Question
Can you recommend a software program for the consumer.  
Preferably something that doesn't have a long learning curve if it
is not necessary for a single use.  A cottage garden design is
what I would like with as little maintenance as possible.  Arthritis
prevents to much and finances prevents a gardener.  Thank you
for any help you can offer.    Melvin

Answer
Melvin,
I have used some,but can't say as I have actually found one for any average computer user,including myself. I have resorted to drawing rough sketches from many photo angles and then a finished detailed drawing with all plants listed and drawn out.

But,tell you what I have done a whole lot lately and even recommended it to many of my questioners...Google search engine.Just type in www.google.com in your browser and when you get there just type in something like "landscape software" or "gardening software". It's a great search engine and you will get many different listings.

If not,write me back. If you can't find anything that looks simple,do what I do and take photos of your site,bring them in and sit down at a table with a sketch pad.Doesn't have to be fancy,just draw out the spots where you want beds and place the existing structures in the places where they are on your site.(your house,garage,trees,shrubs,driveway,sidewalks,etc.)
Good Luck to you in all your gardening endeavours!