Christine Shaw studied horticulture at the Isle of Wight Horticultural College while working nights as a croupier. She has worked at Angus White's famous nursery near Horsham, and set up a new branch at Chichester in 1996, which she continues to run. In addition, Christine has established a successful career for herself as a freelance horticultural journalist, writing articles for The English Garden, Garden Inspirations, RHS The Garden and Exotic Gardening. She lives in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.