Meaning of 'twisted aside' and 'gentle swags'

[All Potted Out]

Dear Teachers,

In this passage:

"He reached out and twisted aside two protruding tree roots. He poked them into gentle swags. In the space between them, he put out his hand and smoothed the dirt."

Does "twisted aside" mean "pushed aside"?
Is it saying that he used the tree roots to make swags? And what are "gentle swags" anyway?

[Mister Micawber]

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Your idea for twisted aside is fine.

For gentle swags, I suppose this definition is appropriate: swag-- 1a. An ornamental drapery or curtain draped in a curve between two points. b. An ornamental festoon of flowers or fruit.

Gentle would mean not overly curved.
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_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's