Solara: A Garden by Rachael Saulle for Open Gardens Victoria
LCGD graduate Rachael Saulle of Calibre Gardens was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Open Gardens Victoria Student and Emerging Designers Grant.
Solara is the result.
Designed and built for the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, the project gave Rachael the opportunity to take a concept through to a fully realised garden in a public setting.
The brief is clear in the outcome. A garden designed for sun, and shaped around how a space is experienced over time.
The planting reflects that thinking. A mix of Australian natives and Mediterranean species creates a palette that is both resilient and generous, with movement and softness carrying through the space.
Nothing feels overworked. The strength of the garden comes from how well each decision has been resolved.
Planting, layout and materiality all work together to create a space that feels calm, considered and easy to spend time in.
A confident outcome, and a well-deserved opportunity realised.
With thanks to Josephine Ball for capturing the gardens, details and moments across the Show.