At City House Country Home, we are proud to collaborate with partners who reflect our core values of excellence, personalized service, and a commitment to lasting quality. Earthscape Landscaping embodies these principles through their comprehensive design-build-maintain approach, transforming outdoor spaces into refined, livable sanctuaries. We’ve confidently recommended Earthscape to a number of our clients—each of whom has shared glowing feedback about their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.
The Story Behind Earthscape
Founder Sam Bauman’s journey began at age 12, mowing neighbourhood lawns and saving for his first lawn tractor. From a very young age, Sam is one of a small group of people that knew exactly what he wanted to do when he “grew up”. Influenced by a trades-focused family, he co-founded Earthscape at 19 alongside a mentor with an engineering background. Since 2005, Earthscape has grown into a $10M company with two locations servicing the Southern Ontario area. They are recognized for craftsmanship, sustainability, and an industry-leading ownership model.
What Sets Earthscape Apart?
Earthscape stands out in the competitive landscape design-build market due to its design-first philosophy, hands-on client approach, and unique ownership model. Their process begins with meticulous, client-led design planning that incorporates lifestyle goals, budget realities, and phased execution if needed—allowing luxury homeowners to build dream spaces over time. They go beyond installation, offering ongoing maintenance with annual site visits to ensure evolving care and enhancement of the outdoor environment.
A Company Rooted in People and Purpose
Earthscape stands out in the competitive landscape design-build market due to its design-first philosophy, hands-on client approach, and unique ownership model. Their process begins with meticulous, client-led design planning that incorporates lifestyle goals, budget realities, and phased execution if needed—allowing luxury homeowners to build dream spaces over time. They go beyond installation, offering ongoing maintenance with annual site visits to ensure evolving care and enhancement of the outdoor environment.
Outdoor Living Reimagined
Sam describes each project as a blank canvas, or as he puts it, “an empty room to build out.” His most memorable project? A stunning limestone water feature with a 150-ft stream in Puslinch that used stone quarried directly from the homeowner’s property. It exemplifies Earthscape’s commitment to sustainability and artistry.
Design Trends Leading the Way
Earthscape is at the forefront of luxury outdoor trends. Clients are extending their outdoor seasons with heated structures and wellness features like hot tubs, lap pools, and saunas. Aesthetic trends include large-format pavers https://shorturl.at/UFk0u tiles from Italy, and minimalist gardens with white blooms and lush greens. Although the client determines the project parameters, sustainability is paramount—from recommending the use of native plants wherever possible, to adopting electric-powered equipment into their fleet and inventory of machinery.
Sustainable Growth, Thoughtfully Executed
He and his partner continue to collaborate on reforestation efforts in the Township of Woolwich. The program, Reforest Woolwich https://shorturl.at/XlhAp has a goal of planting 250,000 trees along roadsides to prevent erosion, air quality improvement, CO₂ Sequestration, flood prevention and wind control. They have already planted 40,000 trees. Another similar project is planned in the Sarnia area. Sam proudly expressed his enthusiasm and commented, “This initiative provides Earthscape with endless possibilities to help make the world a better place for generations to come. It’s part of the philosophy behind their quest to be a sustainably driven company.”
Before You Begin: What Homeowners Should Know
Sam offers great advice to consider before moving forward with your home landscaping project. His advice? Planning is everything. Before launching a landscaping project, homeowners should:
1. Set a Realistic Budget – Establishing a clear budget early is key to a successful project. For larger-scale work, consider discussing phased options to spread out costs. If you’re unsure of your budget, a reputable contractor will help you understand the costs involved so that both the budget and project expectations are clearly defined before the design process begins.
2. Develop a Master Plan – Start with a clear vision and sketch out priorities. Good design takes time!
3. Understand the Space – Analyze light, soil, drainage, and usage patterns to inform plant and material choices.
4. Check Local Regulations – Always consult zoning bylaws and HOA rules before breaking ground.
5. Choose a Trusted Partner – Working with a firm like Earthscape ensures expert guidance every step of the way.
Looking Ahead
With a long-term plan to reduce his ownership to just 5% by increasing the employee-ownership value up to 95%, Sam Bauman is cultivating a legacy—one that supports staff growth, sustainability, and extraordinary outdoor living. From family-focused country properties to high-end urban homes, Earthscape is the partner you want when your landscape dreams demand more.
Living just outside of Elora with his wife Laura and their three children, Sam balances business and family life with the same dedication he brings to every outdoor space Earthscape touches. To see more of the incredible outdoor spaces brought to life by the Earthscape team, visit: https://earthscape.ca/. Each project reflects their creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for outdoor living!
