Traditional Japanese gardens are famous the world over. Japan and the art of nature: Perfecting what already exists while preserving its essence is the philosophy behind the Japanese garden, reveals Monty Don in his new TV series. South East Asia: Bangkok, Singapore and Bali. Horticulture aficionado Monty Don explores the history, customs and wonders of the Japanese gardens as well as what they mean to the Japanese and what role they play in the complex Japanese culture. He begins as he did in spring, at one of 'the three great gardens of Japan' to learn how they protect the garden from the coming winter. B orn in Germany, Monty Don, 62, was raised in Hampshire and educated at Cambridge University. Monty Don returns to Japan during the fiery blaze of autumn. Episode guide, trailer, review, preview, cast list and where to stream it on demand, on catch up and download. Spring . Monty Don returns to Japan during the fiery blaze of autumn. All episodes of Around the World in 80 Gardens. The first of these gardens began to be built on the island of Honshu around 600 A.D. B orn in Germany, Monty Don, 62, was raised in Hampshire and educated at Cambridge University. Shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Photography Travel Book of the Year. Of course, with so many gardens on offer, it can be hard to choose the ones to see during a visit to Kyoto. It's been a 10-year labour of love. Indeed, Kyoto has the thickest concentration of good gardens in all of Japan. Every type of Japanese garden is represented in Kyoto, from austere karesansui (“Zen gardens”) to flamboyant stroll gardens of the Shoguns and Emperors. These gardens highlight the beauty of nature, avoiding artificial, man-made components wherever possible. These gardens highlight the beauty of nature, avoiding artificial, man-made components wherever possible. He begins as he did in spring, at one of 'the three great gardens of Japan' to learn how they protect the garden from the coming winter. He visits one of 'the three great gardens of Japan' and the earliest surviving boating garden of the Heian period. To understand any people you must spend time in their buildings, and see their gardens. I have visited gardens all over the world, not just to celebrate versions of the thing that I love, but also to try to get under the skin of a culture, to see it from the inside out. I guess that this is where we come up against the row within Monty Don, between the lightly earthy garden enthusiast and the grimmer unworldly hippy moralist. Categories Itineraries, Travel Guides. In this personal and lyrical exploration of both the traditional and the modern aspects of Japanese gardening, Monty Don takes a look at the traditions and culture which inform some of the most beautiful gardens from all over Japan, from Kenroku-en to … Amidst the cherry blossoms, he begins his journey through the iconic gardens of Japan. About Monty Monty Don O.B.E. Episode guide, trailer, review, preview, cast list and where to stream it on demand, on catch up and download. Armed with his extensive knowledge and passion for all aspects of horticulture, Monty travels through Japan to explore the best gardens the country has to offer. Join Monty Don as he sets out to discover the true essence of these elegant gardens and what we have taken from them. Monty Don travels to Japan in spring. A book based on the series was also published. Find out when Monty Don's Japanese Gardens is on TV, including Series 1-Episode 1. is the UK’s leading garden writer and broadcaster. San Mateo: Japanese tea garden Japanese tea garden in Central Park, San Mateo, California. 10 magical gardens you must visit in Japan. Find out when Monty Don's Japanese Gardens is on TV, including Series 1-Episode 2. Traditional Japanese gardens are famous the world over. Monty Don. Indeed, Kyoto has the thickest concentration of good gardens in all of Japan. Categories Itineraries, Travel Guides. Around the World in 80 Gardens is a television series of 10 programmes in which British gardener and broadcaster Monty Don visits 80 of the world's most celebrated gardens. The series was filmed over a period of 18 months and was first broadcast on BBC Two at 9.00pm on successive Sundays from 27 January to 30 March 2008. Japanese Gardens Monty Don travels to Japan in spring to trace the history of Japanese gardens from early boating gardens, through Buddhist temples and Zen gardens, right up to a modern tea house. He has been making television programmes for over twenty years on a range of topics, spanning travel, craft, outdoor living and, principally, gardening.