Jennifer Stackhouse's interest in horticulture and writing was inspired by her family background. After leaving university she began curatorial work at Sydney's Elizabeth Bay House museum, researching the extensive garden that once surrounded the house, and arranging exhibitions of historic plants and heritage roses; it was here that she decided to learn more about plants and gardening. After completing an Associate Diploma in Horticulture at Sydney's Ryde School of Horticulture, Jennifer joined the staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens. She began her career in horticultural media soon afterwards; she currently writes regularly for The Sydney Morning Herald and other newspapers around Australia and is editor of the well-respected ABC Gardening Australia magazine. Jennifer has a large garden on the outskirts of Sydney, two children, numerous cats, dogs and chickens, and works as an editor, journalist and horticultural consultant.