David Jones is a dedicated plantsman and has named many species of Australian native orchids. He is the author of Exotic Orchids in Australia and Native Orchids of Australia, and has authored or co-authored more than 28 other books on various plant groups including climbing plants, ferns, palms and cycads.

He is now retired on the south coast of New South Wales with his wife Barbara where they are establishing an experimental garden. He collects bulbs, cacti and succulents, enjoys gardening, fishing and writing, and is still actively studying native orchids and other plants.