--- title: "Plan-it Earth Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/plan-it-earth-design-pfvwus-pf~1166028621 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1166028621.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Plan-it Earth Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/69f3855e0f73d330_0768-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Portland, Oregon 97214, United States" latitude: 45.5142 longitude: -122.6364 phone: "(503) 239-0105" website: http://www.plan-it-earthdesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 18 followers: 212 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Plan-it Earth Design Original Houzz profile: [Plan-it Earth Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/plan-it-earth-design-pfvwus-pf~1166028621) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Portland, OR - **Serves:** Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Lents, Cedar Mill, Oak Grove, Oatfield, Gladstone, Oak Hills, Damascus, Cedar Hills, West Haven-Sylvan, Jennings Lodge, Garden Home-Whitford, West Slope, Sunnyside, Clackamas, Raleigh Hills, West Haven, Metzger, Durham, Maywood Park, Fairview, Rivergrove, Johnson City, Mill Plain, Vancouver - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves Landscape Layouts for Living while Protecting the Planet. Specializing in rain gardens, soil life and water efficient & native plantings that are diverse and texturally interesting through the year, while providing an inviting space for entertaining your friends and family. Welcoming to people, pollinators, pets and wildlife. We offer garden coaching to master plans, from concept through completion. Do it yourself or get a referral for a licensed landscape contractor to install your garden for you. Collaborate with us to create your own garden sanctuary today! Expand your vision - Improve your view. Home of Design-on-the-Fly for the Homeowner on a Budget. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Drafting - rain garden design ### Areas Served - Portland - Gresham - Beaverton - Tigard - Lake Oswego - Milwaukie - Lents - Cedar Mill - Oak Grove - Oatfield - Gladstone - Oak Hills - Damascus - Cedar Hills - West Haven-Sylvan - Jennings Lodge - Garden Home-Whitford - West Slope - Sunnyside - Clackamas - Raleigh Hills - West Haven - Metzger - Durham - Maywood Park - Fairview - Rivergrove - Johnson City - Mill Plain - Vancouver ### Typical Job Cost $8,000 - 100,000 This would be for the total cost of project, my part being the design and consultations during installation of the project by a licensed professional. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Plan-it Earth Design | | Address | Portland, Oregon 97214, United States | | Phone | (503) 239-0105 | | Website | http://www.plan-it-earthdesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 212 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/planitearthdesign/ - Blog — http://www.yelp.com/biz/plan-it-earth-design-portland ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Plan-it Earth Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/plan-it-earth-design-pfvwus-pf~1166028621) - **Website:** http://www.plan-it-earthdesign.com - **Phone:** (503) 239-0105 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 18 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Laney Coulter, July 2025** > My backyard looks amazing...or it will in a year or so when the plants grow. I didn't know where to start. Every time I went to the grocery store I picked up some bulbs. My yard looked a bit schizophrenic and I wasn't sure where to go from. here. Amy came in and looked it over and made a plan and gave me good resources, the plant guy and Jesus, who helped to make this transformation happen in an easy, fun way, And what a change. Amy worked hard on this...with an eye to what I like and go towards. I wasn't sure how much I needed from her or from the others but having Amy there to oversee was the best decision I ever made. She really knows what she is doing. I recommend her to anyone who wants to enjoy their backyards full of flowers and fruit and lovely green things, and doesn't know how to do it. If you do then she is a terrific resource. **★★★★★ — HU-393795307, Oct. 2021** > I am not a gardener. My yard needed updating, rearranging and some new plantings. Amy came and assessed our needs and wants. She came up with a great plan based on rhese. She was also able to recommend someone to help with redoing our front lawn. She arranged for the delivery of the plants needed and on the day of installation was present to place the plants for others to install. This was very helpful as I did not have to try to remember where everything went. She directed the workers on what plants to move and subdivide and where to place those as well. She also gave me a list of the plants with the various care needs- much appreciated by this non gardener! !She was great at communicating with us and very timely for our appointments. I would highly recommend her and I would definitely use her again. **★★★★★ — Matt, Sept. 2021** > Couldn’t be happier with the transformation of our backyard! We hired Amy to design and help implement this project and I am so glad we did. Amy listened extremely well to what we wanted (including lots of birds, bees, and butterflies and no walls of hedges) and understood exactly how to make a result that was better than anything we had imagined. We now have a place for daily relaxation and occasional party hosting. There is so much to love with the result, but I have to particularly call out the water fountain. When Amy said we needed a water feature to help attract the birds I didn’t picture anything quite as perfect as a large mossy rock that has been drilled to pump water through it…it’s just a perfect fit for the atmosphere we wanted. > Hiring Amy to assist with the implementation was extremely worth it. She took the time to arrange every rock and careful plan all of the planting. > If you don’t love your outdoor space or are considering giving it added attention, I highly recommend you contact Amy. I can hardly wait for the front yard update! **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > Thanks for the review, Matt. It's been a pleasure working with you and Kourtney