---
title: "Earth Essence Designs — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/earth-essence-designs-pfvwus-pf~597986550
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~597986550.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Earth Essence Designs"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1e2341d308d3e6f0_3352-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "2219 Osborn Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-1324, United States"
latitude: 38.9982
longitude: -77.0338
phone: "(202) 487-9204"
website: http://www.earthessencedesigns.com
rating: 5
review_count: 23
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 25
last_updated: 2026-08-20
---

# Earth Essence Designs

Original Houzz profile: [Earth Essence Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/earth-essence-designs-pfvwus-pf~597986550)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Silver Spring, MD
- **Serves:** Silver Spring, Rockville, Bethesda, Wheaton, North Bethesda, Potomac, Takoma Park, White Oak, Chevy Chase, North Kensington, DC (Washington)
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2018–2022), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Eco-friendly
- 15 years in business

Nature is inherently transcendent.   Your design and intent can be as meaningful as you'd like. My job is to show up and listen.  I listen to you and I allow the space to inform me.  I take all of that information and translate it into a landscape of wellbeing for both you and the planet.  

My education includes degrees in ornamental horticulture, landscape architecture, and a concentration in ecological design.   I have worked for the National Park Service, design-build firms, nurseries, private estates, and started my own design business about 15 years ago.  For three very special years, I was the outdoor classroom coordinator for Sligo Creek Elementary School.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Site Planning
- Design Consultation
- Project Management
- Organic Gardens
- Edible Gardens

### Areas Served

- Silver Spring
- Rockville
- Bethesda
- Wheaton
- North Bethesda
- Potomac
- Takoma Park
- White Oak
- Chevy Chase
- North Kensington
- DC (Washington)

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Earth Essence Designs |
| Address | 2219 Osborn Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-1324, United States |
| Phone | (202) 487-9204 |
| Website | http://www.earthessencedesigns.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 25 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/The-Inspired-Landscape-559636921213287
- X (Twitter) — https://www.pinterest.com/laurafarr1/
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-volk-968b37a4/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Earth Essence Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/earth-essence-designs-pfvwus-pf~597986550)
- **Website:** http://www.earthessencedesigns.com
- **Phone:** (202) 487-9204

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2018–2022), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 49.0
- Communication: 49.0
- Value: 49.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — HU-939173909, May 2022**

> I worked with Laura last Fall and she was exceptional. I am enjoying her vision now that everything is in bloom. Highly recommend ❤️

**★★★★★ — Amy Ruddle, Jan. 2022**

> Laura is fabulous, to put it mildly. We were referred to her by our landscaper, and she helped us come up with a full plan for our massive yard that is perfectly tailored to our vision and preferences. We were hoping to plant mostly native species and encourage pollinators, and her knowledge was astounding. In just a few hours, we had a complete to-scale sketch of our entire property, with a plant key and the number of plants needed so we could either turn it over to our landscaper or do projects we felt comfortable doing on our own. She was a delight to work with, and I am so excited to keep carrying out projects she helped us envision.

**★★★★★ — Richard Singleton, Dec. 2021**

> Bomb diggity! Laura is great! She is super talented with extraordinary vision. Very humbled.  Thank you Laura. Let me know if you need references.

**★★★★★ — katharineperl, Nov. 2021**

> Laura helped us transform our backyard--a challenging space with a steep hillside and multiple planting areas. Laura really listened to our needs and suggested design options to meet our budget. She paid attention to select plants and shrubs to provide the "look" I envisioned but also fit the spaces and conditions. We are enjoying color and interest during every season thanks to Laura's selection and arrangement of perennials. Her pricing model was reasonable, too. We worked with her suggested contractor and were very happy with the results. We are looking forward to hiring Laura again for the next project!

**★★★★★ — lizcf, Nov. 2021**

> I really enjoyed working with Laura to landscape our backyard. She took the time to understand what we were trying to achieve, gave us lots of options for plants that would work in our space, created the plan and referred us to someone who could do the work. She also made suggestions that would reutilize existing materials to make our project as cost efficient as possible. Our backyard is now the lovely haven that we hoped it would be. She is really knowledgeable about indigenous plants, which was a priority for us. The plans she drew up are so beautiful that I feel like I should frame them. I highly recommend Laura for any landscaping design needs.

