The first rule in landscaping is to draw a plan. For the drawing challenged, there is landscaping software. Better Homes and Gardens offers a free Plan-a-Garden program on their website. Members can login and in just a few minutes get started planning and creating a virtual yard or garden on their computer screen. You can design anything from a pool-side patio garden to a whole yard complete with trees, shrubs, planters, flowers, water features and more. Simply use your mouse to "drag and drop" more than 150 features. You can also sign up to receive the free BHG newsletter, "7 Steps to a Gorgeous Garden," for even more landscaping insight.

When you consider that landscaping can help you maximize the use of your land and increase the value of your property, using software to help you plan for the most attractive and efficient use of your yard is a wise time investment.