Laetitia discovered gardening after finding a seed packet at the bottom of her Christmas stocking. She planted them and they grew. Astonished, she planted some more things and has been pottering about with plants ever since. Her latest book, “Sweet Peas for Summer” shows you how to make a garden from scratch in a few months. She lives in Shepherd’s Bush with her Hunk and her daughter Jemima.
where are you right now?
I’m in my shed (where I supposedly ‘work’) listening to the radio and thinking about what to plant next year.
what do you do for ‘me-time’?
The ultimate ‘me-time’ involves my bed, my kindle and no interruptions, but second to that would be garden visiting (alone, so I don’t have to worry about anyone getting bored).
where is your favourite place to eat in West London?
I love the curries at Busaba for a movie night (Westfield) and La Trompette for a rare dose of white tablecloth poshness (Devonshire Rd).
career and children – top tip on how do you do it?
I have help, two and a half days a week, 9-5. Writing a book without that would, I’m afraid be beyond my capabilities (though I’m sure there are plenty of super-women out there who have done it!)
I regard myself as having two careers, one of which is bringing up my daughter. I have as much ambition and drive and commitment as a mother as I do in writing or gardening, but I learned very early on that trying to do both at once is utterly futile and just makes me want to cry, so I don’t even attempt it.
if you had to make a quick escape where would you go?
Somewhere to hide? Cornwall, by the sea, with friends.
what is on your bedside table?
Piles of un-read magazines, my kindle, usually a small vase of something sweet-smelling, when I’m being kind to myself.
..and three things you’d take with you to a desert island?
My family, Hilliers manual of trees and shrubs (a very dry read for anyone but me), my Kindle.
who would you most like to meet for a drink?
James Brown, Godfather of Soul, please.
what is your greatest extravagance?
I’ve spent more money on the plants in my garden than I care to think about…but then I regard that as necessity rather than extravagance.
what is your favourite thing to do as a family?
Lunch, with friends, and a million other children, and then a walk, and a movie.
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Laetitia was talking to Annabelle King.
