Simon Akeroyd has written over 30 gardening books, including RHS Gardener's Quiz & Puzzle Book and the bestselling RHS Allotment Handbook & Planner (both published by Mitchell Beazley). Simon's most recent book is RHS 50 Ways to Outsmart a Squirrel & Other Garden Pests. He writes for national garden and lifestyle magazines and as producer and journalist for the BBC.

Simon was previously Gardens' Manager for the National Trust (with properties that include Agatha Christie's Greenway, Coleton Fishacre, Compton Castle, Bradley Manor and Polesden Lacey). He was also Garden Manager for the Royal Horticultural Society including Harlow Carr and RHS Garden Wisley. Apart from gardening he is also a keen beekeeper.

Dr Ross Bayton gained a Bachelor's degree in tropical ecology, and later a Masters and a PhD, both in taxonomy. He is the co-author of RHS Genealogy for Gardeners and RHS Gardening School (both Mitchell Beazley), and worked for three years at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.