Her journey into the world of horticulture and garden design began after her three children reached a point where she could passionately pursue her ambition. Jo embarked on an educational odyssey, culminating in the attainment of a degree in Horticulture and Garden Design. Armed with knowledge and fuelled by an innate passion, she ventured into the world of garden design and maintenance.

For over 11 years, Jo dedicated herself to this craft, transforming gardens. Her hands-on experiences were augmented by meticulous notetaking, creating a treasure trove of insights and wisdom. These records, meticulously preserved over the years, have become the foundational source of her book.

Balancing her roles as a garden designer and devoted mother, Jo cherished the flexibility of her profession, allowing her to nurture both her family and her green endeavours.

Today, Jo Barham is based in Mawdesley, Lancashire, where she has shifted her focus to floral artistry, a path gentler on the back but equally fulfilling. However, her fervour for gardening remains undiminished.

Jo’s commitment to sharing her vast knowledge and practical wisdom led her to pen the “Baytree Gardening Companion.” This guide is a testament to her dedication, offering readers a no-nonsense handbook, a trusted companion for their gardening journeys.

One realization has become paramount in Jo’s gardening odyssey – the importance of documenting the evolution of one’s garden. Recognizing that a garden is not just a sanctuary for the present but also a legacy for the future, Jo has included, at the end of each month’s chapter, three invaluable sections: a Diary Planner, Activity Log, and Planting Record. These features ensure that the garden’s history is preserved; both for the gardener and the generations to come.

Jo Barham, a woman of boundless love for the earth and its creations, is not just a gardener but also a steward of nature’s beauty, dedicated to helping others embark on their own gardening adventures.