Christine's Garden Plantswoman, writer and all-round garden enthusiast, Christine Walkden, returned for another hit series. Following last year's programme, we asked her a few questions about how life has changed since appearing on a hit television series.

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What have you been up to since your last series?
I continue to grow the plants I love and the vegetables I use all year round. I have relaid the path in the vegetable garden, but the basic layout remains the same. At the moment I have just started sowing the vegetable seed for the coming season, and by the beginning of April I will start growing from seed and cuttings all I need for the summer.

How has appearing on your own television series changed your life?
It hasn't really made a great deal of difference to be honest with my work load as I have always lectured around the UK giving between 30-40 a year, so that's no different. What I have been surprised by is the warmth that is shown towards me when I go to societies and meetings. Everyone thinks they know me. It's very touching. The major differences are that I am now writing every week for Amatuer Gardening and I appeared at Gardeners' World live last year (as I will be this year), and I have written a book to go with the series.

How is your dog coping with fame?
Tara just wags her tail when people speak to her and gets on with life as she always has. She is a happy, much-loved dog.

Have you had any time for gardening since the last series?
Oh yes. My life is gardening and I still have a regular number of clients that I carry out practical work for. I have my own garden which is my bolt hole and somewhere that is so special to me that I would not give it up for the world. It's where I am at peace with myself.

Have you visited any gardens since last year?
Hundreds. That's part of my professional and private life both in the UK and around the world. It's where I spend my life. Some are tiny and privately owned, others are open to the public and some are vast sites that I am approached to advise on professionally. I couldn't think of life without gardens and gardening.

What three plants would you suggest for a first-time gardener?
Whatever makes them smile when they see them and makes them say 'I would love to have a go at growing that.' A plant should say something to a person. If you are not fascinated by it, don't try to grow it. It could be a flower, shrub, tree, whatever, but it should be something they fancy.

Visit Christine's informative website here.

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