Mike, It is an excellent program, but takes quite a bit of time to learn and master. As you said, it is a great deal of money. With any software program, you will spend much more time than you thought to get proficient, and if you want training, that will cost more than the software. If you are looking to impress clients and sell jobs, look for a local free lance designer to work with. The designs will cost you, but nothing of quality is normally free. The most important thing you need to realize is the software is not a design tool, but simply a drawing and presentation tool. The 3D imaging is great to allow your clients to understand what you are trying to accomplish. The plan mode is very time consuming and doesn't necessarily make anyone's life easier. Many contractors do not understand plans and most of the homeowners will only think of it as a pretty picture. You do need quality detailed plans for installation, but for presentation, 3D imaging a plant and materials information will go a lot further.
EW, do you refer to the 2D planning mode or the 3D imaging? The design is done in your head or on scratch paper, the software is just a digital pencil in plan mode and pretty picture presentation tool in 3D imaging. I use multiple 3D imaging programs to create my presentations and include information from Horticopia for plants, whether prints for smaller jobs or I'll burn CDs for larger designs. I also include any information and pictures of hardscaping and any other non-plant elements I intend on using for the design. Poor design skills and improper plant selection will be magnified with any software you choose.
Kirk