**★★★★★ — Cathryn, Nov. 2020**

> Highly recommend. Laura Volk provided a beautiful landscape design for a troublesome area around our back deck. She has a huge knowledge of which plants will do well in different conditions. In our case we have a hill, tree roots, hungry deer and rabbits, as well as bright shade under tall trees, but no direct sunlight at all.  She found the perfect plants and placed them strategically in groupings -- so we will regain the privacy we lost large when large evergreens came down -- yet we still have an open view to woodlands behind us. The design is so creative!  Skip laurel, red twig dogwood, serviceberry autumn brilliance, and grasses for wet slopes.   Laura is very quick to respond to my questions and make small adjustments. Great value for great work.  I can update this review in the spring when everything leafs out. Highly recommend Earth Essence Designs and Laura Volk!

**★★★★★ — Roxy Ty, Oct. 2020**

> Laura developed beautiful, creative designs for our mid-century modern home. The fact that she is a horticulturalisr gave us confidence in her recommendations.

**★★★★★ — victoria\_carrion16, Oct. 2020**

> We contacted Laura for a consultation to help us make some decisions to update our yard, including installing a patio and a design update for plants/shrubs along the perimeter. She was fantastic! We loved her ideas and suggestions, not just about where to put the patio but also she worked with us to identify plants/trees that would fit our yard (and be minimal upkeep). She made a great sketch of the plan with everything we discussed and we'll be implementing it in stages. We look forward to working with Laura more on this project as it progresses.

**★★★★★ — Cara Hollenbeck, Oct. 2020**

> Laura has been the most instrumental part of our huge backyard remodel.
>
> We took on the massive project of converting our large backyard that was overgrown tree size weeds, into an outdoor oasis complete with waterfall and river, beautiful landscaping and privacy, outdoor pergola and seating area, and sandy beach into the lake.
>
> We really had no idea what we were doing, but with a few skilled helpers and Laura’s designs and step-by-step instructions the whole way we have nearly completed a project that seemed impossible.
>
> Laura went above and beyond educating us every step of the way. She researched what was needed for our area and taught us what to do each step along the way

**★★★★ — Haute Interiors, LLC, Oct. 2020**

> Laura was quick to respond to my request for help, and gave me some very good ideas on how to better design and add more appropriate perennials to my garden. I would highly recommend her to anyone feeling at wits end in trying to get a handle on their green space!

**★★★★★ — Eva St. Clair, Oct. 2020**

> Laura Volk has one quality that puts her light years ahead of every other landscape designer - she actually listens to what her client wants, and how her client feels about their living environment.  She has no agenda to push onto others regarding what their property should look like, what plants they're "supposed" to plant, what things are trendy, what things would "look better."  She wants to know first and foremost, what YOU want your yard to look like, and how you want to experience it.  All of her designs begin from there. She takes your thoughts and ideas and priorities, and then she creates a plan that reflects your personality, only better than if you tried to do it yourself. Her extensive knowledge of plant life, particularly natives and edibles, opens up possibilities you probably hadn't considered but which are delightful and that give your outdoor space the potential to thrive. Her creativity and imagination will help make your yard unique and very personally enjoyable.  You will come away with the satisfaction of having built it yourself too!

**★★★★★ — Joseph Dien, Oct. 2019**

> I wanted to transform my front lawn into a butterfly garden and Laura delivered in spades!  It now teems with pollinators and fragrant flowers.  I asked for a tough combination of easy-care, deer-resistant, and pollinator-friendly.  She figured out how to do so and with a harmonious whole.  I was also impressed that she followed through at the end of the year with replacing plantings that had not worked out.  Throughout she was cheerful, knowledgeable, and professional.  I've had many neighbors stop by to express how much they liked it.

