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 thoughtful landscape considers how people move through a space, how the site functions over time, and how the landscape connects to the surrounding environment.
At EARTHeim, 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 and experienced.
My work often incorporates native and pollinator-supportive plantings, naturalistic design principles, and thoughtful hardscape planning to create landscapes that feel grounded, cohesive, and lasting.
EARTHeim offers both landscape design and installation services throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky.
Landscape Design Services
EARTHeim offers thoughtful landscape design services for residential properties throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky. Projects range from smaller garden renovations to larger property master plans and outdoor living spaces.
Services may include:
- Foundation planting and landscape bed design
- Native plant and pollinator-friendly landscapes
- Backyard gathering spaces and garden retreats
- Patio, pathway, and hardscape planning
- Drainage and grading-focused landscape solutions
- Privacy screening and layered planting designs
- Woodland edge and naturalistic plantings
- Phased landscape master planning
- Renovation of overgrown or outdated landscapes
- Planting plans designed for long-term success and manageable maintenance
Too far away but need a landscape designer for your project?
I offer Virtual Designs.
What’s Included in a Landscape Design
Every project is unique, but most landscape designs include a combination of the following:
- A scaled site plan showing the overall landscape layout
- Planting plans tailored to site conditions, sunlight, drainage, and maintenance goals
- Thoughtful plant selections with seasonal interest and long-term growth in mind
- Guidance on hardscape layout, circulation, and spatial organization
- Recommendations for materials, screening, focal points, and landscape structure
- Consideration of grading, drainage, and existing site constraints
- Design notes and recommendations to help guide installation
Depending on the scope of the project, designs may also include phased planning, outdoor living concepts, naturalized planting areas, habitat-focused strategies, or renovation recommendations for existing landscapes.
The Design Process
1. Consultation
Projects begin with an on-site consultation where we walk the property together, discuss goals, identify challenges, and explore possibilities for the space.
2. Site Analysis & Concept Development
After the consultation, site conditions such as sunlight, drainage, circulation, existing vegetation, and spatial relationships are evaluated to help guide the overall design direction.
3. Design Refinement
Plant selections, layout details, material ideas, and overall organization are refined as the design develops. Clients have opportunities to review and provide feedback throughout the process.
4. Final Design Delivery
Once finalized, the completed landscape design package is delivered digitally for review, reference, contractor bidding, or phased implementation.
Clients are involved throughout the process and have opportunities to review and refine the design before it is finalized.
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.
Design Scheduling & Installation Planning
Landscape projects are scheduled throughout the year based on season, project scope, and current workload.
Because planting installations are highly seasonal and require coordination of scheduling, materials, and plant availability, design+installation projects are prioritized during the active installation season.
Design-only projects are primarily scheduled during the slower design season, typically September through December, though limited availability may occasionally open at other times of year.
Clients hoping to move forward with a landscape installation are encouraged to contact EARTHeim between October and January whenever possible. This allows time for consultation, design development, revisions, estimating, scheduling coordination, and plant sourcing prior to the active planting season.
February through April are typically focused on finalizing designs, installation proposals, scheduling, and preparation for spring and early summer installations.
For clients hoping to complete an installation during the following planting season, it is best to begin the consultation and design process as early as possible. Advance planning allows for better scheduling coordination and improved plant availability.
Project timelines vary depending on:
- Time of year
- Current project queue
- Project size and complexity
- Client review and communication timelines
Consultations are offered throughout the year, weather permitting.
Design Fees
Landscape design fees vary based on project size, complexity, and overall scope.
Most residential landscape designs begin around:
- Small landscape areas: starting around $1,000
- Partial property designs: typically around $2,000+
- Larger or more complex properties: often $3,000–$4,000+
Projects involving extensive grading, drainage planning, hardscape design, or larger master plans may exceed these ranges.
All projects begin with a paid consultation, which helps determine project goals, scope, and the most appropriate design approach.
For additional pricing information related to landscape design and installation services, please visit the Pricing page.
Ecological & Site-Responsive Design
My design approach is rooted in ecology and respect for place. Whenever appropriate, I prioritize native and well-adapted plants that support pollinators, wildlife, and healthier ecological systems while also considering long-term maintenance and seasonal beauty.
Rather than forcing a landscape to fit a trend or style, designs are developed in response to the property itself — including sunlight, drainage, existing vegetation, architecture, and how the space will actually be used over time.
The goal is to create outdoor spaces that feel grounded, functional, resilient, and connected to their surroundings.
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.
