Monty Don’s Italian Gardens [DVD]

My wife noticed an entry in the Buffalo News TV schedule for "Monty Don Italian" on one of the Toronto stations that we get. What is this strange program? It turned out to be the first program of four, a wonderful tour of Italian gardens, big and small, showy and practical, public and private. I was so enchanted that I ordered the DVD set, despite the fact that I would also have to buy an all-region DVD player to play the Region 2 DVD's here in the US.Having done all that, I do not, for one instant, regret the money spent. Monty Don, well-known in Britain, of course, as the presenter of Gardeners' World, is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide to about 20 of Italy's finest gardens. He's an artist at heart, so explains the aesthetics of the gardens when that's appropriate -- but he's also a practical gardener, growing fruit and veggies as well as show plants, so he talks about the nuts-and-bolts of gardening, too, when *that's* appropriate. And he presents the gardens with a passion that reveals his infectious commitment to them. He comes across as truly enjoying his visits to the gardens, and is keen to share his enthusiasm with us. As a bonus, the production is splendid, with frequent breath-taking filming, and flawless editing. The BBC, of course, has decades of experience in putting together shows like this, and they've done a crackerjack job again here.What I most value about these programs, though, is an intangible sense of rightness. Monty Don leads us through not just the gardens, but into calm and peaceful arenas of our souls. Everything *is* right with the world, at least for the four hours that you'll spend in these lovely Italian gardens with Monty Don.

I first saw this series on the Knowledge Network in Canada and hoped that there was a DVD version of it that would allow me to watch it over and over and over again, and to share it with friends. How happy I was to find that it did indeed exist in a video format that could be purchased.In this trio of 1 hour episodes, horticulturist supreme, Monty Don, divides Italy into 3 regions (North, Middle (Rome), and South) and takes the viewer on an excursion through some of the more remarkable bits of historical landscape design that have been created there over the centuries. Going beyond the simple physical beauty of the gardens ( which is considerable!) Don gives much interesting background information about the individuals who originally had them created and the context of social, artistic, and political elements that helped to shape them. This is definitely 'gardening' elevated to the heights of Fine Art. Whether or not you are a 'gardener' yourself - I can guarantee that this documentary set will become a favorite. Totally recommended!

The Amalfi Coast, stunning villas, formal gardens, Italian History and beauty is what you get in this really fabulous DVD release of a four part series.Monty Don is always engaging and his warm personality is welcoming, friendly and informative. He gives great enthusiasm to the subject and all of these factors are here in this series.It is a wonderful series. I loved every minute of it. And this DVD is one to have and keep. I can quite easily watch it again and again.There are two discs and only four programmes. There are no extra special features but there are subtitles for the hard of hearing.There is a range of Italian Gardens and all of them are interesting. They all have their own special beauty. The whole series is beautifully filmed. There is good light and colour. Each garden is given interesting detail about the layout and history of the garden. Many of the gardens are not open to the public so this is a unique way to experience these magical places.I found this series relaxing, interesting and uplifting. Monty Don has always been so likeable and in this series he is excellent.

I had caught two of the series on American PBS television back in February 2012 and was anxious to see the rest. I later discovered a streaming link to the series on the BBC home page which was removed before I got a chance to use it. Although I could not find a Canadian source I did find refeence to a UK site where I could buy the set online. The fact that the DVDs were "area 2" meant nothing to me even after I received them because my home computer accepts this format.Even though I have since found that I cannot use these DVDs with my television DVD player I would recommend them to anybody who has a home computer with WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER or NERO and loves gardens. This is no slip-shod production. It is beautifully crafted and expertly accompanied by appropriate music. BRAVO to the team that created this series. If the other DVDs with Monty Don's travels are done this well, I will be revisiting the Amazon UK site for more.

When my wife and I first watched this DVD about Italian gardens we were astounded! The photography is marvellous and often breathtaking. Monty Don is one of the finest communicators of all time - he really looks at you and draws you into his passion for the subject (which is real and full of expertise). Some of these gardens we have already visited as we have a passion for Italy, but how wonderful to be allowed into gardens which are privately owned. Being a musician, I have reservations about some of the background music which seems rather "ad hoc". Does no one have any knowledge of some of the great Italian classical pieces? Naturally we loved "La Mortella" with its associations with Sir William and Lady Walton, and to end up on Isola Bella - was simply inspired! We can only wait for Monty to visit more gardens - what about Switzerland, Austria, France (there must be many more other than Giverny and Villandry). More please.... encore!!