Carol Klein, gardener

Carol Klein is a gardener, broadcaster and longtime contributor to BBC Gardeners’ World. She is a six time Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner, a certified RHS Horticultural Hero and was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour.

Born in 1945 in Lancashire, Carol was the eldest of three children and her love of gardening was evident when she used to bring soil in from the outside as a toddler, and make a garden on the lino floor of her mum’s kitchen.

She began her career as an art teacher, working for many years in London schools. After meeting her husband, Neil, they eventually moved to Devon to buy a house and create a garden. They have lived in Glebe Cottage for forty seven years and it’s been the base for Carol’s former plant business as well as the location for some of her TV programmes.

Carol never intended to be a professional gardener. She followed that path after becoming a parent and deciding not to return to her teaching career. After first growing plants successfully for local markets, she then started entering professional garden shows up and down the country winning six Chelsea gold medals in the process.

Carol lives in Devon with her husband Neil.

DISC ONE: Feeling Good - Nina Simone DISC TWO: Not Fade Away - Buddy Holly DISC THREE: Corrina, Corrina - Bob Dylan DISC FOUR: Let’s Stay Together - Al Green DISC FIVE: Perfect Day - Lou Reed DISC SIX: Tutti Frutti - Little Richard DISC SEVEN: Skylark (Alauda Arvensis) DISC EIGHT: Radio, Radio - Elvis Costello & The Attractions

BOOK CHOICE: Flora Britannica by Richard Mabey LUXURY ITEM: A bottle of perfume CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Skylark (Alauda Arvensis)

Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah Taylor