BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast How to garden as you age, with Carol Klein
Nov 6, 2025
Carol Klein, an experienced gardener and beloved TV presenter, shares her journey of adapting gardening as she ages. She discusses the evolution of her garden over 46 years and the physical challenges she faces, including arthritis and hip replacements. Carol emphasizes gardening’s mental benefits and the joy of propagation as she continues to share plants with friends. Despite setbacks, including a recent health scare, her passion remains unwavering, proving that gardening can thrive at any age.
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Episode notes
Experience Offsets Physical Slowing
- Carol Klein says gardening remains the same in principle but becomes slower and occasionally needs help as you age.
- Long experience makes many tasks semi-automatic so knowledge offsets some physical decline.
Trees Planted Over Decades Reshape A Garden
- Carol describes planting most trees at Glebe over 46 years and watching them mature into a different garden structure.
- She enjoys dividing perennials and finds the physical work more satisfying despite it being harder.
Gardening Is Continuous Mental Engagement
- Gardening keeps Carol mentally engaged because it demands observation and continual learning each year.
- She notes every season and year behaves differently, offering endless discovery despite recurring cycles.
