Embracing a Career in Landscape Architecture – Magdalena (Magda) Kazmierczak
One of our newest members, Magdalena has embraced a career in landscape architecture which has spanned two countries: her homeland of Poland and her 2nd home in Australia. She has excelled here, winning a 2nd place at MIFGS last year with her border garden ‘Equilibrium’ and building a design business which encompasses sustainable principles.
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Choosing a career in landscape architecture seamlessly combined my two greatest passions: nature and design. After obtaining my Master’s degree, I began my journey with various landscape design firms in Poland. However, venturing out on my own allowed me the creative freedom I craved while maintaining a balanced family life. Until 2012, I successfully operated a landscaping business in my home country and taught landscape design and construction at a vocational high school.
In late 2012, with a young family in tow, we moved to regional Australia after my husband received an amazing job opportunity. What was intended to be a two-year adventure transformed into a life-altering experience!
Upon arriving in the Land Down Under, I discovered an entirely new world of flora. I was immediately captivated by the stunning native plants and began to explore them through various books. In 2014, shortly before the birth of our youngest son, we relocated to Ballarat. Once again, I felt at home, surrounded by familiar European trees and shrubs. In 2019, I earned a Certificate III in Horticulture from Federation University in Ballarat, and the following year, I launched MK Gardens.
Since then, I have designed and created over 25 gardens in Ballarat and beyond. My gardens embody a naturalistic, timeless, and practical approach. I take pleasure in reusing second-hand materials, such as railway sleepers, bricks and rocks. I always prioritize my clients’ desires, crafting gardens tailored to their needs while infusing my personal touch. In 2024, I participated in the Border Garden Competition at MIFGS, where my garden, ‘Equilibrium,’ earned second place. The following year, I returned with ‘Folklore’ – an Entertainment Stage that beautifully interwove my Polish heritage with Australian design influences. This installation featured Polish folklore art paper cutouts alongside Australian native plants and birch trees, showcasing a harmonious blend of both cultures.
The year 2025 was bustling with garden shows. In March, I was invited to create a biodiverse display for the local Ballarat Begonia Festival. ‘Cool Refuge’ served as a sanctuary for various creatures, providing food, shelter, and water to enhance biodiversity. This garden featured a layered habitat with a diverse range of plant forms, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and ground covers, inviting an array of wildlife. A small pond, constructed from an old shell sandpit, was partially shaded and easily accessible, making it an ideal spot for frogs and lizards. An old log added both charm and shelter to the environment, enveloping visitors in greenery, fresh air, and the presence of wildlife in this serene setting.
I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a field I am passionate about while meeting like-minded individuals who help turn my design visions into reality. I continue to serve my community by assisting and consulting schools and childcare centres with their outdoor needs, alongside my amazing clients.
Magdalena Kazmierczak garden 1
Magdalena Kazmierczak garden 2
Magdalena Kazmierczak garden 3
