The Secret History of the British Garden (2015)
Monty Don explores the fascinating history and evolution of the British garden, from the seventeenth century through to the modern day.
Seasons & Episode
In the third installment, Monty focuses on the 19th century. The expanding empire, scientific and technological innovation, and social change are reflected in Britain’s more exotic, colourful and accessible gardens. Monty visits royal retreats, including Osborne House; the very first publicly owned, urban recreational park, Derby Arboretum; as well as Kew Gardens and Edinburgh’s botanic gardens.
The concluding fourth episode, now in the 20th century, sees Monty examining the profound effect that two world wars had on attitudes to gardening. Today gardening is one of Britain’s most popular pastimes, and the horticultural industry is worth over nine billion pounds annually . Monty reveals the pioneers who led this gardening revolution.