My secret life

Born in Chiswick in 1960, Kim Wilde shot to fame in 1981 with “Kids in America”, and scored a US No1 hit in 1987 with “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”. In recent years she has carved out a successful career as a garden writer and TV presenter. Her new book, First Time Gardener (Harper Collins, £17.99), is out now.

I drive… an old Landrover. We also have a Cherokee Jeep. Both cars are suitable for kids, dogs and lots of plants.
If I have time to myself… I do some gardening.
You wouldn’t know it but I’m very good at… making pickled beetroot with garlic and fresh horseradish.
You may not know it but I’m no good at… suffering fools.
A book that changed me… My old Bunty Annual.
Movie heaven… Groundhog Day [in which a gopher, right, stars].
When I was a child I wanted to be… a pop star.
I wish I’d never worn… a Lycra bodysuit on the cover of one of my old albums.
All my money goes on… the kids, my home and my garden.
At night I dream of… surreal situations, sometimes I fly.
My favourite building… The one I live in.
My biggest regret… Not planting trees and hedges here until 10 years ago instead of in 1990 when I moved in.
It’s not fashionable but I like… my husband.
If I wasn’t me I’d like to be…. one of Beth Chatto’s gardening assistants.
The shop I can’t walk past… Waitrose.
My favourite work of art…  Andy Goldsworthy’s natural sculptures.
The soundtrack to my life… “Peace At Last”, The Blue Nile.
The best invention ever… My Mac.