Rod Barwick Rod was the first Tasmanian to win the Marjorie Harris Contests celebrated daffodil breeder from Tasmania’s far northern suburbs. He has spent more than half a century developing unique and striking floral species. He started down his path into horticulture in an environment that left him with little sense of belonging. In addition to learning the ways of this new world, he struggled to find his place among his family and peers. Barwick was nearly derailed by challenges early on, but refused to be stopped. Today, he’s a world-renowned expert on the production of miniature daffodils, with countless awards and honors for his distinctive varieties of the popular flower.
In 1985, Barwick started a spring flower show in Claremont with his sister Anne. This program served as a pivotal launching pad in his burgeoning career. Here’s a look back at that fabulous fall event showcasing his extraordinary daffodil cultivars. As a side benefit, it invigorated a greater appreciation for flowering plants among the town’s residents. Barwick has produced thousands of award-winning daffodils over the years. In fact, he’s only the fourth Australian to receive that prestigious award for his remarkably tireless and pioneering work in horticulture.
A Lifelong Passion for Daffodils
It was just a lucky chance,” Barwick said. His passion for daffodils was sparked when he ordered a box of daffodil bulbs from a garden catalogue in 1972. That early investment sprouted into an endless love.
“From a garden magazine, at the beginning of 1972, I bought some collections of daffodils — that is now 54 years ago — and those bulbs grew well for me.” – Rod Barwick
Yet he had started looking beyond the obvious, to the potential of miniature daffodils long before they became an Australian sensation. It’s that aesthetic eye for these blooms that made them the most coveted of specimens. Today, Dutch nurseries are propagating his creations on the millions of acres.
“And they have gone on to achieve international recognition with Dutch nurseries propagating them in huge scale.” – Rod Barwick
It would be an understatement to say Barwick’s innovative approach to breeding has found him the creator of countless successful, notable cultivars. Some of the names were playfully chosen, taking cues from famous sleuths. Each of his characters—think ‘Smarple’ and ‘Spoirot’—hints at the playful personality and deep connection to the artistry that he possessed.
“Because the cross wasn’t meant to be achieved … I thought I was a bit of a botanical detective, so I used detective names for the flowers that I raised and I named them ‘Smarple’ as in Miss Marple and ‘Spoirot’ as in Hercule Poirot, et cetera.” – Rod Barwick
Impact on the Community
Barwick’s impact reaches further than his own success, though he’s inspired hundreds of additional people to take up gardening. He is a strong advocate for getting family and community members involved, including his niece Janelle Noble, inspiring them with the beauty of cultivating flowers. Noble has internalized much of her uncle’s wisdom and has recently started experimenting with daffodil breeding on her own.
Fellow horticulturist, Richard Perrignon puts it simply, calling Barwick “the artist with the pollen brush.” He praises Barwick’s aspiration and creativity in breeding unusual varieties.
“And he’s very ambitious in his art.” – Richard Perrignon
Perrignon’s documentary, Barwick’s America, focuses on Barwick’s unprecedented achievement in Australia. Few have come close to his accomplishments in miniature daffodil breeding.
“There’s no-one I know in Australia who has been so successful in breeding the kind of daffodils that he breeds.” – Richard Perrignon
Barwick’s catalogues, rich with illustrations and insights from life at his Glenbrook property, have been instrumental in sharing his knowledge with growers and gardeners nationwide. His dedication to teaching others about horticulture is rooted in his passion for making gardening a fun pursuit.
“Gardening in its best form is not about that; it’s about enjoying the actual growing and what you achieve.” – Rod Barwick
Reflecting on His Journey
As he looks back on his incredible journey — one that hasn’t ended yet — Barwick swells with emotion for the life he is creating. When he’s not making deals in the Board of Trade, he’s putting in work on the land his family has cultivated for centuries. He considers himself lucky to make a living doing what he’s passionate about.
“Looking back, it seems remarkable to me that I have been able to live the last quarter of a century always working here on the property that was home to my parents and grandparents before — making a living by growing bulbs, plants and flowers and surrounded by birds, animals and the hills of Claremont … I guess I must be one of the luckiest people in the world!” – Rod Barwick
Against the odds of early pessimism, Barwick has gone on to forge a healthy career in artistry. His confidence in being different shines through as much as his love for horticulture. His tale should stand as a testament and inspiration to budding gardeners the world over.
