LANDSCAPE DESIGN STUDIO OF SUSTAINABLE MEDITERRANEAN GARDENS
TERRA ASCOLTATA
I am Maria Kosovskaya. After many years managing large-scale infrastructure projects in Italy and abroad, I chose to dedicate myself to landscape design, driven by a desire to better understand the plant world and its relationship with place.
In 2025, I founded TERRA ASCOLTATA, a landscape studio inspired by Mediterranean landscapes, natural plant communities, and the dynamics of ecological succession.
Through the study of native flora and plant relationships, I design resilient gardens that require less water, less maintenance, and are able to evolve gracefully over time.
Every project begins with careful observation of the landscape and with the belief that ecology and beauty are not separate goals, but interconnected parts of the same living system.
Every project begins long before the design phase.
I walk through landscapes before shaping them. I observe how plants coexist, how they evolve over time. I travel across different ecosystems, studying plant communities within their natural environments. It is there that I recognize what truly works. Every project is born from this observation.
MY EXPERIENCE
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PRIVATE VILLA IN MEDITERRANEAN STYLE IN SANTA PONSA (MALLORCA). Preliminary design. 2026 - ongoing.
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CLIMATE GARDEN LAB. Living Landscape Research. Currently in the planning phase. 2026 - 2029.
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NATURALISTIC GARDEN IN UMBRIA. Preliminary design. Year 2025.
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RESEARCH ON MEDITERRANEAN PLANT COMMUNITIES IN SICILIAN ECOSYSTEMS. Year 2025.
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A NATURAL ANAMORPHOSIS. Design. Year 2025.
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A BLOOMING ANAMORPHOSIS. Supervision and observation. Year 2025.
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LIVING FENCE. Work supervision. Year 2025.
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PLANT PROCUREMENT AND LOGISTICS. Year 2025.
MY SERVICES
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GARDEN DESIGN
A well-designed Mediterranean garden is a living, self-sustaining ecosystem—drought-resistant, evolving over time, and enhancing the quality of life for those who inhabit it.
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FROM DESIGN TO GROUND
As a garden takes shape on site, every practical decision holds real significance. This is a living, intricate phase—one I guide with attentive presence, thoughtful care, and a deep sense of responsibility.
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SUPPORT
Whenever you need expert guidance, a fresh perspective, or a thoughtful exchange, I provide support in Mediterranean gardens and sustainable design—helping ideas take root and flourish.
SHALL WE BRING THE MEDITERRANEAN INTO YOUR GARDEN?
Every green space has its own voice—whether a quiet courtyard or a sweeping garden. To guide you in bringing it to life, I have created three unique paths, each designed to help your garden bloom in its own way. Together, we can bring a natural, sustainable Mediterranean garden into your home—a space that is beautiful, functional, and unmistakably yours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does designing a garden mean simply choosing beautiful plants?
Far from it. A sustainable Mediterranean garden is a living, breathing ecosystem—resilient to drought and low in maintenance. Every choice matters: the plants, their placement, the preparation of the soil, and guidance on proper watering and care. Together, these elements ensure a garden that is not only beautiful and functional but built to endure. Beyond that, a garden is a space to inhabit and experience, with distinct areas connected by flowing paths. It becomes another room of your home—alive, evolving, and full of life.
Why work with a landscape designer? Can’t a gardener do it?
A landscape designer shapes harmony, creates visual focal points, and brings out the best in every corner of the garden. They study the soil, the interplay of plants, and the materials needed to craft a space that is functional, beautiful, and sustainable. A gardener, in turn, tends to the plants—transplanting, pruning, and ensuring their health. Together, designer and gardener transform a vision into a living, enduring garden.
Why invest in a garden design?
A thoughtfully designed garden is more than just a space—it is a retreat, a source of calm, and a place where life unfolds. It helps you relax, reconnect with yourself, and savor the small joys of daily life. It grows with you, nurtures biodiversity, and enhances the value of your home. One day, if you choose to sell, it will stand as a lasting gift to its next owner.
What does the first site visit include?
This is a free introductory meeting (available around Paciano (PG)), where I observe your space, listen to your desires, and help you discover the path that will best bring your garden to life.
How do you determine the cost of your services?
I offer three adaptable paths, tailored to different spaces and needs, described in the “Paths” section. Each project is unique, and I am happy to explore the best solution for your garden.