on your landscape journey. Enjoy your new space - I hope to stop by from time to time to check in on its evolution!! Hope your new rain gardens have been providing functional entertainment in our recent downpours. **★★★★★ — HU-960005338, Nov. 2020** > Amy is wonderful to work with - she listens to our wants and needs, helps us visualize what can be done and works to make it all happen. She works well with the landscaper to place each plant and rock perfectly! This is our second project by Amy and would enthusiastically recommend her. **★★★★★ — Ann Garvin, June 2020** > We moved to another part of town last summer and were thrilled with the backyard and mature trees and landscape. We had several problem areas in the front yard that needed plantings and a makeover after an oil tank removal. I turned to Amy Whitworth who had helped me years ago at another residence. After an initial consult, Amy easily comprehended my needs and made thoughtful suggestions for a cohesive design. She advised me on soil improvement after assessing the spaces. I hired her to design 3 areas with varying light and drainage needs. Amy came back to me promptly with beautiful designs, a comprehensive plant list with alternatives and a generous offer for a remote consultation as needed. We were so impressed with her plant knowledge, professional, warm demeanor and willingness to advise us on the DIY installation. I hardily recommend Amy Whitworth for as a responsive, friendly and competent garden designer. **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > Ann, You did a fabulous job working the soil and interpreting the design. **★★★★★ — Vickie S, April 2020** > Previously I have designed my own gardens and they were more of the Cottage Garden designs that evolved over years. I hired Amy Whitworth of Plan-it Earth Design because my husband and I bought a new (to us) house on that had almost no landscaping. We will be retiring soon and we did not want to spend years designing and in the future, weeks doing trimming and more. I learned about Naturescaping from Amy’s classes that she does for the community. I also took one of her Raingarden classes to learn about that technique too. > > In our front and back yards, Amy designed hardscaping, planting beds, a water feature and raingardens all around our requirements. All incorporated her Naturescaping techniques with an abundance of native plants, along with a few of my requested favorite non-natives. All of our house rain runoff now feeds into raingardens which are beautiful! Both my neighbors also hired Amy and we talk about her plant knowledge and speed at identifying the right plant for the land and your needs. > > She is a delight to work with. She is extremely conscientious and cares about what she does and making sure it will work for you. While Amy oversaw the installation of our garden, she worked as a go between the workers and us to make sure we all understood the goals, any issues and resolution. > > The cost came right in what I expected. > > My husband and I so enjoy our yard now, both front and back. Best is that it is installed and we can enjoy it right now. We have already had someone come by and ask if they could take a picture of our front yard. **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > So much fun watching your landscape transformation. Now you get to watch it evolve and grow - and I get to come visit you both! Thanks for a great collaboration, Vickie - enjoy your new garden. **★★★★★ — Jane Brunswig, March 2020** > My husband & I have two small areas on our residential property that we want to complete with a mixed meadow & a rain garden with all natives for a Backyard Habitat certification. Amy was the only designer willing to help us with her "design-on-the-fly" for both areas. She has excellent knowledge of the plants from the Native Plants of the Willamette Valley list. She listened and consulted with me through both drawings and we got everything we wanted. We will be doing most of the work ourselves and are comfortable about accomplishing our goals. I highly recommend Amy for any project. **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > Thanks for your review. It was a great experience all around. Best of luck with your project, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions moving forward. **★★★★★ — Claire Viarengo, Jan. 2020** > A year ago I was the new owner of a large yard, one with significant deficits: layout, plants, fencing, privacy and view. After contacting a few designers I was fortunate to find Amy Whitworth. I was impressed by her resume and her multifaceted approach to working with clients on projects large or small at any level of granularity the client desires. > > Amy Whitworth’s Plan-it Earth Design website is very comprehensive. It provided me with an overview of the steps required to create a harmonious sustainable low maintenance outdoor living space. Amy is willing to work with clients in whatever design capacity they choose. She will work with you from initial conceptual layout and create a detailed plan ready for installation. I preferred a gradual approach, and Amy’s Design-on-the-Fly concept led to a project based garden-making process. Together we have made great strides in addressing many of the structural challenges I faced: beautiful new custom gates and fencing, an arbor for privacy, and plans for new hardscape access to the yard. I installed several new trees and many native shrubs. We have a layout of plans for future garden paths, layering shrubs, perennial beds and a rain garden. I have been very happy with Amy’s collaborative approach. She relishes her role as coach and is very encouraging to learners. > > Working with Amy has afforded me the benefit of her network of professionals. These individuals have been uncommonly responsive, gracious and skilled. That can be hard to find under any circumstance, but even more so when the scope of the job is relatively small and the approach is gradual. > > I look forward to continuing to work with Amy for many years as current projects come to fruition and new ones evolve. We are both proud of the Gold certification we achieved through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. I am happy to know that pollinators, hummingbirds, ladybugs