SHE may be a vine in name but Margaret Vines is a rose by nature.

The Taylors Lakes resident has always boasted a green thumb, a trait that her husband Frank shares.

They have been members of the Taylors Lakes Garden Club for the past 25 years.

But while Margaret has an eye for flowers, Frank prefers to get his hands dirty in the couple’s vegetable patch.

That could be why he showers his wife with tomatoes and potatoes, instead of traditional bouquets.

“He has bought me flowers but it’s very rare,” Margaret said.

“But he does keep the kitchen supplied with fresh vegetables so I can’t complain.”

In winter, it’s peas and broad beans and in summer all the tomatoes they can eat.

While her husband caters to their dietary needs, Margaret spends her time cultivating camellias, roses and tulips to beautify their home.

It is not unusual for the couple to spend a whole day in their garden pruning, weeding and planting.

“We find it relaxing and it’s a lovely way of spending time together,” Margaret said.

They are hoping some of their passion for gardening will rub off on others.

Over the years the amateur gardeners have noticed a significant drop in membership for the garden club, particularly after the drought.

The group currently has only 20 members but is hoping to recruit more over the coming year.

“We’ve been a bit worried about membership so it would be fantastic if we could get more people involved,” Margaret said.

“I think a lot of people have been put off by the water restrictions but perhaps if they joined the club they could learn techniques to combat the drought.”

Anyone interested in joining the Taylors Lakes Garden Club can call 9390 1671.