At MRLandscapes, we believe every garden should be a reflection of the client’s personality, lifestyle, and aspirations. To give you a deeper insight into the creative minds behind our designs, we’re excited to launch a new series: MRL Spotlight. In this first edition, we sit down with our talented garden designer, Anna Kolarska, to learn more about her design process, her inspirations, and the art of creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
I firmly believe that functionality should always come first in garden design. A garden needs to work for the people who will use it, but that doesn't mean it can't also be beautiful. The trick is to balance form and function, making sure that the design both serves its practical purpose and provides a visually pleasing experience. A garden that does both is one that feels effortlessly harmonious, where every element complements the other.
Can you walk us through your typical design process, from concept to completion?
Every project starts with a conversation. We begin by understanding the client’s aspirations, lifestyle, and the requirements for their outdoor space. Once we’ve set the brief, we arrange a site visit to take in the space and gather all the information needed. From there, I create a concept drawing, followed by detailed 3D visualisations to help the client visualise the final design. Once approved, I provide a detailed quote for the build, ensuring everything from planning to execution is seamless and stress-free.
How do you approach designing a garden for small urban spaces versus larger suburban properties?
Designing for small urban spaces presents unique challenges, mainly because every square meter counts. In these spaces, I focus on maximising the utility of every inch without sacrificing style. Using vertical planting, multifunctional features, and compact furniture can make a small space feel much larger and more inviting.
For larger suburban gardens, there’s more room to experiment. I often create distinct zones within the garden—spaces for entertaining, relaxing, or play. However, the challenge here is to keep the design cohesive and balanced. Large gardens can easily feel disjointed if not carefully planned, so I always aim to blend natural and structured elements in a way that feels both expansive and intimate.
What are the key elements of a successful garden design?
A successful garden design should always be about creating a space that invites people to spend time outdoors. I like to focus on zoning, where different areas of the garden serve different purposes—whether it's a cosy corner for reading or a space for hosting family gatherings. A successful garden design should also blend beauty with practicality, making the space not just visually appealing but also functional for the people who use it.
How do you decide on the style of planting for a garden?
Choosing the right planting style is a collaborative process. I work closely with my clients to understand their personal preferences—whether they have favorite plants or want to include specific species in their garden. I also consider the garden's aspect, such as how much sun or shade it gets, and what type of soil it has. A mix of personal preferences and environmental factors guides me to select the best plants for each unique space.
What are your favourite plants to use for creating year-round interest?
I’m passionate about plants that offer beauty throughout the seasons. For example, I love using acers like Acer ‘Sango Kaku’ and Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’. These trees bring stunning form and colour to the garden throughout the year. I also adore perennials like Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ for their long blooming seasons. Adding bulbs like Allium sphaerocephalon or Nectaroscordum siculum provides bursts of colour in spring and early summer, ensuring the garden is always lively.
How do you ensure a garden remains low-maintenance without compromising on style?
One key aspect of low-maintenance gardening is getting the soil right from the start. Healthy soil is the foundation for strong, low-maintenance plants. I also consider plant placement—by designing planting beds with enough density, we can reduce the amount of space available for weeds. I focus on plants that offer long-lasting visual interest without needing constant pruning or attention.
How do you tailor designs to meet the lifestyle and personality of your clients?
Every garden design begins with a conversation about how the client envisions spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hosting parties, relaxing with a book, or having space for children to play, I make sure the design supports the way the client lives. I also consider the future—how the garden can adapt as their needs change over time. It’s important that the design reflects both present and future lifestyles, creating a space that evolves alongside the family.
What’s the most unusual request you’ve had from a client, and how did you incorporate it into the design?
One of the most memorable requests came from a couple, Jo and John, who wanted their London garden to transport them back to their favourite hotels in Asia. They shared a deep love for the tranquillity of Asian landscapes, so I carefully selected plants and materials to recreate that peaceful atmosphere. From the use of bamboo to water features and stone pathways, we were able to bring their vision to life, creating a space that felt like a serene getaway right in the heart of London.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on a project, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most challenging projects was designing a garden for a narrow, sloping site. The space was awkward, and the gradient made it tricky to create a balanced design. However, by using retaining walls and clever planting choices, I was able to turn the slope into a feature, creating multiple levels that gave the garden both structure and interest.
Is there a garden you’ve designed that you’re particularly proud of? Why?
I’m particularly proud of a project I completed last year for a family who wanted a versatile garden space. They needed areas for the kids to play, space to entertain, and room for plants. By dividing the space into distinct zones and using natural materials, I was able to create a garden that worked for every member of the family, offering both fun and relaxation in one cohesive space.
How do you tackle tricky spaces like shaded areas or poor soil conditions?
Shady areas and poor soil conditions can be tricky, but they offer unique opportunities to create something special. For shady spots, I focus on plants that thrive in low light, such as hostas or ferns. For poor soil, I use soil improvers and select hardy plants that don’t require perfect conditions to flourish.
What garden design trends are you most excited about right now?
I’m excited by the growing trend of incorporating more sustainable and eco-friendly design elements into gardens. People are becoming more conscious of the environment, and I’m passionate about creating gardens that are not only beautiful but also low-impact. From using native plants to incorporating rainwater harvesting systems, sustainability is becoming a key focus in every design.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
Sustainability is at the heart of my design process. I focus on using native plants, which are better for local wildlife and require less water and maintenance. I also prioritise using recycled materials and choosing sustainable, durable products that will stand the test of time.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone planning a garden redesign?
My advice would be to think about how you want to use your garden. Don’t just focus on how it looks—consider how it will function for your lifestyle. A well-designed garden should be a space that works for you in every season, whether you're entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying the beauty of nature.
What sparked your passion for garden design?
My love for garden design began as a child when I spent time exploring my family’s garden. I was fascinated by how plants could completely transform a space, and I’ve been captivated by the art of design ever since
Do you have a favourite garden or outdoor space that inspires your work?
I draw a lot of inspiration from botanical gardens and natural landscapes, especially in places like Kyoto, Japan. I love the way these gardens blend simplicity and nature, creating tranquil spaces that feel timeless and serene.
What’s one thing you think every garden should have?
Every garden should have a space where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. Whether it’s a comfortable bench under a tree or a stylish patio area, having a dedicated spot to pause and appreciate the garden is essential.
Anna’s approach to garden design is thoughtful, personal, and focused on creating spaces that bring joy to those who use them. Her passion for plants and dedication to client satisfaction ensures that every project she touches becomes something truly special.
If you're ready to create your dream garden, get in touch with Anna and the MRLandscapes team today!
Call us: 020 087 2334 Email: info@mrlandscapes.co.uk Visit: mrlandscapes.co.uk
Let’s create something exceptional together.