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.

Heading

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.
LINEAR TIME
The theme of time as a linear concept is explored and challenged by considering the layers of history as part of the natural cycle of growth, death and regeneration. This is represented in the design by the tree levels, or three passages of time that the garden moves through.
SPIRAL TIME
A spiral is another conception of time more akin to the cyclical nature of life. A spiral forms a layering effect and represents the layers of time beneath our feet. Whilst we may only consider what we see on the surface, healthy soil contains living structures - systems of roots, waterways and fungal networks.
CIRCULAR TIME
A circle represents the regeneration of our environment, our journey of learning, healing and reshaping our values to care for Country. The tree stump is a form of circle with roots extending through the layers and passages of time.
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.

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 painted with glow-in-thedark paint to come alive at the night shows. 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.

Niddrie 2020

This family wanted outdoor modern living with flashy features and low maintenance greenery.
The front of the house is a traditional style and a formal garden with hydrangeas and an ornamental pear complemented this beautifully.
The back of the house transforms into a modern, architectural exploration of textures and materials. Their backyard will incorporate a pool with a fire feature, timber batons and corrugated iron cladding behind a wall of striking plants.
With clever design, contrasting textures and styles provide for an enhanced appreciation of space and a garden the whole family can enjoy.
WHAT
Traditional meets modern
WHERE
Niddrie
WHEN
January 2020

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.

Upper Ferntree Gully 2020

This site presented a challenging slope but had plenty of potential. Re-designed into a hamptons style cottage garden with meandering paths and points of interest throughout. The garden leads down the slope to a natural creek at the bottom of the garden.
Plenty of colour and layers of green foliage, as well as framed archways, seating areas and rustic features will make this garden a stunning place to enjoy for this family.
WHERE
Upper Ferntree Gully
WHEN
September 2020

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 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.
Address
Bayswater, VIC 3153
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