By BRIDGET COOK
BERWICK couple Rodger and Gwen Elliot have blossomed into two of the best ambassadors for Australian horticulture in the country during their career spanning more than 40 years.
It was their promotion and contribution to the gardening industry, particularly their expertise in Australian native plants, which saw them awarded the highest honours at the 2013-14 Laurel Awards last month.
The couple received the prestigious Gold Laurel and were inducted into the Horticultural Media Association Australia’s Hall of Fame at the awards.
While the Elliot’s have had a career in many aspects of horticulture over the years, on a local level they were an integral part of the development of the award-winning Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Mrs Elliot said the recognition was the icing on the cake for what had been an amazing career in horticulture media.
“You don’t set out to achieve awards like this, as it’s the journey that is important,” she said.
“Being involved in horticulture has been a wonderful part of our lives, and it’s been amazing to share our passion for gardening with others.
“It’s been a privilege and pleasure to be involved in the industry, and we are just so grateful for this recognition.”
Mr Elliot said it was very pleasing to receive awards, as it was recognition from their peers.
“We’ve had a long term involvement in the industry from the late 50s, early 60s,” he said.
“It’s quite the pleasure and honour to receive an award like this.”
The prestigious awards are reserved for those who have had long and outstanding careers in the horticultural media industry.
The Elliots have a long‐time connection with the Royal Botanic Gardens, with Rodger serving as a member of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Board for 16 years and both providing invaluable input in the development of the Australian Garden at the Cranbourne gardens.
They were also a key part of the gold medal winning team that travelled to London for the 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Their vast knowledge of Australian native plants has seen them author about 35 books while owning and operating retail and wholesale specialty nurseries.
They are sought after by newspaper and magazine columnists and radio and television guests on a range of gardening programs.
Royal Botanic Gardens director and chief executive Professor Tim Entwisle congratulated the Elliots on their awards.
“Rodger and Gwen are certainly pioneers when it comes to the cultivation of Australian plants and it is wonderful that they have received this honour from industry colleagues,” he said.
“They are two of the best ambassadors for Australian horticulture, working tirelessly to support the promotion of Australian native plants and the Australian Garden, both in Australia and internationally.
“They have both made an amazing contribution to the horticultural industry and to the promotion of Australian plants. This award is thoroughly deserved.”
