In 1987, Margit Klee and her late husband Graham Radcliffe acquired 19 hectares of untouched rainforest atop Mount Glorious, located approximately an hour northwest of Brisbane. Their shared vision was to create a sanctuary that combined the tranquility of nature with the expressive power of art, establishing a space dedicated to peace both personally and globally.
Radcliffe, who died in 2022 at the age of 88, was a distinguished sculptor renowned for his work in marble and onyx. His pieces have been exhibited across Australia and internationally, with several commissioned for public installations. The couple met in 1984 in Cape Tribulation, where Radcliffe was living in relative isolation. Despite a significant age difference—he was twice Klee’s age—they married in 1986 and embarked on their joint project.
Upon settling at Mount Glorious, the couple sought to preserve the natural environment, carefully avoiding the removal of trees while constructing a road and establishing electrical connections. Initially living in a caravan, they soon built a modest 9-by-9-meter shed with a mezzanine, which remains Klee’s residence. Though they had plans to construct a larger home, those were ultimately abandoned as the shed proved comfortable and allowed them to maintain the site’s scenic views over Moreton Bay. Later additions included a workshop and a gallery-cum-painting-studio, currently rented out to guests seeking solitude and immersion in nature.
The development of the garden was gradual and organic, with no formal master plan guiding the process. Klee noted that they aimed to work with the land rather than against it, with Radcliffe determining the placement of walking paths and the integration of existing rocks to complement the natural topography.
The garden features a diverse array of native flora, including staghorn and birds nest ferns, king orchids, and carefully selected flowering plants such as clivias, azaleas, tropical rhododendrons, bromeliads, and medinillas. More than 150 hand-carved sculptures in marble, onyx, and alabaster created by Radcliffe are strategically positioned throughout the grounds—often concealed to provide visitors with moments of discovery along winding paths, tranquil lookouts, and serene water features. A notable structural addition is a spacious guest house equipped with an open deck and hot tub, flanked by banyan and fig trees.
Klee describes the garden as a product of love and meticulous care, characterizing it as a place of quiet magic. The site is open for public visits by appointment and is available for event rentals. Maintenance is supported by a small volunteer team. Looking ahead, Klee hopes the garden will continue to offer a place of solace and inspiration, allowing future generations and visitors from around the world to experience the harmonious union of art and nature.