Landscape Design in Lexington & Central Kentucky
Thoughtful Planning + Beautiful Outdoor Spaces + Native-Smart Solutions
Landscape design is about more than choosing plants or adding features. A well-designed landscape considers how a site functions, how people move through it, how it changes over time, and how it connects to the surrounding environment.
At EARTHeim Landscape Design, I create intentional outdoor spaces that balance beauty, function, and ecological health. Designs are tailored to each property and client, with careful attention to site conditions, long-term maintenance, and how the space will actually be used.
What Is Landscape Design?
Landscape design is the process of thoughtfully planning an outdoor space before installation begins. It provides a clear, cohesive vision that guides decisions about layout, plant selection, materials, and functionality.
A good design:
- Responds to the site’s sun, soil, drainage, and existing features
- Supports how you live and move through your outdoor space
- Prevents costly mistakes and unnecessary rework
- Creates a landscape that improves with time rather than struggling to survive
Design allows you to move forward with confidence—whether you plan to install the project yourself or work with a contractor.
Why Invest in a Landscape Design?
A landscape design is an investment in clarity.
Without a plan, outdoor projects often become piecemeal: plants fail, layouts feel awkward, and money is spent reacting instead of building toward a clear goal. Design brings intention and direction to the process.
Clients often choose landscape design because they want:
- A cohesive, functional outdoor space
- Clear guidance before making financial commitments
- Solutions to drainage, shade, or plant failure issues
- A long-term plan that can be installed in phases
Design helps align expectations, budget, and outcomes—before work begins.
What’s Included in a Landscape Design
Every project is unique, but most landscape designs include:
- A scaled site plan showing layout, planting areas, and features
- A planting plan with species selected for site conditions and longevity
- Thoughtful use of mostly native plants suited to Central Kentucky
- Guidance on structure, spacing, and seasonal interest
- Consideration of drainage, access, privacy, and circulation
- A written design summary outlining intent and recommendations
Designs are delivered digitally and can be printed for reference, bidding, or phased installation.
The Design Process
Landscape design begins with an on-site consultation, where we walk the property together and discuss goals, challenges, and possibilities. From there, the design process typically includes:
- Site Analysis
Observing sun exposure, soil conditions, drainage, existing vegetation, and constraints. - Concept Development
Establishing the overall layout, spatial organization, and design direction. - Design Refinement
Developing planting and material selections and refining details based on feedback. - Final Design Delivery
Providing a complete, usable design plan and written summary.
Clients are involved throughout the process and have opportunities to review and refine the design before it is finalized.
Who Landscape Design Is For
Landscape design is a good fit if you:
- Want a cohesive plan before installing or renovating your landscape
- Are dealing with drainage, shade, or failing plantings
- Want to use native plants thoughtfully and successfully
- Prefer a long-term vision rather than short-term fixes
- Plan to install in phases and want a clear roadmap
Design services are available for residential properties in and around Lexington, Kentucky.
Design Fees
Landscape design fees vary based on project size, complexity, and scope. Design typically represents a small portion of the overall landscape investment but plays a critical role in avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring long-term success.
Projects begin with a paid landscape consultation, which helps determine whether design services are the right next step and what level of design is appropriate.
Sustainable & Ecological Design Philosophy
My design approach is rooted in ecology and respect for place. Whenever possible, I prioritize native plants that support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy soil systems. Designs are informed by site conditions rather than forcing plants or materials to fit where they don’t belong.
This approach results in landscapes that:
- Are more resilient and lower maintenance over time
- Support local ecosystems
- Function better within Central Kentucky’s climate
- Feel grounded and appropriate to their surroundings
Sustainability is not treated as a trend, but as a foundation for good design.
Client Experience & Collaboration
Landscape design is a collaborative process. Clients are encouraged to ask questions, share preferences, and engage in the design conversation. My role is to provide professional guidance, honest feedback, and realistic solutions—while respecting how each client wants to use and care for their space.
The goal is not just a finished plan, but clarity and confidence moving forward.
The Next Step Toward Your Dream Outdoor Space
The first step toward landscape design is an on-site consultation. This allows us to evaluate your property, discuss goals, and determine the best path forward.
Request a Consultation to begin the process.
Hello!
I’m Katrina, the owner, designer, and operator of EARTHeim. I will meet you for the consultation, create your design, and plan for its installation
Too far away but need a landscape designer for your project?
I offer Virtual Designs.
Project Inquiries and Schedules
You may contact me at anytime of the year to inquire about your project.
EARTHeim typically has a waitlist. The waitlist depends on the time of the year of your inquiry and current workload. The completion time depends on the time of year, communications and scheduling, project size and complexity.
Overall scheduling: It is best to contact me at the latest by December about your project if you’d like an installation during the following planting season. If we will be completing an installation for you, I like to order plants early in the year to get best availability. Timelines will vary based upon current work queue, size and complexity of the project. I generally work on designs in the order clients provide agreement.
Consultations: All Year (weather depending)
Consultations are typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks. During the busier months, this may extend 2-3 weeks.
Landscape Designs: All Year but mainly November-April
It is best to contact me from March through December about landscape design to be completed by the following year’s planting season. Completion of the design depends on my current workload and the size of the project. I work on designs all year, but design work is slower during our prime installation months of May-October.
Planting Installations: May-October
Planting begins when spring weather allows. We can usually plant with certainty by mid May. We wrap up planting installations within the month of October. Plants need time to establish their roots before freezing weather.
Hardscape Installations: All Year (weather depending)
We can work on hardscape installations anytime of the year. Work can continue during the winter months as weather allows. Winter is a nice time for hardscaping work so the warmer months can be spent on planting installations.