Maria Krichallo
Maria graduated from the London College of Garden Design in 2024 with Distinction, and her final project was shortlisted for the Student SGD Awards.
She holds a strong belief in the transformative power of nature and that gardens have the power to foster a deeper connection with ourselves.
Her work balances practicality and client needs with the beauty and softness of nature, creating spaces that not only look good but invite people outside and are enjoyable throughout the year. Maria favours a contemporary yet relaxed aesthetic, where hard materials are reduced to a minimum and gardens are immersed in soft, naturalistic planting.
Her work is shaped by a deep-rooted connection to the moist, green forests of her childhood. That feeling of being sheltered, of being at home, is something she strives to echo in every garden she creates.
Her core principles include:
* Modern, imaginative design
* More soft than hard
* Ecology- and wildlife-friendly
* Sensitive to surroundings
* Well-considered spaces that enhance wellbeing
Maria is passionate about designing gardens of all scales — from small front gardens to large family spaces — working in London and beyond.
Biography:
Before moving into garden design, Maria had a successful career in the telecom industry, working on large-scale projects across multiple countries. This gave her strong technical and project management skills, which now underpin her approach to delivering design work with clarity and precision.
Drawn to the creative side of every role, Maria found her passion for garden design after experiencing the transformative effect of gardening herself. Maria went on to work as a gardener in a public setting and gained formal horticultural training, including the RHS Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture, before completing her design studies at LCGD.
Instagram: @mariakrichallo_gardens
Conceived as a journey of self-discovery, this 6-acre garden integrates sculpture, design, and habitat restoration. Beginning with a structured inner garden and unfolding into wild meadows and a natural swimming pool and pond, the design evolves to encourage emotional connection and contemplation. Water plays a central role—both visually and ecologically—filtering runoff and shaping the visitor experience. Restored land supports biodiversity, while an artist-in-residence program and public open days invite a wider audience to engage with the garden’s themes of reflection, creativity, and reconnection with nature.