Counting plants and typing descriptions from a large design plan takes hours. Short answer: use ChatGPT (the workflow in the source used ChatGPT with an uploaded plan). Free option: Claude. The workflow has 5 steps and 2 copy-paste prompt(s); expect a table of plants with common/Latin names, sizes and counts, unclear items marked CHECK, then an order sheet. Main caution: Counts and sizes can be wrong. The podcast host stresses double-checking: ordering the wrong container size can cost real money.
The problem
Counting plants and typing descriptions from a large design plan takes hours.
Recommended tools
ChatGPTThe workflow in the source used ChatGPT with an uploaded plan.
Free; paid plans per user - see https://chatgpt.com/pricing
ClaudeFree plan also accepts uploaded images/PDFs.
Free; Pro $20/mo ($17/mo annual); Max from $100/moEditorial opinion based on the vendor capabilities and prices listed in our tools directory. Not paid placements; prices as checked Oct 2026 and may change. Compare all use cases →
All tools mentioned
Step-by-step workflow
- Export the plan as a clear PDF or high-resolution screenshot with the legend visible.
- Upload it and ask for a plant schedule (prompt below).
- Check counts against the plan, especially repeated symbols and grouped plantings.
- Confirm container sizes against the design spec before ordering.
- Reformat the list into an order sheet.
Copy-paste prompts
Create a full plant list from this landscape plan with: common name, Latin name, size/container, quantity, and spacing if shown. Use the plan's legend. If a symbol or quantity is unclear, mark it CHECK instead of guessing. [upload plan]
Reformat this plant list into an order sheet grouped by container size, with a total per size and a blank price column: [paste list].
What to expect
A table of plants with common/Latin names, sizes and counts, unclear items marked CHECK, then an order sheet.
Limits & safety
- Counts and sizes can be wrong. The podcast host stresses double-checking: ordering the wrong container size can cost real money.
- The guest said it is not accurate for hardscape takeoffs; use it for plants and other countable items.
Source / inspired by
- Think AI Will Destroy Landscape Design? Think Again (Sales Made Simple podcast, ep. 163) — Ryan King (King Landscape Design) with host Joshua Gillow, Jul 2026. Ryan King describes uploading a plan to ChatGPT with the prompt "create a full generated plant list with common name, Latin name, plant sizes". Accuracy statements are his own experience. Summarized in our own words.