Q&A with Jennifer Horn of Horn & Co.
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Camden Littleton
For our “Get Outside” July issue, Middleburg Life chatted with Jennifer Horn, who has made a living working with and in nature as the founding principal of a landscape architecture firm. She recently opened a second Horn & Co. office on Washington Street in Middleburg, her first in Hunt Country. Drawn to the region by its authenticity and her growing volume of projects, she shares below a little bit about herself, her work, and what inspires her.
ML: Please introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
JH: Hi! My name is Jennifer Horn and I own Horn & Co., which is a landscape architecture firm that specializes in residential landscapes and gardens.
ML: How did you get into the landscape architecture and horticulture industry?
JH: A couple different factors — as a child, I was able to live in Malaysia for a few years. We had orchids growing in the mango trees out back and all kinds of fabulous tropical plants growing in our yard. I think it definitely heightened my awareness of plants. Then, back in the States, I got a job at a local plant nursery. At that point, I knew I wanted to get a degree in horticulture and then a master’s in landscape architecture, and then, after working for a while, I would want to start my own business. And I’ve pretty much followed that track!
ML: What inspired you to open a location in Middleburg?
JH: Over the years, we’ve had more projects pop up between Leesburg and Rappahannock County. We have built friendships with designers and builders out this way, and we’ve loved working with those partners. More so, we’re always drawn to projects where there is an emphasis on legacy and authenticity, and people in the Middleburg area seem to have similar values.
ML: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
JH: Nothing is better than getting a text from a client from years ago with a picture of their garden thriving. I love that people stay in touch with us and they appreciate how a garden matures and evolves long after we are a steady presence at the site.
ML: Do you have any recent projects that you are particularly excited about?
JH: We are wrapping up the first phase for a historic site in Rappahannock County. We’ve really connected with our clients’ passion for preserving this original house’s fingerprints — we’ve tried to make sure we’re continuing to steward a legacy that predates our involvement while still incorporating modern practices and conveniences into the program, whether it’s native plants, sustainable practices, or a well-conceived (but restrained!) outdoor cooking space.
ML: Where do you draw design inspiration from?
JH: On larger projects, we always start with the cultural and natural history of the site. There is so much history in Virginia and so many opportunities to interpret this in the design decisions we make. Furthermore, we want to make sure the landscapes are a net positive for the environment, supporting watersheds and beneficial wildlife.
ML: When you are not working, what are you up to? Any favorite hobbies?
JH: I have two little kids, so hobbies aren’t really happening right now! But I love to read and, when it’s feasible, travel. I lived in Malaysia as a kid, from ages 7 to 10. My kids are 7 and 9, and this summer we’re vacationing in Malaysia and Thailand. I feel insanely fortunate I get to revisit — literally — that moment with them, and they get a chance to see places and cultures so different from our own.
ML: Open mic! What do you want our readers to know about you or Horn & Co.?
JH: Our team is the best! It’s important to me to mentor the people in our office. I like to think we have a good rapport and that people feel supported. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to develop their skills and to shine. Landscape architecture is often referred to as a practice; it takes a long time to learn the ropes, and I have been doing this long enough that I hope to be a good resource to younger people still learning. ML
Published in the July 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.