## Selected projects

- [Builder grade to top grade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/builder-grade-to-top-grade-pj-vj~7115489)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Backyard patio and firepit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-patio-and-firepit-pj-vj~7115476)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Front Yard Pollinator Paradise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-yard-pollinator-paradise-pj-vj~6053673)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 41
  - Description: The homeowner wanted to remove most of the turf and replace it with a bird and pollinator-friendly garden. It also needed to be planted with deer-resistant plants.
- [Patio, pergola, and drainage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patio-pergola-and-drainage-pj-vj~7115495)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Terraced front walk](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/terraced-front-walk-pj-vj~7115514)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Colorful front yard, dog friendly backyard.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colorful-front-yard-dog-friendly-backyard-pj-vj~6123168)
  - Location: Washington, DC
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: Erosion and a big friendly dog dictated the design of the backyard. The front yard is colorful and pollinator friendly.
- [Backyard creek bed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-creek-bed-pj-vj~7115534)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 16
- [Inspired Landscape - Wyoming County Community Hospital](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inspired-landscape-wyoming-county-community-hospital-pj-vj~2724064)
  - Location: Warsaw, NY
  - Photos: 33
- [Deer resistant backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deer-resistant-backyard-pj-vj~6632464)
  - Location: Silver Spring, MD
  - Photos: 14
- [Boulders](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boulders-pj-vj~2495578)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Drainage and shade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/drainage-and-shade-pj-vj~6632471)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Terraced Side Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/terraced-side-yard-pj-vj~2518240)
  - Location: Silver Spring, MD
  - Photos: 2
- [Shady terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shady-terrace-pj-vj~2518234)
  - Location: Silver Spring, MD
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Shady sloped property. We terraced the front yard and used evergreen groundcovers to create a lawn alternative in a place where grass would never grow.
- [DC rowhouse before and after](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dc-rowhouse-before-and-after-pj-vj~2518133)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Warsaw County Community Hospital - Skilled Nursing Facility](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warsaw-county-community-hospital-skilled-nursing-facility-pj-vj~2555545)
  - Location: Warsaw, NY
  - Photos: 18
- [Foundation Planting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/foundation-planting-pj-vj~6200571)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Old Chester Rd](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-chester-rd-pj-vj~4221778)
  - Location: Bethesda, MD
  - Photos: 44
- [Whimsical Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whimsical-front-yard-pj-vj~6200569)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [DC terraced front slope](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dc-terraced-front-slope-pj-vj~2518261)
  - Location: Washington, DC
  - Photos: 2
- [Contemporary Foundation Planting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-foundation-planting-pj-vj~2577821)
  - Location: Kensington, MD
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Redesigned front foundation planting creating positive drainage and an Asian-inspired landscape.

[See all 34 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/earth-essence-designs-pfvwus-pf~597986550)

## Ideabooks

- [Sunny deer resistant plants](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184647056/list/sunny-deer-resistant-plants) — 13 ideas
- [Landscapes inspired by Bali and Indonesia](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149250906/list/landscapes-inspired-by-bali-and-indonesia) — 7 ideas
- [Arbors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147721009/list/arbors) — 16 ideas
- [dry creek bed](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141451955/list/dry-creek-bed) — 15 ideas
- [Summit Ave](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141451021/list/summit-ave) — 20 ideas
- [Theraputic landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141427737/list/theraputic-landscapes) — 12 ideas
- [cabin john](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139670442/list/cabin-john) — 40 ideas
- [Outdoor living](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138722265/list/outdoor-living) — 12 ideas
- [shade, water, erosion, and deer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136937069/list/shade-water-erosion-and-deer) — 22 ideas
- [Katie's backyard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136397194/list/katie-s-backyard) — 28 ideas
- [Deer and shade](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135275042/list/deer-and-shade) — 25 ideas
- [Kid friendly plants](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135163579/list/kid-friendly-plants) — 40 ideas
- [Pollinators](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131269581/list/pollinators) — 27 ideas
- [beautiful landscapes.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82955138/list/beautiful-landscapes) — 12 ideas
- [Metal](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110406789/list/metal) — 55 ideas
- [container plants](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123918638/list/container-plants) — 34 ideas
- [color with perennials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82955139/list/color-with-perennials) — 31 ideas
- [Kids in the landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89954766/list/kids-in-the-landscape) — 60 ideas
- [Vegetable gardening](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86603268/list/vegetable-gardening) — 32 ideas
- [Best ornamental trees](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87789396/list/best-ornamental-trees) — 18 ideas

[See all 42 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/laura2736)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Beautiful.** *(in Photo Questions)*

But the 3 bowl fountain goes in the Secret garden

A: https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/henri-studio-concrete-zen-3-bowl-fountain-with-led-light-hns1517.html

**Q: .** *(in Photo Questions)*

I like this for the Secret garden

A: I do as well.

**Q: Front of house is boring. I need some inspiration!** *(in Landscape Design)*

Hey Everyone! 

