In this episode…

We’re joined by Alannah Easton, owner of Olivera Landscape Architecture and Design, whose work sits at the intersection of community design, habitat gardening, and practical, buildable landscapes. 

Alannah shares her unusual pathway into the industry (from the Department of Justice), why public spaces shape behaviour and connection, and how she’s turning that passion into real change through her school program Plant the Seed.

We also dive into the realities of designing and delivering projects: navigating client budgets, collaborating with construction teams, setting projects up for success with good soil prep, and the not-so-glamorous challenge of planning regulations and overlays.

Alannah wraps by taking us behind her MIFGS Boutique Garden concept; a story-driven design exploring the Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion and how land use has shifted over time, from pre-colonial abundance to pastoral impacts and today’s re-awakening around indigenous vegetation and biodiversity.

Key takeaways

• Place design changes how people feel and behave. Alannah’s early work in community corrections showed her how streetscapes, parks and public spaces can either encourage connection or discourage it.
• Budget conversations work best when they’re staged. Start with the “wish list”, then refine once the concept, materials and scope are clear. Detailed design is where accurate quoting becomes possible.
• Good collaborations make projects smoother. A warm handover to trusted contractors (plus clear communication) helps maintain client confidence from concept through construction.
• Soil prep and plant selection are everything. Alannah designs for resilience by selecting plants suited to the site and climate, then setting them up with proper soil layers and mulch.
• Tube stock can outperform ‘instant’ plants. In the right conditions, younger plants can establish faster and avoid issues like pot binding.
• Plant the Seed: school gardens as climate + community infrastructure. Alannah’s program helps schools lift biodiversity, habitat value, and tree canopy, creating cooler, safer grounds and getting kids genuinely invested.
• Planning is often the biggest headache. Overlays and inconsistent interpretation can add time, cost and frustration, building in amendment rounds and setting expectations early is key.
• MIFGS Boutique Garden insight: Alannah is using a layered design to tell a land-use story across three eras, connected by a sculptural “tree stump” centrepiece and water moving through the site.

👁️‍🗨️ About Alannah Easton

• Website: olivera.com.au
• Plant the Seed
• Facebook: oliveragardendesigns
• Instagram: @oliveragardendesign
• LinkedIn: Alannah Easton

🔔 Follow The Front Garden so you don’t miss any future episodes.

Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Coolabah Turf. Visit Victoria’s premium instant turf supplier at coolturf.com.au