You've seen them. Those small, prefab, multipurpose buildings used as tool sheds, storage rooms, workshops and sometimes even a "doghouse" for the alpha male of the family banished from the living quarters by the real leader of the pack.

The floating buildings usually appear to hover above the ground, resting upon whatever combination of concrete blocks it takes to make them level.

Last fall, my dad purchased a custom-built one, 12 by 20 feet with an extra window, an opening for a air conditioner and roofing, all set on concrete blocks.

My husband, an electrician, was glad to install the necessary wiring. Dad put in ceiling tile, paneling and a linoleum floor. Now, Dad's little "castle in the air" is almost too elegant to use as a workshop, and my guys are supremely satisfied. But, in my opinion, the castle needs more -- I want to see it blend in with the rest of the backyard landscape.

Coming up with a design to bring the "castle" down to earth was challenging. I sought the help of a professional. (Asking someone who designs landscapes on a daily basis, knows what materials work best and knows what's available seemed more like a brilliant idea than an admission of failure.)

You'd think that landscape designers aren't very busy now, but winter is when many are preparing designs for the planting season. Nelsa Cox, from The Garden Hut in Fuquay-Varina, however, managed to fit me in. After providing her with a photograph of the building, the soil type (sandy), the sun/shade exposures and a budget, Cox went to work.

Mapping out a plan

To help visualize her plan, Cox used a handy-dandy paint applicator to draw an outline of the proposed garden on the ground around the building. Right away, we could see the size and shape of the plan.

Cox chose a mix of dense, low-growing shrubs and otherplants that at maturity will remain in scale with the small structure and not appear to devour it. The shrubs would fill the space beneath the building in a couple of growing seasons.

Once established, the drought-tolerant plants require little maintenance. Added shade would cool the building in the summer.

Cox also included a small birdbath for whimsy and to provide water for birds that will be attracted to the new shrubbery. A boulder at the entrance would add a sturdy, masculine element and balance to the design.

The workshop, with plants echoing the colors of the perennials and evergreen shrubs surrounding the house, would become a focal point in Dad's back yard, a former warm-season lawn of about 1.75 acres of old timber and some recently planted pines.

Ask the right questions

If landscaping on your own seems overwhelming, you may want to consider guidance from a professional. Be prepared. You should:

* Ask prospective candidates how they calculate their fees before making an appointment. Fees vary. An on-site consultation with a landscape design professional can range from $60 to $150 an hour, and some charge for travel time.

* Assess your needs and then make a list. Whether you're beginning fresh or already have some areas landscaped and need help pulling the plan together, or you've moved into an existing landscape full of plants that you haven't a clue how to care for or you'd like to move plants into a more pleasing configuration, designers can help. Think about what plants you enjoy (perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, herbs, fruits, vegetables) and your favorite color schemes.

* Submit photographs of the area you wish to landscape, noting sun or shade exposures, types of soil, drainage or drought issues.

* Set a budget.

Getting professional help took the burden of designing the garden off my shoulder. We can install the basics now and add finishing touches in stages. It all might change the name of Dad's workshop. Perhaps we'll call it the Fancyshop, a special place where he can turn out wooden bowls and elegant furniture, or whatever strikes his fancy.

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