I am looking for some inspiration. The front of our house is looking a little boring to me and I need help coming up with some ideas that would really freshen up the look. I was mostly thinking paint colors and landscape but would be open to design changes. I'm conflicted because I like the brick and don't really want to paint over it but I don't know what colors go well with it. Or maybe I need someone to tell me I do need to paint over the brick... I don't know! I'm not good at seeing things before they are actually there.  Any thoughts/ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 

Patrick

A: For the house, I would leave the brick, consider changing the color of the house or maybe just the trim color.  The front door needs a new color and the black metal thing should go.  I highly recommend a one-hour consultation with an interior designer who can give you all of those answers.  
The landscaping (my area of expertise).  No more trees, your lawn is filled with moss indicating you have a lot of shade.  Don't just trim the shrubs.  That won't improve anything.  You need to remove some of the shrubs.  You can probably save some of the shrubs as well.  My genius zone is creating from your heart and soul.  Use this as a chance to express yourself.  What do you want to say, what do you want it to feel like?  Do you want a lush shade garden that is warm and welcoming?  Do you want to celebrate a loved one or pet that has passed?  Do you want the outside of your house to be a reflection of you the way the inside of your house is a reflection of you? 
Once you find an idea or concept that makes your soul sing this will be a complete joy to create.  If you want ideas on that let me know. Good luck.  Show us after pictures.

**Q: Landscaping/ Curb Appeal Design Ideas Indiana Home** *(in Landscape Design)*

We put an offer in on this home. Needs a slight exterior facelift; however,  landscaping is definitely needed first. Any suggests, ideas,  and/or plan options? Any and all are welcomed! :)

A: Are there examples of landscapes you like?  Did grandma have a favorite plant that would make you smile every time you saw it?  Do you like lots of color with perennials and swaying ornamental grasses.  Do you want the lowest maintenance arrangement possible?  Is there a season you'd like to highlight.  What would you like to create?   
My genius zone is creating from your heart and soul.  Use this as a chance to express yourself. What do you want to say, what do you want it to feel like?  Do you want a lush shade garden that is warm and welcoming? Do you want to celebrate a loved one or pet that has passed?  Do you want the outside of your house to be a reflection of you the way the inside of your house is a reflection of you? 
Once you find an idea or concept that makes your soul sing this will be a complete joy to create.  If you want more ideas on that let me know. Good luck and show us pictures once you're done.

**Q: Design, decking dilemna** *(in Landscape Design)*

Hi, anyone have any "outside the box" type solutions? I have this old patio area that is badly beaten. I'm saving up to construct a a deck that would cover up the old patio area. A deck this size is expensive!! Any ideas of how to cheaply make this area look presentable until I save up enough for the deck??

A: I have successfully done multiple decks at that level and they turn out great.  It's basically building it on the ground.  You can use 2X4's on end (PT) 16" on center and deck over it.  You could reuse the decking material later.  This could entirely be a DIY project. I think you'll love the deck at the grade of your back door.  It's flush and it just feels like an easy extension.  Good luck.

**Q: Purchased Foreclosure: Landscape Design Assistance Requested** *(in Landscape Design)*

We purchased a foreclosure about a year ago. The home had been neglected for quite some time. We recently finished up several larger projects inside the house and we're ready to tackle some landscaping. We ripped out the overgrown and dead bushes in front of the house and want to replace with some low maintenance plants that bring some color. House is located in Annapolis, Maryland (Zone 7) and faces west. Any design assistance / tips would be greatly appreciated.

A: There are no right and wrongs in style.  It's about what you like and what makes you smile when you look at it.  I live near you and understand your planting area extremely well.  I would suggest that you take a look around your neighborhood or nearby parks and gardens (there are garden tours in your area in the spring) and consider what you like.  Do you like an informal natural style with perennials and ornamental grasses, do you like seasonal color, or do you want to make sure you have a lot of evergreen in the winter?  Do you want natives?  Do you want as low maintenance as possible?  Also, the most satisfying projects are the ones that you develop from your heart and soul.  If you find a concept that makes your heart sing this project will be an absolute joy to complete and it will make you smile every time you look at it.  For example, is there a favorite vacation spot you want to remember, a loved one or a pet that has passed.  Do you want the style of the outside of your house to be a reflection of you the way the inside of your house is a reflection of you?  Adding art or pieces of meaning is a great way to make this space you.  You can have a verse of a favorite song or poem inscribed on a rock or a metal plaque.  you can add driftwood as a reminder of the beach.  You can use favorite plants from your childhood.  You can use sculptures that symbolize something to you.  I love adding boulders to landscapes (zero maintenance).  

Good luck.  I hope this is a really great experience for you.  If you find an inspired idea of what you want I'd love to hear it.  I have several ideabooks on my Houzz site of favorite plants that would work for you.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-20.*