Elke is a Registered Horticulturist with The Australian Institute of Horticulture and was awarded The Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc. Award for Excellence in Horticultural Literature in 2015.

Following the completion of the Soil Biology and Plant Health Certificate Program, Western Sydney University, Soil Science Australia in 2024, Elke implements soil biology practices and strategies to enhance soil health and biological activities through the use of plant : soil microbial relationships in the landscape industry.