About Our Studio

I find so much inspiration in the forest, working with plants, and creating harmony with the earth. For me, when I create a landscape I see it as a co-creation between me, the plants, and the earth.

My favorite projects are those with meaning - both ecological meaning and personal meaning. I deeply believe in creating landscapes that support the local ecology. I also love to create landscapes that are personally inspiring to people. It could be a place to connect with nature and a larger sense of self. It could be a place where you honor and celebrate a loved one. It is a satisfying process to create a landscape that uplifts and connects us to beauty, love, and joy.
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With degrees in ornamental horticulture, landscape architecture, and a concentration in ecological design, I have a strong background in working with plants and creating natural landscapes.

For the last 30 years, I have been working in the green industry with design-build firms, nurseries, private estates, and residential homeowners. Working with institutions such as the National Park Service, Wyoming County Community Hospital, and Sligo Creek Elementary School has been very rewarding. Earth Essence Designs began in 2005.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Joe

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. Throughout she was cheerful, knowledgeable, and professional. I've had many neighbors stop by to express how much they liked it.

Bonnie

Laura is fantastic! I was looking for someone to develop a landscape plan for my recent Cape Cod Cottage purchase and Laura delivered exactly what I wanted even though I had difficulty describing it myself. She was so much fun to work with, incorporated plants from my wishlist, and delivered a colored design.

Amy

Laura completely transformed the kindergarten courtyard at our school. It went from a mess of concrete and weeds to a children's wonderland complete with a beautiful shade garden, fairy gardens with fairy furniture!, and a sand area. She did an excellent job of considering her clientele and the growing conditions. She also took the time to sit down with teachers and other school personnel to clearly present her plans and get feedback. The whole process was quick and smooth. We feel so lucky to have gotten to work with Laura!