and other species have new territory to claim. I am excited to see the bare root shrubs that went into the ground last February beginning to show their character. **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > Thanks Claire for your kind words. I too have enjoyed our collaboration and your attention to detail. Looking forward to watching your garden continue to evolve. **★★★★★ — Eunice Letzing, Oct. 2019** > We moved from a sun-filled garden in another city to a shady, tree-filled yard in Portland. Amy helped to re-design both our front and back yards. She taught us to appreciate shade-loving plants and where to re-locate some of the existing plants. She also helped these newcomers with ideas for nurseries and contractors. Amy was great to work with, and people who walk by our house often say that our garden is their favorite. **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > Thanks Eunice, It was fun going plant shopping and collaborating with you on your garden design! **★★★★★ — Maryann Bond, July 2017** > We worked with Amy to design our backyard garden. She transformed a rectangle with grass into a beautiful space with flowers, a fountain and a rain garden. Amy was a pleasure to work with and her design and knowledge skills turned our lawn into this beautiful garden. **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > Looking forward to working with you again soon on the other side of your backyard. > > Update: December 2018, Your garden won an Award from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association for Best Landscape Renovation from $35k-$75K. It's only getting better as it grows in! Thanks for being a great client. **★★★★★ — Lorraine Tobeck, July 2017** > We are very grateful to have met Amy at her Naturescape and Rain Garden workshops > and she designed our small yard for us and picked out and placed the plants. She > transformed our formerly plain and ugly yard into a lush rain garden with a boardwalk > deck and flowering plants specially chosen to attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflys. > Our yard feels like we're at a vacation resort. Every day I silently thank Amy for her vast > knowledge and creativity. She works magic! **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > You and Henry did a fabulous job of installing your own landscape. So happy to have been a part of it. Great teamwork! Love the hummingbird photo. **★★★★★ — tednel, July 2016** > Watching my yard transform from uninteresting patches of grass to an array of beautiful plants, was the most enjoyable experience I have had in years. Of course, it began by sitting with Amy Whitworth and, under her guidance, choosing plant-by-plant what I liked and where it would be placed within the creative pathways she had suggested. > > I am sure that Amy could have measured my yard, drawn up a plan and had it implemented. However, by guiding me through the process (design) it made me feel that the result was a joint venture and I was invested in the outcome. > > I have a very small urban yard so plant placement and arbor design, for privacy, were important. Even as the hardscape was being prepared, Amy would be on site to suggest, “tweaks” to optimize the design. > > I interviewed more than one designer before beginning and know I made the correct choice with Amy **Comment from Plan-it Earth Design:** > Thanks Ted, it was indeed a great collaboration - the best way to work with the most successful result. I look forward to seeing it grow and thrive! Here are some pics at of the fantastic installation by J. Walter Landscape & Irrigation. Unfortunately too sunny for good hardscape shots. ## Selected projects - [Garden in the City](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-in-the-city-pj-vj~6006402) - Location: Vancouver, Washington - Photos: 16 - [Living Privacy Wall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-privacy-wall-pj-vj~7421207) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 12 - [Ecological Planting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ecological-planting-pj-vj~7154658) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 4 - [Driveways](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/driveways-pj-vj~6560857) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 5 - [Portfolio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portfolio-pj-vj~42121) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 23 - Description: A selection of inviting spaces for inspired living - [Modern Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-garden-pj-vj~5874454) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 11 - Description: Easy living for the whole family, this single level home spills out into the garden from numerous points in the home. Some lawn for the kids to play and splash in the sprinklers in summer. The open plan allows the neighbors to easily come over to play. The backyard fort is also designed in a modern style to coordinate with the home. - [Kids Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kids-garden-pj-vj~3534333) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 17 - Description: Kids need to have space for imagination, to be creative, to interact with nature and just be kids. Play spaces can be more than just a swing set, they can be a beautiful and fun addition to the landscape that the whole family can enjoy. - [English Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-garden-pj-vj~4284291) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 7 - Description: English Garden meets natural style in this modern hybrid garden - [Reflexology Path](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/reflexology-path-pj-vj~381757) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 4 - Description: Walk barefoot on the path and benefit from activating the pressure points that lead to better health. - [Art in the Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-in-the-garden-pj-vj~1820035) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 11 - Description: Art provides the punctuation to the garden - a place for the eye to land and focus. Well placed art will enhance any garden - [Abundant Nature - An Enchanted Food