Creative Control of Your Landscape Design
The Evolution of GardenSoft
Gerry Kiffe, founder of Acacia Software, created PlantMaster, a plant database, in 1986. He sold the first copy of PlantMaster at a trade show in 1989. His background as a landscape contractor led to a unique software program that was practical for other contractors, landscape architects and designers.
Photographer: Vickie Anderson
In 1998, Gerry met Mark Chilcott, a software engineer. Together they created a new company, GardenSoft. Mark redesigned PlantMaster and took it to a new level of user friendliness and practicality.
Gerry and Mark saw the need for water conservation in the typical landscape. They created many websites with examples of water-efficient landscapes, partnering with water districts and municipalities.
In 2019 Gerry left GardenSoft to form another company. Anne and Mark Chilcott took sole ownership of GardenSoft and now focus exclusively on creating Water Wise Landscape websites.
Today, our partner sites span communities across California and the western United States, each tailored to the local climate and plant palette. Every project is a collaboration — we provide the technology and design while water district staff and local photographers contribute the regional expertise that makes each site uniquely useful to the homeowners it serves.
Looking ahead, we continue to expand our network of partner districts, refine our plant database, and add new features that help residents make informed, water-wise choices for their landscapes.
How We Help Homeowners
GardenSoft sites help the homeowner who is looking for:
- The right plant (example: what do I plant in a dry shady spot?).
- The perfect garden theme (Mediterranean, Japanese, California Native).
- The ideal fence, gazebo, gate, trellis, etc. (many hardscape ideas).
The Friendly Folks at GardenSoft
Our websites are for the virtual traveler: stroll through creative gardens which will trigger ideas for YOUR front yard, patio, balcony, parking strip, front porch, vegetable garden, walkway and back yard.
