Graph paper and colored pencils are still the best tools for do-it-yourself garden design. While good software is available to help you draw professional looking plans, expect to pay at least $200.00 to $600.00. You may decide that the money is better spent paying someone to install the new patio. These books will help translate ideas into coherent designs on paper:
Gemma Nesbitt wrote Garden Graphics: How to Plan and Map Your Garden (Capability’s Books, $25.00) for gardeners who want a simple garden plan with meaningful graphics, instead of the abstract circles usually found in landscape designs. The bulk of the book has graphics representing common trees, shrubs and perennials, as well as paving, fencing and furniture.
For help with abstract circles for the professional look, Landscape Graphics by Grant Reid (Watson-Guptill Publications, $24.95) is the appropriate book.
A Handbook for Garden Designers by Rosemary Alexander (Ward Lock, Ltd. $29.95) is aimed at the beginning professional designer, but is very accessible to amateur gardeners who want to learn the design process and produce professional-looking plans. Topics include taking a site survey and inventory, developing a design and how to draw elevations.