Forest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/abundant-nature-an-enchanted-food-forest-pj-vj~474606) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 19 - Description: An edible and native plant garden with an enchanted twist designed for the Yard, Garden & Patio Show in Portland, Oregon in 2014. www.abundantnaturegarden.com Lead Designer: Amy Whitworth www.plan-it-earthdesign.com Co-designed by: Kathryn Leech, APLD www.rivercitygardens.com Annie Bamberger www.ANNIEBAM.com Lora Price, RLA www.designwithnaturepdx.com - [Edible Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edible-garden-pj-vj~42119) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 12 - Description: A small urban farm features a garden retreat for mid day shade and summer night slumber Design by Amy Whitworth Installation by Apogee Landscapes - [New Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-pj-vj~1150389) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Zen Garden Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-garden-spaces-pj-vj~1263603) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: Elements of the Japanese Garden create a tranquil space for contemplation - [Urban Courtyards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-courtyards-pj-vj~42127) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 13 - Description: A garden retreat near a busy street provides privacy and the soothing sound of water - [Garden Retreats](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-retreats-pj-vj~441970) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 10 - [Rain Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rain-gardens-pj-vj~42125) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 19 - Description: A variety of solutions to keep stormwater on site. - [Curb Appeal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curb-appeal-pj-vj~92166) - Location: Lake Oswego, OR - Photos: 25 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/plan-it-earth-design-pfvwus-pf~1166028621) ## Ideabooks - [Modern Tudor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163411895/list/modern-tudor) — 7 ideas - [structures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4217298/list/structures) — 20 ideas - [wall interest](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3856721/list/wall-interest) — 37 ideas - [child friendly water play](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/155100393/list/child-friendly-water-play) — 5 ideas - [built in planters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92072725/list/built-in-planters) — 7 ideas - [path surfaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10809356/list/path-surfaces) — 7 ideas - [Enclosed Mid century front porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46873494/list/enclosed-mid-century-front-porch) — 3 ideas - [steps](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32845791/list/steps) — 8 ideas - [water](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32845737/list/water) — 5 ideas - [stormwater](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8441017/list/stormwater) — 8 ideas - [screening](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88151665/list/screening) — 9 ideas - [Larry's Garden Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125067301/list/larry-s-garden-ideas) — 12 ideas - [Missy Shade](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104856304/list/missy-shade) — 11 ideas - [nature play](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103071249/list/nature-play) — 3 ideas - [Japanese Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96741474/list/japanese-garden) — 17 ideas - [dad table](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93215697/list/dad-table) — 10 ideas - [Hot Tub deck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92072578/list/hot-tub-deck) — 2 ideas - [covered deck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70266950/list/covered-deck) — 7 ideas - [furnishings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8442038/list/furnishings) — 8 ideas - [covered entry ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28916487/list/covered-entry-ideas) — 8 ideas [See all 23 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/gardenmaker) ## Community Q&A **Q: what type of tree is this.** *(in Photo Questions)* I love how the flowers are almost flat in shape. A: This plant is Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' or Doublefile Viburnum. It is a large shrub that has been pruned into a tree form, which makes it look very similar to a Dogwood, as Ruth suggested above. In fact, it is a good substitute for Dogwood where the fungal anthracnose disease has been a problem. It gets around 12'-15' in the Portland, Oregon area **Q: What is the plant in the foreground?** *(in Photo Questions)* The green plant with darker veins. Is it some kind of peony? A: Not a Peony, it is an evergreen Viburnum davidii, hardy to zone 7 **Q: What kind of rocks did you use** *(in Photo Questions)* I like the variation in size of the dry creek rockery. Did you use river rock of various sizes to achieve the final look? A: Yes, we usually use some small boulders along with large river jacks and 3 sizes of river rock including pea gravel for a more realistic look **Q: what fill is used between the slabs in the patio?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I believe we used quarter minus crushed gravel **Q: Have you made this walkway? if so what is under each stone as a base?** *(in Photo Questions)* Have you made this walkway? if so what is under each stone as a base? A: There is a lot of sub-grade drainage going on at the bottom of this particular project, but over that about 4" of compacted quarter minus crushed gravel - we generally don't use sand as it seems to not stay in place as well in the rainy pacific northwest. Because of the variability in thickness of the variegated bluestone, each stone is then leveled by hand **Q: The irregular stone wall, how do you keep it together?** *(in Photo Questions)* is the retaining wall held together with anything? A: Daniel, this is a dry stack wall of mixed materials put together by a highly skilled stone mason. It could be further supported with the use of mortar --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*