Ep 7. Exbury Gardens

In Gardeners' World season 2 episode 7, host Monty Don takes viewers on a journey to Exbury Gardens, a world-renowned garden located in the south of England. Designed and created by Lionel Nathan de Rothschild, this stunning garden boasts over 200 acres of stunning azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias.

Monty begins by exploring the history of Exbury Gardens and its creator, Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. He explains how Rothschild, a keen horticulturist with a passion for rare and exotic plants, saw an opportunity to create a spectacular garden on the grounds of his family's estate. With the help of skilled gardeners and landscapers, Rothschild spent decades transforming the landscape, creating a magnificent garden that would become famous around the world.

Next, Monty takes viewers on a tour of Exbury Gardens, pointing out some of its most impressive features. He begins by exploring the stunning azalea garden, which boasts an incredible display of colourful blooms in the springtime. Monty explains how the azaleas at Exbury Gardens have been selectively bred over many years to create new hybrids with unique colours and patterns.

From there, Monty moves on to the rhododendron dell, another popular feature of Exbury Gardens. This area is home to a vast collection of rhododendrons, which bloom in a range of colours and sizes. Monty explains how these plants are carefully maintained and pruned to ensure they continue to thrive year after year.

As he explores the gardens, Monty also takes time to speak to some of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain Exbury's beauty. He meets with the head gardener, who explains some of the challenges of maintaining such a large and varied garden. Monty also speaks to some of the volunteers, who give their time and expertise to help keep the garden looking its best.

Throughout the episode, Monty shares his expert advice on how viewers can create their own amazing garden at home. He offers tips on everything from pruning and plant propagation to soil preparation and plant care. He also shares some of his favourite plant varieties, many of which are on display at Exbury Gardens.

Overall, Gardeners' World season 2 episode 7 is a must-see for anyone with an interest in gardening or landscaping. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's something to learn from this fascinating look at one of the world's most impressive gardens. And who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to create your own masterpiece in the years to come.