Cheryl Corson Design, LLC: Services

Consultations

The first step in any project is an on-site meeting. Cheryl Corson will discuss your project with you and look at the site in detail. She will ask you lots of questions and offer initial design direction. The scope of work, phasing, budget, site constraints and opportunities will all be realistically discussed. Notes are taken to capture the key points in the conversation.

During this meeting Cheryl will be able to estimate what subsequent design services you'll need and the time and resources involved. Her verbal estimate will be followed by a written proposal within a few days. By the end of your consultation you'll know enough about your project to proceed with confidence.

Integrated Design

Cheryl's training encompasses the complete outdoor environment. Your project may involve site reorganization or even starting completely "from scratch." You may need to address circulation issues, parking, enclosure, seating, lighting, drainage, planting, storage and more. You may have special needs, like placing outdoor sculpture, installing an outdoor kitchen, designing for dogs, kids or aging residents. Your design will benefit from considering all these elements in an integrated way as early in the process as possible.

Landscape Renewal

Gardens and landscapes constantly grow and change. Predictably, they need periodic reconsideration. Cheryl Corson can help adjust your space to your changing needs and those of your site. Sometimes a mature garden needs only fine tuning to highlight its best features. Other times, major changes in and around the space require more concerted intervention. This type of design is conducted with utmost respect for precedent whether historic or sentimental. Ecological factors are recognized and brought into play to generate a renewed sustainable landscape.

Planting Plans

Cheryl loves plants. She has gardened since the 1970s and is always learning more about ecology, native species, micro-climate, soils and more. She loves to design planting plans that take into consideration the mix of evergreen and deciduous plants, a steady period of bloom in the garden, client's favorite colors and seasons, fall and winter color, and the overall personality of the garden as expressed through plants. Whether you know plants or are just learning, Cheryl will introduce you to plants you'll fawn over.

Enclosure & Ornament

Once an outdoor space is designed, appropriate fencing, metal railings, seating, planters, and other details can make it truly distinctive. Pieces of garden art, such as mosaic, sculpture, cast glass, sundials, bells, and fountains, are available to further enhance spaces of any size. Even recycled glass mulch, large quartz crystals, fossils and hand-picked boulders can have places of honor in the garden. Cheryl Corson's relationships with artists and craftsmen make items available to her clients that are not readily accessible in stores or online. There will be a great attention to these details during the course of your project.

Construction Oversight

Implementing designs for outdoor spaces can require the services of many craftspeople: masons, carpenters, electricians, and arborists to name a few. For those who prefer, Cheryl can contract for installation services on your behalf using her established network of skilled and licensed professionals. Cheryl visits project sites during construction to make sure that your design is built to specifications. Issues that arise on the job are quickly addressed so the integrity of your design is maintained.

Ongoing Work

It's been said that gardening is the slowest of the performing arts. This is why working with Cheryl Corson Design can be a long term relationship. Your landscape may need to be implemented in phases over time, or simply adjusted as conditions evolve. You may want assistance with or education about caring for your perennials, shrubs and trees, either seasonally or annually. With the help of trained Master Gardeners, we can help with hand pruning, dividing, seasonal chores and even autumn bulb planting to guarantee you the earliest possible bloom in spring.

Playgrounds

Cheryl Corson is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), trained by the National Playground Safety Institute to conduct audits and periodic inspections for public playgrounds. She provides clients with detailed drawings and a confidential report showing how their space compares with existing national standards and guidelines and where improvements can be made. Design recommendations can be part of this service. Clients include the World Bank, U.S. Department of Energy, and D.C. Public Schools. For more, see Cheryl's articles on outdoor environments for children.

Teaching

Cheryl enjoys sharing her expertise with the public. She has taught landscape design extensively at the college and university level (see About Cheryl), and continues to teach landscape design classes at the U.S. Botanic Garden twice each year. Contact Cheryl to schedule a workshop or public presentation for your organization.