Maria Krichallo
Maria Krichallo graduated from the London College of Garden Design in 2024 with Distinction, and her final project was shortlisted for the Student SGD Awards.
She is guided by a strong belief in the transformative power of nature and in the ability of gardens to foster a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
Her work brings together clear structure, naturalistic planting and close attention to detail, creating gardens that feel calm, immersive and deeply connected to the way people live. Maria favours a modern yet relaxed aesthetic, where hard materials are used with restraint and gardens are shaped by soft, generous planting.
Her approach is informed by a deep-rooted connection to the moist, green forests of her childhood — a sense of shelter, grounding and belonging that she strives to echo in every garden she creates.
Her core principles include:
– Thoughtful, modern design
– More soft than hard
– Ecology- and wildlife-friendly planting
– Sensitivity to landscape and architecture
– Well-considered spaces that support wellbeing
Maria designs gardens of all scales — from intimate urban spaces to large family gardens — working across London and beyond.
Biography:
Before moving into garden design, Maria built a successful career in the telecom industry, delivering complex international projects. This background gave her strong technical and project management skills, which now underpin her design practice and ensure a clear, structured and professional approach to every project.
Drawn to the creative side of every role, Maria discovered her passion for garden design through her own experience of gardening and its transformative impact on everyday life. She 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 the London College of Garden Design.
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.
This compact front garden transforms a highly functional space into a calm, green arrival. The design retains car access and discreet storage for bicycles and bins, while shifting the balance away from hard surfaces and towards planting.
Staggered clay pavers create generous planting pockets, allowing nature to soften the space. Layered woodland planting — including a multi-stem tree, climber and soft green understorey — creates a sheltered, immersive atmosphere and a welcoming sense of arrival.
Natural materials and bespoke timber storage integrate seamlessly with the architecture, demonstrating how even the smallest urban garden can become a meaningful, nature-led space.
