Horticulturist and landscape artist, Dr Elsa Pooley, is breaking boundaries and inspiring women all across the world with talents of growing something out of nothing.
Despite her lack of formal education in the sector, the visionary botanist and South Coast resident remains one of the most sought-after landscapers in the region. Having been bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2008, Pooley said her passion is what has gotten her this far in life. “I was brought up to believe that whatever you do, you should do it as best as you possibly can without expecting a thanks from others, because you create your own appreciation through the things that you love doing. I have been doing gardens since I was 19 and I have published scientific papers without having the scientific training but having a really good, observant eye. Ultimately, after publishing a number of books, when my husband, Tony Pooley, passed away, I took up landscaping full time.” Pooley also won the prestigious Marloth Medal of the Botanical Society of South Africa in 2004, and was awarded the Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Contribution to Botany by the SA Association of Botanists in 1999. Prior to that, in 1996, Pooley was recognised as the KZN Wildlife and Environment Society’s Conservationist of the Year.
The mother of three boys, Simon, Justin and Thomas, has amassed over 40 years of experience, with some of her notable projects being the Renishaw Hills Gardens in Scottsburgh which gave rise to the indigenous nursery which quickly outgrew the site and was moved to the Crocworld Conservation Centre. “My first passion was and always will be my family,” she chuckled. When asked what advice she would like to impart on young aspiring women of business, Pooley said: “The main objective should be to focus narrowly on what it is that you are passionate about and what you enjoy doing without losing sight of life. Life is really the people you love.” Speaking about what she will be doing to celebrate this Women’s Day, Pooley said she would no doubt be spending the special day out in nature, thinking, reflecting and writing her new book. “This Women’s Day I will take advantage of a day off and use it as an opportunity to take a break and consider our place in the world; a time to salute the women around us and show our appreciation for all that they do,” she said.
