When I started teaching, my school already had some software purchased. I had no part in selecting it and have no idea what it cost. I do really like the program and I have done many "landscapes" with a downloaded picture. The software is called PROLandscape by drafix.com. I tihnk it would do everything you could want it to do and it is not hard to learn. The cost is a little high (I think), the website said around $1,300. This would mean you could put it on one computer at a time - not great for the classroom setting.

I have also seen cheaper programs on a rack at Walmart, you could probably buy many copies of these for an affordable price. I don't know good these are. Good luck!

The landscape design software that our school recently purchased is called Realtime Landscaping Pro from IDEA Spectrum. (If you google that, you should find their website). The cost is relatively cheap ($99) and there are educational discounts. The program is easy to use and there are some really cool features with it. You can also update photos of a property and add designs to it. It also has a cool walk through feature. My students really enjoy using it.

I use ProLandscape and I would recommend it. Highly technical, but easy to get started using it also. They do update fairly frequently, but they will work with you on a site license for just a little more than the price earlier quoted.

I would recommend talking with Drafix on their software.

ME