Work & Reviews
La Jolla
This La Jolla project converted a traditional lawn into an undulating under-the-sea garden feature loved by the resident and community.
The resident wanted a feast for the eyes in texture and color, match the beach atmosphere, yet be a comfortable place to have a Zen moment on the cat bench and gaze at the ocean view. Wonderful whimsical elements were incorporated into the design that keeps your eye wandering to discover more. With waterwise plants, curvy paths, onyx boulders, unique wood, glass, rocks and Talavera pottery, the installation came together in a harmonious and delightful way.
My Home.
Where my love affair for plants could finally be put on display. Once we removed all of the lawn and tired plants, I teamed up with San Diego Garden Concierge to create an Earth Friendly garden. My design vision was to create spaces where my family could quietly lounge and enjoy the hummingbirds finding every flower and where we could come together, eat, drink and be merry. My selection of plants, rocks, boulders and trees puts on display how a textural and colorful garden can be composed using a wide variety of waterwise plants. In meeting all of the criteria, we proudly display our Earth Friendly sign at the garden entrance to inspire others to convert their patch of nature into something all living things can enjoy.
Maryam’s Review
“We are really delighted with the garden Cheri has designed for us. She very quickly understood what my husband and I were trying to achieve, but really added value by suggesting design options that we had not considered ourselves. Her design reflected and built on our particular planting likes and dislikes. She naturally relates to her clients, is highly creative and has a strong yet simple design ethos. Cheri listens well and her designs reflect the clients’ ideas whilst at the same time providing gentle guidance to an improved outcome. She is very helpful in purchasing plants and materials and looks out for special deals to keep the cost down.
Nearly a year later the garden is well established and the planting is thriving. We are really pleased with the garden from our initial discussions with Cheri to how it looks now.
I would have no hesitation to work with Cheri again and have recommended her to many friends.”
Werris Creek
This garden needed some pizzazz and to address San Diego’s drought conditions. My design incorporated a desire to capture rain water onsite, be low maintenance, and create a unique experience in the sea of bland HOA front gardens. I again teamed up with San Diego Garden Concierge and utilized the Earth Friendly criteria to create this arroyo themed garden. My design incorporated sitting nooks to commune with neighbors, a variety of waterwise plants that provide house privacy on this corner lot, and inspire others on the possibilities. The garden has been enjoyed by all including the local elementary school doing a walking field trip to the garden to discuss this arroyo setting.
Jeanne’s Garden
Jeanne was ready for something other than the typical HOA lawn! She wanted the garden to be interesting, waterwise, and easy to maintain. She loved the results and finds joy in her daily rambles in the garden to see what has changed. Jeanne’s neighbors tell her often how lovely the garden is and ask about plant names. Her HOA was so delighted with the results, her garden was showcased in the newsletter and honored as “Garden Of the Month”.
Susan’s Getaway
Susan had a clean slate in her patio garden, no plants or furniture. She wanted a beachy vibe, waterwise plants, and easy to maintain garden. With free reign to use items found in the garage, I had great fun creating many beachy themed artful areas. I also solved design problems such as big blank walls by building an wood slice mantel with lanterns, shells and glass for a sitting area focal point and put an old surfboard to good use in a planter surrounded by grasses.
Lisa’s Review.
I have been working with Cheri at Inspired Garden Designs for almost two years and must say how thrilled I am to have Cheri in my garden! — She plant shops at many different local nurseries, large and small, if necessary, to find what you’re looking for or to find that unique piece to set off the final touch ! We have planted an olive tree, fuchsias, roses, an organic vegetable garden, unique succulents, shade and sun plants. Cheri also created a mini citrus grove (lemon, lime and mandarin oranges) including a fig tree and a variety of herbs. She has a magic touch.
No job is too big or too small for Cheri. Tending, feeding, planting, and nurturing plants, flowers and trees is her passion, and it shows. Every time Cheri has spent time in my garden, I am happy and fulfilled, and the flowers and trees are, too! Both are equally important!
-- See the rest of the review in the review section below!
Starlight Glen
Jena needed a no fuss garden to meet her busy schedule. She wanted to find ways to conserve water since we are in a drought as well as to save money. So out came the lawn and high maintenance palm tree and in came a helpful path, a variety of durable waterwise plants, pots and bird bath, and a wave of border rocks to discourage the neighborhood dogs. Jena couldn’t have been more pleased with the finished garden.
Reviews
Review from Alison Rancho Penasquitos
“I am very happy to write and highly recommend ‘Inspired Garden Designs’ and, in particular, owner Cheryl Pryatel, for any of your outdoor garden/yard projects. A few years ago, completely lacking in any direction and ideas, I turned to Inspired Garden Designs for help. It is no understatement to say that with her steady hands, and artistic flair, Cheryl turned what was a patch of drought scorched dirt into a beautiful oasis, pleasing to the eye, and easy to maintain. Cheryl listens and incorporates your own personal style and preferences into a workable garden, taking into account all of the individual and underlying factors of each project. She constantly goes the extra mile to ensure that you are happy with her choices and ideas. Her individual care and touches show through again and again. Cheryl is a wealth of information and knowledge and brings that with her every day she visits your garden. She is a great communicator and will always keep you apprised every step of the way.
