Green Thumb

Elizabeth Swane’s horticultural career has come up roses.

Horticultural consultant and writer Elizabeth Swane has gardening in her blood. Her dad, rosarian Ben Swane, is known as ‘The Legend’ in gardening circles and her late aunt Valerie Swane authored several definitive books on roses. Elizabeth worked at the family nursery in Dural for 25 years, until its closure in 2000. For the past 17 years, she’s been a regular guest on ABC Radio Sydney’s weekend gardening program.

When did your love of gardening take hold?

It was always part of my life. The nursery was our playground, and then our workplace.

Earliest garden-related memory?

Dad used to take me and my sister Marianne along when he created rose displays in the horticultural pavilion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. I was about four or five.

What’s your own garden like?

We live in the Hills District outside Sydney on a 2ha sloping bush block. It’s on Sydney sandstone, so there’s little soil. The garden itself is about two-thirds of a hectare and the rest is natural bush. We have sweeping lawns, scribbly gums, native shrubs, hardy perennials, massed groundcovers, ornamental shrubs and a raised herb and citrus garden.

Any roses?

Only two, due to a lack of full sun and no soil – and a rock wallaby who finds them delicious!

Describe your latest gardening

triumph? After several attempts, I’ve finally managed to strike cuttings from my potted Clerodendrum wallichii

(white bridal veil).

Most influential mentor?

My father, Ben Swane. He’s in his 90th year and still gardening. His love of plants and gardens – especially his vegie patch – just keep him going. On Mother’s Day he gave me a beautiful big basket full of fresh vegetables and herbs, all from his garden.

Advice for novice gardeners?

Take the time to research which plants suit your local climate. Get to know your soil type, too, and always prepare the soil before planting.

Always take the time to smell the… ?

It has to be roses! Having grown up in and worked alongside a 5000-plant rose nursery all my life, I find the scent intoxicating and each variety holds special memories.