From an article in the VA Gazette by Cortney Langley Dec 2008, Charlie Martino credits three R’s for Cooke’s Gardens popularity: Reputation, repeat customers, referrals. Cooke’s Landscaping topped the Gazette’s “Best of” awards for 2008.
“We become more friends — more a part of their businesses and their homes — than being viewed as a contractor,” operations manager Martino explained.
Although the 20-year-old company won in the landscaping category, Martino believes it’s the entire package of garden center, Christmas store and landscaping business that sets Cooke’s apart.
“We’re the only full-service gig in town,” he said.
Cooke’s is known for seeing projects from haplessness to happiness. Weekend workshops offer free design help for guests who walk in with surveys and snapshots of their front yard. Clerks help with ideas in the outdoor pavilion, which offers outdoor leisure ideas. They also aid with plant selection.
If the clients don’t want to dig for themselves, Cooke’s offers three landscaping crews who can plant whole gardens and lay out irrigation systems. Three more maintenance crews can tend to the new horizon.
The company is also well regarded for innovation, especially helping to promote rain harvesting and green roofs. Both ideas are worked into plans Martino and owners Jeff and Karen Schell have to replace the 5,000-square-foot garden center next year. Located along Powhatan Creek along Jamestown Road, reducing stormwater run-off is a priority for the new place, Martino said. The design calls for a demonstration green roof that gathers rain in its foliage and soils. Cooke’s has partnered with College of William & Mary students on a project to monitor the quantity, quality and temperature of run-off before and after installation.
Cooke’s is also working with Williamsburg Sentara Regional Medical Center on plans to build a 16,000-squarefoot green roof over the lobby of the new hospital, which he estimated to run $300,000 project. The hospital was constructed with support for the green roof.
The company is a big supporter of the Williamsburg Botanical Gardens, donating plants and expertise to the nonprofit, as well as sitting on its board of directors. Cooke’s also supports the United Way, YMCA, Housing Partnerships and the Colonial Services Board through memberships, director positions, donations and volunteer time.
Cooke’s belongs to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, which Martino credited for its growth and success. They work extensively with other local businesses, including Great Wolf Lodge, Anheuser-Busch and Chesapeake Bank, among others.
| Deli restaurant 1. New York Deli 2. Florimonte’s Fine Foods 3. Paul’s Deli Candy store 1.Wythe Candy 2. The Candy Store 3. Coco Chocalatier Wireless network 1. Verizon 2. Sprint 3. Alltel Best customer service 1. Buon Amici 2. The Whaling Company 3. Absolute Tan Place to work out 1. Iron Bound Gym 2. JCC-W Comm. Center 3. Williamsburg Jewelers |
Jewelry store 1. Williamsburg Jewelers 2. Precious Gem 3. Zales Local youth coach 1. Chris Jones 2. Chris Stephano 3. Kim Owens Kid’s birthday party 1. Great Wolf Lodge 2. Kidsburg 3. Jumping Joey’s Best makeout spot 1. Colonial Parkway 2. Crim Dell Bridge 3. College Creek |
Filed under: Best of Williamsburg 2008, williamsburg va Tagged: | best of williamsburg va