Gardening has never been a great hobby of mine, but Cheryl has enlightened me and educated me on the joys of spending time outside with plants, no matter how limited that may be. I have discovered a new way of relaxing and enjoying my ‘outside home’ now that Inspired Garden Designs has left its footprint on my property. Therefore, it is with no hesitation whatsoever that I recommend you invite Inspired Garden Designs into your corner of the world and allow Cheryl to transform it into a peaceful and relaxing haven.”
Review from Eileen University City
“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to enthusiastically recommend Inspired Garden Design for the redesign or enhancement of gardens. Quite by chance, my husband and I met the delightful Cheri Pryatel, owner of this landscaping business, and it has been a life changing encounter for our family. We lived in our home for many years but never enjoyed our garden to the extent we should. After an initial consultation, Cheri worked tirelessly to transform our three yards into places we can relax and admire. She suggested designs and groupings, always taking our thoughts into consideration.
Cheri economically incorporated plants and pots we already had with new plants and gorgeous pots, purchased at discounts that we would never have found. Cheri provided a complete concierge service doing all the shopping and transporting, and had our complete confidence that we could rely on her taste and consideration of our wallet. She brought us great products at great prices.
We have an ongoing relationship. Cheri refreshes her plantings and offers advice to help us do maintenance as needed. We now enjoy our garden the way it should be appreciated and are proud to share it with family and friends. This has been especially important during the Covid-19 pandemic. We can enjoy meeting up with family and friends in a relaxed mood in attractive, healthy surroundings.
Thank you Cheri - you and Inspired Garden Designs are the best!”
Review from Lisa San Diego
“I have been working with Cheri at Inspired Garden Designs for almost two years and must say how thrilled I am to have Cheri in my garden! Cheri is very detailed, methodical, and has a good eye for what will thrive in the garden. She recommends many different species that will add character and charm to the garden, and also listens to my ideas. Cheri pays close attention to every leaf, tree, flower, and pest and any other unwelcome disease that could be affecting the growth and nurturing of the flowers, plants and trees. She is environmentally friendly and is very careful not to disturb natural habitats that benefit the landscape. Cheri has also provided a concierge service. She plant shops at many different local nurseries, large and small, if necessary, to find what you’re looking for or to find that unique piece to set off the final touch ! We have planted an olive tree, fuchsias, roses, an organic vegetable garden, unique succulents, shade and sun plants. Cheri also created a mini citrus grove (lemon, lime and mandarin oranges) including a fig tree and a variety of herbs. She has a magic touch. Cheri also knows exactly how to prune flowers and trees to help them achieve their greatest potential. I needed her desperately in this area. No job is too big or too small for Cheri. Tending, feeding, planting, and nurturing plants, flowers and trees is her passion, and it shows. Every time Cheri has spent time in my garden, I am happy and fulfilled, and the flowers and trees are, too! Both are equally important!”
Review from Susan Carlsbad
“I wanted to express my gratitude to you for the incredible job you did designing and transforming my front yard, courtyard, side yard and backyard for my new house.I was so relieved that you did the complete plan that met my HOA requirements! I appreciated your innovative, staged planting plan, and that you even helped me buy the over 30 different kinds of succulents.
I have gotten so many compliments on my yard and 3 neighbors have already asked for your help with their yards. They are amazed with the nifty "water" fountain, the surfboard planter and the seashell filled mantle in my courtyard. I love that you even created a cool area in the front yard that I can plant with seasonal annuals. During Covid, I have enjoyed six different areas outside where I can escape to relax. Thank you for making my house a real home.”
Review from Linda Rancho Bernardo
“We wanted to redo our front yard, which was very boring. When it came time to do it, we realized we could not clearly articulate our vision, other than wanting rocks and succulents, and had absolutely no clue how to begin. I reached out to Cheryl, founder of Inspired Garden Designs, after I had viewed photographs of other projects she had designed. What an artist she is! She patiently listened to our vague ideas and from that, provided us with a couple of design options. She captured what we wanted AND she spent time going to various plant nurseries, rock yards and pottery locations to help us select what we needed. (Note: Her contractor discount really helped us save money!) I recommend Cheryl and the team at Inspired Garden Designs! After more than 18 months, everything still looks great and I have a big smile on my face whenever I see it.”
Review from Jena Escondido
“I knew that my rental property needed a low maintenance and water conscious solution. I had grass and a giant palm that just took too much maintenance and felt totally wrong for the months of hot weather. I reached out to Cheryl at Inspired Garden Designs to do an overhaul. Not only did I need her to match the style of the backyard and existing front yard foliage but she also had to design under my HOA’s strict guidelines. I gave her a lot of freedom when it came to plant choices and design. I wanted it to make sense for renters via hearty plants and water conscious choices as well as be pleasing to the eye. She nailed it! She took the time to connect the plants and design to the space. She choose interesting plants and made a path where it felt natural to walk. She understands form, function and longevity. I choose to sell that home this year and the new owners had truly fallen in love with the landscape first. Thank you so much Cheri!”