DON'T BE LED DOWN WRONG GARDEN PATH.

Byline: JANE GATES Gardening

SANTA CLARITA - Although there are plenty of things to do in the garden with weeding, cleanup, sprinkler repair and all the new bare-root goodies being sold at retail outlets, the winter is also a good time to consider redesigning an old garden or planning out a new one.

Especially when the weather makes it uncomfortable to work outdoors, thumbing through all the wonderful possibilities available in catalogs can get one's imagination soaring. And even if you are not into catalogs, this is a good time to make plans for spring changes.

If you have a new piece of property, then this is the perfect time to get those plans into action.

There are a number of good books on planning a garden that you can consult. The Internet has a ton of information as well. If you are doing your own plan, you might want to call in a garden designer for a one-time consultation so you don't make any mistakes that will prove to be costly in the future, to expand your horticultural or design knowledge, or to get any questions answered.

Mistakes can become frighteningly expensive down the line, so whatever it costs to reduce those potential problems at the start will likely be well worth the expense. Some garden designers are artistic, some know their plants, some are savvy in construction and some have a combination of these skills. Some can do rough or finished designs. Decide what you need, then choose the designer with the best matching skills.

If you call in a landscaper for plans, realize price will probably be commensurate with results. Many landscapers use the formula approach, adapting your space to a few basic designs they have learned or bought. Landscapers are adept in installing the hardscapes and softscapes of most gardens; few are artists or horticulturists. Some landscapers do offer more creative designs, but you should plan on paying extra for the expertise.

Landscape architects are usually more artistic and some of them are knowledgeable about plants. Do not make the assumption an architect has the qualities you want without finding out first. Like landscapers and garden designers, architects vary greatly in ability, specialty and price. If you get quotes, keep this in mind and chose carefully. Sometimes it is worth paying extra if it gets you what you need and avoids future disasters.

Make sure you are comfortable with the person you choose to work with. If you want your garden done without much of your time or input, then make sure the person or company you choose has done garden styles you like. If you have your own ideas, then make sure your designer will listen to you rather than selling you on his or her tastes.