Around the World in 80 Gardens

Who would have thought that you could make a television series about gardens - to be so informative, interesting and enjoyable? As an ex-Englishman (now living in Canada) I am obviously biased - because we English love our Gardens. I have, however, noticed that here in North America (and probably the rest of the world) they are merely considered as 'back yards' and somewhere, if they are big enough, you put a swimming pool and that's about it.

This show panders to those of us who want to do more, know more, and find out more about the nature of gardening and the various styles, plants, habitats, climates, etc in which they can exist.

This show was more than just a show about Gardens though. It was a guide to those enthusiasts who celebrate our closeness to nature - and to show how others around the world celebrate it in own their 'back yard'. A tribute to the individuals who have created a place to walk or to sit and enjoy nature and also show the many ways it is possible to create pleasure for others to see and appreciate.

Around the World in 80 Gardens is an informative tour of some very classy gardens around the world. The travelling journalist who hosts the show is an energetic presenter named Monty Don whose enthusiasm is contagious. A broadcaster with the BBC, he is to gardens what Anthony Bourdain of CNN is to food, although Monty does tuck into the occasional dish from the gardens he visits. In fact, these galloping reporters represent a new breed of journalist-traveller. Monty Don draws great inspiration from how the landscapes are transformed into both great garden spaces and cultural attractions for the armchair traveller. I relish the beauty of the gardens on his shows, his encounters with gardeners and how they seem to bring out the best in their particular environments. It was a revelation to read that Monty Don suffered from depression, greatly eased by direct contact with the earth. Knowing this, I respect him more. I can sense how much joy he derives from roaming the world's most sublime gardens. I like to explore gardens and go on garden tours locally. This is a cinematic equivalent but the camera can take us into the world's most sought cultivated spaces from Cornwall, Provence and the Tivoli Gardens in Europe to the mystical sights in Japan and China.

1. Cultural prejudice was noted in other world episodes, but was not honestly declared in the US segment though it seemed especially evident.

2. Failed to do homework - did not even recognize native American plants when he saw them.

3. Did not note or appreciate the puritan influence in America that would reject emphasis on ornamental planting in favor of food production.

4. Not one average homeowner garden was visited, why?

5. Why visit so many celebrity gardens -as if America was full of celebrates?

I am addicted to this series. Ostensibly about gardens, it is really about the culture, the stunning nature of each region, how they are loved by men and distilled into gardens. The best moments weren't necessarily the stroll through the grandest gardens, but the more intimate moments when he filmed the backyards of ordinary people tending lovingly to their version of gardens and farms. It really offers an uplifting respite from the tsunami of bad news dominating the headlines, of the unfathomable greed and corruption of bankers and politicians. Now this is Hope one can believe in. My only gripe is that they didn't pick the best gardens, especially in the US and China episodes.