BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast Gardening memories, with Carol Klein
Dec 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Carol Klein, an experienced gardener and beloved TV presenter, shares her transformative journey from diverse jobs to her true calling in gardening. She fondly reminisces about her childhood love for wildflowers and how family influences shaped her path. Carol spills delightful anecdotes from prestigious flower shows and reflects on her unexpected rise to television fame. With a passion for teaching gardening to children, she envisions a future filled with more planting adventures and inspiring young green thumbs.
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Childhood Wonder Sparked A Career
- Carol Klein describes a childhood fascination with plants that drove her lifelong interest in gardening.
- Moving to Devon and finally having a proper garden crystallized her decision to pursue gardening seriously.
Chelsea Stand Chaos Turned To Gold
- Carol recounts the chaos and triumph of preparing large Chelsea Flower Show stands, including a near-disaster unloading incident.
- The team salvaged the plants and still won gold, showing improvisation matters under pressure.
Funny Moments That Lighten Shows
- Carol shares humorous show memories like fellow exhibitors smoking two cigarettes at once and hiding from royals.
- She emphasizes that laughter and camaraderie are central to the joy of gardening shows.
