Gardeners’ World star Carol Klein has shared her top tips for dealing with ivy after a listener asked for advice on how to stop the plant from invading their garden
Carol Klein(Image: Carol Klein Instagram)
Gardeners’ World celebrity Carol Klein provided crucial insight on managing ivy in an interview on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 programme.
Discussing with the BBC radio presenter yesterday morning (Wednesday), a listener questioned Carol regarding their battle with ivy encroaching from their fence into their flower beds and lawn.
Carol advised: “Chop it off where it’s invading the flower beds but leave it on your fence because ivy is such a wonderful plant. Its flowers, late butterflies feed on them, its berries, birds love to eat them all through the winter, it’s a smashing plant.”
She dispelled myths saying: “All this nonsense about it pulling off your mortar, if you leave it alone, it actually protects buildings and fences. So get rid of it from the flower bed but leave it on the fence.”
Furthermore, Carol opened up about her recent cancer diagnosis and the ensuing double mastectomy, while urging women to conduct self-examinations for signs of breast cancer.
Carol Klein(Image: (Image: Channel 5))
Previously, the beloved gardening guru took to Instagram to share her appreciation for the healthcare team assisting her throughout these difficult times.
On social media, Carol expressed: “Hello everyone, isn’t it marvellous to see the sun out at last! I just wanted to get in touch with you and keep you up to date with what has been happening to me recently.”
She elaborated on her recent health struggles, saying: “A few weeks ago I was referred to the breast care clinic at my local hospital and after tests I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having consulted with my family and all the doctors, it was decided that I’d have a double mastectomy and that was carried out on April 3.”
Carol Klein(Image: (Image: Submitted))
Carol also touched upon how she’s been spending her recovery period: “Since then I’ve been recovering at home and recuperating. I’ve sown any amount of seeds, and I’ve been finessing my upcoming book, so it’s given me lots of opportunity to do that.”
In a touching acknowledgment, she expressed her gratitude: “Well I just want to thank Dr. Anna Conway and all the staff of the breast care clinic at North Devon District Hospital for their care and kindness and also their incredible efficiency. They’ve been brilliant, a real tribute to the NHS.”
Carol Klein, renowned for her appearances on Gardeners’ World since 1989, has shared her wealth of gardening knowledge through various television programmes such as Real Gardens and Open Gardens. She also presented Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein, which offered viewers an intimate look at a year in her beautiful Glebe Cottage garden in North Devon.
Since 2005, Carol has been an integral part of the Gardeners’ World presenting team, broadcasting from her home in Devon.