Monty Don, beloved presenter of Gardeners' World, has embarked on an inspiring exploration beyond traditional horticulture. At 70, the gardening luminary traveled from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, following the Rhine River, to document a new three-part BBC Two series that premiered on January 16.
While Don’s journey was rooted in plant life, he quickly discovered that the real stories blossomed in the people behind the gardens. “People are always more interesting than plants,” Don shared with The Times, highlighting the rich human narratives that accompany the landscapes he visited.
The series transcends botany, delving into cultural attitudes toward gardening across Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Don observed distinctive regional styles: the Swiss favor meticulous tidiness; Germans approach gardening with the same enthusiastic precision as household chores or vehicle upkeep; and the Dutch, often perceived as free-spirited, nonetheless maintain an organized and methodical approach.
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Despite their varying styles, the gardens are vibrant and far from monotonous. Don encountered innovative projects that have revitalized both private gardens and public spaces, sometimes transforming entire communities. These initiatives often begin with passionate individuals or small groups rather than government action. “It always has to come from an individual or a few individuals with passion and knowledge,” Don emphasized.
A poignant example occurred in the Swiss village of Osterfingen. Here, Don witnessed how gardening had gone beyond aesthetics to become a catalyst for community transformation. “It is about how gardens can change people’s lives. That’s the point,” he explained, encapsulating the series' core message.
Monty Don’s passion for gardening is well known, extending beyond television to inspire generations. Married to Sarah since 1983, with three children and a love for family life rooted in Herefordshire, Don balances his personal world with his dedication to sharing the beauty of gardening globally.
This new BBC series celebrates the gardens along the Rhine and the people nurturing them, revealing gardening as a profound expression of community, culture, and creativity. For Don, the human element remains at the heart of the green spaces he so reveres.
“People are always more interesting than plants,” he concludes—a powerful reminder that gardening is as much about people as it is about plants.