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About Jay

I started a career in tree surgery almost by accident. After completing a degree in History at York University I trained to act and sing. Frustrated by the life of an out-of-work theatre professional in the eighties, I looked around for something more rewarding. I saw an advert in my local paper saying that Harringay Council was encouraging women to take on professions that they might otherwise not have considered and would offer on-the-job training to the right applicants. One of the jobs on offer was that of a trainee tree surgeon. I had always been interested in gardening and conservation, and thinking ‘that sounds like fun’ I applied... and got a job!

I worked for the Council for three years as part of a team, climbing, pruning, felling, digging out stumps and covering all associated tree works in the spectacular surroundings of Alexandra Palace Park and in the streets of Muswell Hill and Crouch End. I did evening courses for the theory section of the Royal Forestry Society Certificate in Arboriculture, and was allowed day release to take the City & Guilds/Royal Horticultural Society Certificate in Arboriculture.

After a nine month stint as an Arboricultural Technician at Capel Manor College in Enfield, I joined the National Trust as an arborist/gardener, and worked at Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming in Surrey from 1987 to 1992. Working with Eric Barrs, the head of the Arboretum, I learned a huge amount about the care and identification of trees and shrubs, and also meadow and grassland management.

After taking the RHS Certificate in Horticulture at Level 2, I went on from Winkworth to become a student on the three year diploma course at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This intensive course gives students three months each year in formal study; the other nine months are spent working in all the different departments throughout the gardens. I have worked in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, the Alpine Department, various producing greenhouses, several of the outside areas and of course, the Tree Gang. I studied Garden Design under Brigitte von Shoenaich and tree care with Tony Kirkham, and graduated with Honours in 1995.

Since that time, I have established my own garden design company, and have worked throughout London and South East England in the related areas of Garden Design and Restoration. I live in Kensal Green, North West London and when I am not gardening I am still involved in theatre, singing and sailing.