Malcolm and Kath Hughes have been bonsai enthusiasts since 1975. Malcolm was elected President of the European Bonsai Association in 1995, is currently a consultant to the Japan-based World Bonsai Federation, and is also an accredited Royal Horticultural Society judge. Kathy is secretary to the Federation of British Bonsai Societies and organises the World Events Calendar for the World Bonsai Friendship Federation. She also lectures on bonsai topics and has contributed numerous articles to Bonsai Focus.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), with 448,000 members, is the UK's largest gardening charity, dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its charitable work includes providing expert advice and information, training the next generation of gardeners and promoting the ecological, aesthetic and psychological benefits of gardening in an urban environment.