Q: We would like to do much of the work for our landscaping but we need a solid plan. How do we get someone to make up a plan and refer us to someone to do the really heavy work?

A: One of the best ways is to attend a meeting of the Georgia Perennial Plant Association (www.georgiaperennial.org). Meetings are free and open to the public. If you ask the person at the registration table, they will send you to several people in attendance to get their recommendations. Another idea is to attend spring garden tours. Many of the homes on display have used the services of this region’s gifted garden designers. I have more suggestions on choosing a landscape designer at xrl.us/chooselandscaper.