Design Portfolio

MIFGS 2026 Re-Learn, Re-Grow

Concept

Set in the Victorian Volcanic Plains, this garden explores the layers of history of the land beneath our feet. Ascending from left to right the layers represent changinlg land values across Aboriginal pre-colonial, colonial and present-day periods. We are left to consider the way in which we value our garden spaces today, and what lies beneath the surface. The natural cycles of growth, death and regeneration are a metaphor for our own re-learning about our environment and the necessary process of healing the past.

Lower level

Aboriginal people managed the land for the cultivation of food and medicine plants and maintained a rich biodiversity of plants and animals. The soil is soft and healthy with the roots of perennial plants and water systems are full.

Mid level

The colonial era saw stock grazing, erosion and compaction destroyed much of the health of our indigenous grasslands. Trees were lopped to clear the land and soil was degraded when land was viewed as a natural resource to be exploited.

Upper level

In the present-day, land is parceled up for residential use. Whilst we have imposed built structures, there is also a re-learning and appreciation for using garden spaces to enhance biodiversity by using indigenous plants.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis is the species chosen for the tree stump sculpture because they live for hundreds of years and are important direction trees in Aboriginal songlines along river systems. They connect the layers of time - their roots extending far below the surface - embodying the wisdom and resilience that survives unchanged while the world spins.

Plant List

Acacia implexa Acacia melanoxylon Acacia rostriformis (Bacchus Marsh variant) Acaena novae-zealandiae Allocasuarina leuhmannii Atriplex cinerea Atriplex nummularea Bacopa monnieri Baumea articulata Billardia scandens Blechnum nudum Brachyscome multifida Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine glauca Callistemon sieberi Calocephalus citreus Calocephalus lacteus
Carex appressa Carpobrotus rossii Chloris truncata Chrysocephalum semipapposum Correa glabra Cycnogeton procerumDianella revolutaDianella tasmanicaDichanthium sericeum Dichondra repensEnchylaena tomentosaEnneapogon nigricansEremophila desertiiEryngium ovinumEryngium vesiculosumEucalyptus camaldulensisEucalyptus melliodoraEucalyptus microcarpa Goodenia ovata Indigofera australis
Juncus flavidus Kennedia prostrata Kunzea pomifera Leptorhynchos tenuifolius Linum marginale Lobelia alata Lobelia pedunculata Lomandra longifolia Marsilea drummondii Mentha australis Microlaena stipoides Microseris scapigera Microseris lanceolata Myoporum insulare Nicotanea suaveolens Oenanthe javanica Pelargonium australis Plectranthus graveolens Poa labillardieri Poa sieberiana var. Sieberiana
Lythrum salicariaProstanthera incisaPycnosorus globosusRubus probusRubus parvifoliaRytidosperma caespitosumRytidosperma duttonianumSolanum aviculareTetragonia tetragoniodesTriglochin proceraTriglochin striataThemeda triandra Violacea hederaceaXerochrysum palustrisXerochrysum viscosum

Material Palette

The central tree stump sculpture is constructed from layers of plywood cut in contours, glued together, then sculpted and sanded to a smooth finish. The intention is to represent an ancient root system stemming from a tree that has been destroyed. The centre of the stump has decayed to form a hollow and fungi have moved in. These fungi will be scuplted from wood and dremmelled to create the texture. The roots of the tree stump will be attached to the corten steel box which will encase the garden and form the ascending levels. Steps will be created in between the roots. Rocks and pavers will be volcanic bluestone from the Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion. Where they are needed to be flat, the rocks will be sawn to create irregular steppers. Soil will change over the time periods representing the deterioration of the top soil, but also a rebuilding of organic matter in the present day.

Concept Plans

After the consultation and site assessment, your designer will develop a concept plan for your project. You will be provided with a fee proposal after the consultation for the draft and final concept plan stages. This will include a CAD drawn scaled drawing of the site, a structural layout of the space, suggestions of style and materials and a draft plant selection. The concept plan brings the wow factor and gives you an overview of the way your space can be transformed.

Planting Plan

After the concept plan stage, a full planting plan can be completed with plants specifically chosen to thrive in the conditions of your site. We design with plants in mind so progressing to the planting plan stage will bring an added level of detail that knits all the elements of the design together.

Final Working Plan

Once all aspects of the plan have been agreed upon, your designer will draw up a final working plan that provides details, set out, quantities and measurements for construction.

Referral to Landscapers

We work with local, trusted landscapers who are experts in landscape construction. With attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship, this partnership between client, designer and landscape construction team will bring your project to life. Olivera Garden Designs can handover to trades at the completion of the design process, or stay involved throughout construction as project managers.

Ongoing Maintenance

For those of you who may not be keen gardeners yourselves, you can still have a beautiful garden. We provide a maintenance service to keep your garden looking its best as it evolves over time.

Get In Touch

For more details, contact us at your convenience via email, phone call, or connect with us through our official website chat.
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Bayswater, VIC 3153
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