Review of Around the World in 80 Gardens

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.