2026 OGV Student and Emerging Designers grant recipient
We’re thrilled to announce Rachael Saulle as the recipient of our 2026 Open Gardens Victoria Student and Emerging Designers Grant. Rachael’s winning garden design will feature at our OGV stand at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) on 25 to 29 March 2026.
Rachael is a Melbourne-based landscape designer and the founder of Calibre Gardens, a design studio specialising in inviting, immersive and highly functional residential gardens. She is a recent graduate of the London College of Garden Design (Melbourne) and transitioned into landscape design after a career in health science.
“I am absolutely delighted that my garden design has been selected by Open Gardens Victoria to be brought to life at this year’s show,” says Rachael. “The opportunity to create a garden that reflects my values — particularly the wellbeing benefits of gardens and gardening — is incredibly meaningful.”
Rachael is no stranger to MIFGS success, having previously placed first in the 2023 Border Garden competition. As a former health scientist, Rachael brings a strong understanding of wellbeing to her approach to outdoor spaces and her formal studies further developed her interest in creating people-centred gardens that encourage connection, reflection and everyday living.
Rachael’s winning design, Solara — meaning ‘of the sun’ — draws inspiration from Mediterranean landscapes and reflects her interest in creating engaging, nurturing outdoor spaces. The compact yet immersive garden features sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants, curving paths, stepping stones and an open pergola, inviting visitors to slow down, linger and connect with the space.
Open Gardens Victoria Chair Jamie Byron, says Solara stood out for its warmth, creativity and thoughtful approach.
“Open Gardens Victoria’s mission is to broaden interest in gardening and promote the health and wellbeing benefits of green spaces,” says Jamie. “Rachael’s garden immediately impressed us with its sense of calm and generosity. It proves that even a small garden can feel immersive, restorative and full of life.
Our Student and Emerging Designers Grant is now in its fourth year and open to Victorian-based horticulture and garden design students, as well as emerging designers with up to five years’ professional experience. Valued at up to $10,000, the grant supports the next generation of garden professionals by providing hands-on experience and exposure to the horticulture industry and plant lovers at MIFGS, the largest horticultural event in the southern hemisphere.
Our past three winners are Natalie Back in 2025, Sarah McLauchlan in 2024 and our first ever winner, Emma Sheppard-Simms in 2023.
Congratulations Rachael! We can’t wait to see your garden come to fruition at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show!