Question
We are building a house and received 3-D pictures of what the house will look
like. Is there a program (free if possible)that will allow me to put my actual
house in and add landscaping to it ? I have a general idea on how I want the
landscape laid out. But I would like to see it next to the house. Thank you  

Answer
I use special software (i.e. expensive!) in my work, but for the average homeowner, here is a good website to compare the offerings out there in 2009 ?all for under $100:

http://landscaping-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Here are three 揻ree?programs, but I have not tried any of them, nor have i seen any reviews of them:
http://download.cnet.com/windows/landscape-design-software/

Now, I like 揻ree?too, but you get what you pay for.  There is Google抯 free SketchUp program, but the learning curve to create a 搇andscape plan?instead of a blocky, architectural plan from this software is pretty steep.  I抳e seen some amazing things created in SketchUp, but from folks that really applied themselves (i.e., they 搒pent?time ?lots of it ?instead of money) learning the limits of this neat bit of software.

There are websites like showoff.com that will 揾elp?you design your landscape, but there is a catch to the 揻ree?aspect of it.  If you want prints of the design, they will charge you.  Plus, you抳e given them information that can be used to market to you more stuff...  My mailbox is full enough without getting more solicitations.

Hope it helps ~Marc