'If you emulate nature, you're on to a winner'

Gardener, television presenter and author Carol Klein talks about her new book, the books she loves, her current challenges and what she's up to next

- Carol Klein

HORTOBIOGRAPHY: A GRITTY WOMAN'S TALE OF PEOPLE, PLACES AND PLANTS

by Carol Klein

Witness Books, £22 ISBN 978-1529144246

What's your new book about?

It's a memoir about my life from the word go, up to the present day and a bit into the future. I started writing it a few years ago and things have happened since then, especially this year [Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer, then had a double mastectomy in April; she has subsequently been given the all clear]. I've written about that too. It's all very positive, of course. The title of the book came from my husband, Neil.

What did you learn about yourself from writing the book?

That there was far too much to fit into one book. I also found I need a sense of priority. Whether I'm writing or doing TV, there's always too much to say. Self-editing is a difficult thing to do.

If there's one idea or piece of advice that you'd like to share from the book, what would it be?