With dark evenings a permanent fixture at this time of year, and Christmas not far away, many of us are looking forward to spring and the start of a new year in the garden, perhaps with a garden makeover in mind. But where to start?
iScape: Landscape Designs
Ideal for landscapers and the enthusiastic DIY-er, this is a paid-for app from Apple. Take photos and upload them to the app and you will be able to superimpose different layers to visualise your space with different elements. The user-friendly app lets you set your own photos as a backdrop against which you can drop features such as plants and hardscaping and will even provide a provisional shopping list of supplies for you once you are happy with the design. This is a great app for a garden design team or if you are collaborating with a landscaper as all the plans are shareable.
Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden
This free app from Apple is good for design planning. You can plot the dimensions of your outdoor space and build your design up. Not only can you include a planting scheme in the design, but you can also incorporate sheds and garden furniture. The free version does not allow you to save your designs so the in-app purchases are worth investing in if you want to create your final design in the app. The app features a realistic 3D and visit function and there is the option to email screenshots as visuals which is really useful when working with clients of designers.
Pro Landscape
This app is available in two versions – a home edition and a professional version. The Pro Landscape Home app features photo imaging, CAD, tablet apps, 3D rendering as well as lighting design. Finished designs can be saved and shared across social media platforms. The Pro Landscape for professionals allows you to design on any platform and is ideal for residential or commercial projects. It is widely considered to be industry-leading landscape design software. The Pro Landscape apps can be used on iPads and iPhones, Android tablets and phones and Kindle Fire tablets and phones.
Of course, once the garden design is in place, you will want to think about stocking it and there is a wide selection of apps to choose from to help you with this.
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine
This digital app (available on IOS and Android) for the physical publication that accompanies the TV programme is useful and informative. With articles from well-known experts including Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don, the app has tips, design ideas and inspiration from gardens around the world. With a choice between an annual subscription or single purchases, you can dip in and out as you please.
RHS Grow Your Own app
Packed with lots of easy-to-understand advice for anyone growing fruit, vegetables and herbs, the RHS app is free of charge and available for IOS and Android. If you want to know what to sow and when, there are tools to help you choose your crops as well as a personalised care calendar so you never forget what to do. Regardless of your skills level, this is the app for you.
Once your garden design is in place, Witham Timber is your one-stop shop for all your timber requirements. Whether you have planned a decked area, a place for entertaining with shade, or a dedicated play area for little ones, you will find everything you need, and with over 40 years’ experience, we are always on hand with help and advice.