A Walk In The Park

Passion and vision in equal measure have shaped this handsome formal garden in Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland.

- Elizabeth Wilson

There’s a certain magic about an avenue of jacarandas in full bloom. Just ask Caroline and Rob Tolmie. The couple purchased their home at Mount Tamborine, in the hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast, on their first inspection in 2003 after falling in love with the purple-fringed driveway. “The house needed work and the garden was little more than rough horse paddocks,” says Caroline. “But the jacarandas were mature and in flower – that sold it to us.”

In addition to the purple welcome mat, the property had many other things going for it. At just under 3ha (seven acres), the gently sloping site is nestled into picturesque hills and blessed with rich volcanic soil. Located within the so-called ‘scenic rim’, it enjoys a more temperate climate than the coast, with an annual rainfall of 1.5m and four distinct seasons.