Watch Monty Don's Italian Gardens

Monty Don's Italian Gardens was a captivating and informative television series broadcast on BBC Two in 2011, exploring some of the most beautiful and historic gardens in Italy. Presented by renowned horticulturist and writer Monty Don, the six-part series showcased a stunning array of gardens, from the grand and ornate to the simple and rustic, each with its own unique beauty and character.

Over the course of the series, viewers were transported on a tour of Italy's most iconic gardens, from the tranquility of Florence's Boboli Gardens, to the sumptuous beauty of the Villa d'Este in Tivoli. The series also visited smaller, lesser-known gardens, such as the charming walled gardens of Villa Pisani in Venice, and the intimate terrace garden of La Foce, nestled in the hills of Tuscany.

Throughout each episode, Monty Don's encyclopedic knowledge of horticulture and garden design were on full display, as he delved into the history and design principles behind each garden. From the classical statuary and intricate water features of the Villa d'Este, to the Roman-inspired layout of the Giardino Bardini in Florence, Monty Don provided fascinating insights into the cultural and artistic traditions that have shaped Italian garden design over the centuries.

But the heart of the series lay in Monty Don's infectious enthusiasm for the beauty and joy that gardens can provide. Whether exploring the geometries of the Villa Cimbrone in Ravello or the riotous colors of the ancient wisteria tunnel at La Foce, Monty Don's love for gardens shone through in every frame. His passion for gardening as a way of connecting with nature and the rhythms of the seasons was evident throughout the series, as was his belief in the restorative power of gardens as places of peace and rejuvenation.

Monty Don's Italian Gardens was also a feast for the senses, with stunning cinematography showcasing the beauty of each garden and its surrounding landscape. From the sun-dappled vineyards of the Villa Emo in the Veneto to the dramatic coastline of Ravello, the series was a visual delight, capturing the essence of each garden and its place in the wider world.

The series was also notable for its engagement with the role of gardens in Italian cultural heritage, exploring how gardens have been used to celebrate power, express creativity, and bring communities together. From the grandeur of the Medici dynasty's Boboli Gardens, to the intimate domestic spaces of the Villa Pisani and the terraced gardens of the Amalfi coast, Monty Don demonstrated how gardens have been woven into the fabric of Italian life for centuries, playing a vital role in shaping the cultural identity of the country.

Overall, Monty Don's Italian Gardens was an engrossing and inspiring series that offered viewers a window into the stunningly beautiful world of Italian gardening. Through Monty Don's expert commentary, viewers were able to discover the secrets behind some of Italy's most iconic gardens, while also being reminded of the simple joys that gardening can bring to our lives. Equal parts history lesson, horticultural primer, and travelogue, the series was a triumphant celebration of the enduring power of gardens to enrich and nourish our souls.