawing of plants

    This software package allows you to create presentations, view the dynamics of plant growth, how they will receive shade during the day, and much more. In general, a complete product for professional design.

    Other professional products:

    In this material we do not consider such professional products as Autodesk 3DS Max and ArchiCad. They are universal of their kind and are recognized as the best in the world for constructing any three-dimensional objects. Including for site planning.

    Instead of a resume

    The choice of program largely depends on what you want:

      To easily create a plan in two dimensions, the Garden Planner program is suitable.

      For more detailed development and viewing of your plan in 3D format, beginners will benefit from: FloorPlan 3D or X-Designer.

      If you are thinking about higher quality products and want to work out your plan in more detail, we advise you to take a closer look at the Russian program Our Garden Crystal or the English-language Punch Home Design and Sierra LandDesigner 3D.

      Among commercial products for professional landscape design and beyond, we recommend Realtime Landscaping Architect, SketchUp, as well as the Autodesk 3DS Max and ArchiCad product lines.

    * For corporate use version price is $695

    Read about the stages of construction:

  • Both guests and neighbors will always pay close attention to a well-groomed, well-equipped area of ​​country houses.

    The owner will be satisfied with questions about how long it took him to create such beauty, how much money he spent on consulting a landscape designer. In fact, you can draw up a project yourself, and a site planning program will help with this.

    Planning procedure

    Almost every online site planning program allows you to work out even the most minor aspects in real time. The primary task is to create a place for the house, after which the parameters of the paths, the location of the flower beds and other details are entered.

    All software has a user manual, it's worth reading it before you start to familiarize yourself with the features. Followed by preparatory stage: collecting the necessary information, processing it, drawing up preliminary plans, drawings of the site.

    Before drawing up a project, the territory is examined for:

    Among the possibilities are:

    • excellent visualization;
    • rich library;
    • Having previously drawn up an estimate, you can obtain data on expenses;
    • drawing tools;
    • option for reflection plans of fences and stairs;
    • creating a video presentation of the saved project.

    The second program for site and house design, as users noted, is simple and easy to understand.

    When you enter data on soil parameters, a selection will be made of those plants that are best suited for planting, even garden ones (meaning humidity, acidity, side of location).

    3DS Max's comprehensive planner helps you draw 3D graphics for various areas, but it is also used landscape designers, zoning a simple plot of land. To run correctly you will need the latest OS. It occupies a leading position in the world and can only be downloaded for a fee. Among the advantages are:

    • numerous visualization and drawing modules;
    • tools and special effects for modeling;
    • excellent 3D animation.

    Any of the applications will help simplify the online design of a plot yourself, turning it not only into a place to relax from the bustle of the city, but also into a corner for growing your favorite vegetables and fruits.

    A well-executed design will delight the owners and stand out among neighboring buildings.

    Landscape design is a unique art based on the artistic design and improvement of recreation areas, personal plots using landscaping, garden and park architectural forms. Following the rules of landscape design, you can improve almost any piece of land, creating a harmony of landscape combination of nature with urbanized macroforms. The solution to this problem is helped by programs offered on the Internet, both for professional design and for amateur ones by the hands of their owners.

    An example of landscape design in the Our Garden program

    Graphic editors for non-professionals are easy to learn and use and are usually distributed free of charge. Every user can work with them. And for designers who carry out customer orders, complex software is sold on disks. It is impossible to download it from the Internet to use in your work without paying.

    Residential buildings, utility and other buildings are the dominant objects in the spatial structure of the landscape ensemble. All other components are located around them. As a rule, they include advice on the location of the following elements in the designed area:


    Trial versions of some programs can be used online or downloaded for free to your computer. They usually offer the user theoretical lessons with pictures or videos. However, to get the full result, it is recommended to buy full version software.

    Programs for developing landscape design

    Let's look at the most popular graphic editors, which are offered free of charge in Russian to everyone who wants to improve the landscape with their own hands.


    An example of the layout of a summer cottage in the Our Garden program

    Their development is simple and does not require special computer knowledge. They contain standard libraries that help the user quickly and easily create 2D or 3D design instances.

    Many amateur programs provide the opportunity to develop design projects from scratch, as they say, from a blank page onto which images of selected real objects are sequentially loaded.

    Then they are adjusted, moved, rotated, placed so as to achieve unity and harmony of the landscape ensemble.
    But sometimes someone who decides to download a program for registering a plot of land on their own already has a house, outbuildings and wants everything around them to look arranged in accordance with his taste and aspirations.

    Read also

    The best construction programs


    Landscape design planning in a special program

    Then he should use the following software feature: upload a photo of the local area, and then fill it with pictures of new decorative elements that he would like to see in his project.

    Google SketchUp

    This program is for amateurs and professionals. They will not have to draw all the landscape objects themselves. The database is full of stylistic solutions for various types of buildings and plants, and if any design element is missing, then the user can create it manually. If the need arises to remove any item, you will not have to redo the entire project again; you just need to cancel the last action.


    An example of landscape design developed in Google program SketchUp

    The program allows not only design modeling, but also work in the field of architecture, interior decoration, and engineering design. Contains many useful tips. Imports files with landscape objects from other software editors, places them in your project and gives them a 3D look.

    Contains tools to do the following:

    • drawing, performing geometric design;
    • adjusting objects by scaling them;
    • measuring parts with great accuracy;
    • adding ready-made components to the model;
    • presentation of completed projects, their printing.

    Artweaver Free

    To develop a landscape project for a site, you can use not only special software products, but also a graphic editor such as Photoshop. It has very rich functionality with a huge set of graphical tools. However, you can only get it for money, and it is expensive.

    Designers use analogues of Photoshop, one of which is Artweaver Free. It can be freely downloaded from the Internet without paying a cent.

    It is quite simple to use, but first you need to prepare background information about the size of buildings, green spaces, paths, lawns, small forms of landscape areas. Only after this can they be placed on the sheet of the planned territory, starting from the entrance to the courtyard and the central building.
    Software development is usually found in German or English.


    But if you delve into the pages of the World Wide Web, you can find and download latest versions with Russifiers. The efforts will be justified by a high-quality creative result in developing the desired design project.

    X-Designer

    The developers called this program, with the help of which you can simulate the landscape in three-dimensional form. By designing from a blank page, you can choose the optimal location of all buildings, lawns, gazebos, fruit and ornamental crops, paths and ponds. The program library has a wide range of plants and other design objects necessary for the project. Once placed on the site, they can be actively adjusted according to four parameters:

    • texture;
    • size;
    • color;
    • mutual position.
    Computer