This is the time of year when I feel the most out of step with my fellow gardeners and the readers of this blog. You see, this is the start of South Florida’s growing season — the orchids (above) are currently blooming in my garden. Nurseries are overflowing with plant selections and cold fronts bring delightful weather rather than snow and ice.
While there aren’t any wintertime blues here (I had to go back years to find the snow photo below), many other gardeners are buried in ice and snow, just waiting for my weather to reach them.
As a former northern gardener, I understand cabin fever and having to madly hunt for a gardening fix. That’s why I embarked on a search for quality gardening shows that offer more than a host ambushing a homeowner in a parking lot, smarmy comments between cast members, an army of workers transforming a yard into an over-the-top creation, and the homeowner’s surprise.
If all gardeners are like me, they crave real gardening shows, sort of like the classic “A Gardener’s Diary,” which aired on HGTV long before it became overrun with home buyer and home makeover shows.
The answer to my quest came in the form of Monty Don, Great Britain’s favorite gardener and gardening author. Many of this blog’s readers from England are already familiar with him, but he’s a new discovery on this side of the Atlantic — at least for me. I found three of his series on Netflix, and each is a binge-worthy cure for the wintertime blues.
Big Dreams, Small Spaces
“Big Dreams, Small Spaces” is the show that gave birth to my bromance with Monty — although I’m not sure it really counts as one since we’ve never met. Unlike American garden makeover shows, this show requires the homeowners to do the labor, with Monty not only guiding them but also rolling up his sleeves.
With each episode, Monty is able to slip in helpful and practical bits of knowledge about plants and pruning, design and landscaping, while the homeowners are sent on inspirational field trips to get even more questions answered.
More than anything else, though, it’s Monty’s enthusiasm that’s charming and infectious. I often found myself rooting for the homeowners to finish their work before the big reveal to Monty — and I couldn’t help but be as proud as Monty of their accomplishments.
Monty Don’s Italian Gardens
When I discovered this show, I thought Monty would bring that same “Big Dreams, Small Spaces” format to Italy. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
“Monty Don’s Italian Gardens” is like going on a whirlwind tour of some of Italy’s most enchanting, historic, and beautiful public and private gardens. With Monty as the guide, his enthusiasm brings garden and history to life.
A good rule is to keep a pen and paper nearby so you can make a list of travel destinations. One such place for me is Ninfa, the remains of an Italian village that has been transformed into a garden.
Monty Don’s French Gardens
Photo courtesy of bbc.co.uk.
Similar to his trip to Italy, “Monty Don’s French Gardens” is a homecoming for Monty since he once lived and worked in France. Each episode highlights a specific aspect of French culture, with public and private gardens used as an illustration.
One show, for example, celebrated French cuisine, with a visit to some extraordinary gardens where potagers and espaliered fruit trees were on full artistic display. My personal favorite, though, was the episode on French artists, with a visit to Monet’s garden at Giverny.
In addition to hosting these wonderful gardening shows, Monty Don is also the author of several books. Whether you curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot tea to read his words or to watch his shows (on Netflix or YourTube), Monty is a cure for the wintertime blues — no matter your gardening zone.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
I completely agree with you about Monty Don … even in our relatively mild Australian winters he provides a wonderful gardening fix. His own garden is inspiring. Best wishes for gardening in Florida.
Greetings Canberra! I admit I’m a bit Monty-obsessed — and I would love if he could bring his enthusiasm to the States. Cheers!
Hmm. I’ll have to look for the Monty Don shows. Thanks for the recommendation. I also found your orchids a great antidote to the winter blues! Happy New Year, Kevin.
Hi Jean. Aw, thanks — and look for Monty. I really think you’d enjoy his work and his love for all things gardening. Stay warm — and all the best in 2019.
Oh yes Monty Don is well loved here in Blighty
Hi Dorris. Could it be the whole world loves Monty? He’s definitely a breath of fresh air for American television.
Maybe. That or his dogs Nigel and Nellie!
🙂
Thanks for the tips, NGDM. I need something to keep me occupied as I’m having to stay inside out of the heatwave we’re presently experiencing. We’ve just signed up for Netflix, so have access to some of the programs.
Hi Jane — I think you’ll really enjoy Monty. The European garden tours are like mini-vacations, and his other show is completely hands-on. A great way to stay cool. 🙂
I am not familiar with Monty Don, Kevin, and I’m glad you’ve alerted me to him. I will find these shows. Our weather isn’t extreme and I certainly can’t complain, but the general landscape and garden areas are definitely resting! I don’t see a lot of abundant color right now. I like to use January and most of March to begin planning for the rest of the year. Maybe Monty will give me some well-timed inspiration! Enjoy those gorgeous orchids. Lucky you!
Hi Debra. By all means, give him a try! I think you’d love the European garden tours, but the hands-on gardening show is just as exciting and inspirational. 🙂
Do you get cabin fever in August? That’s when I get it here. I remember it in January and February growing up… I’m not sure I could decide on which way was preferred.
Hi PD. I had to laugh when I saw your comment — I don’t really get cabin fever, but in October, my body starts to crave a break in the heat and humidity. This January, we had lots of “cool” days — and the wind actually gave us a wind chill! Now, if I lived up north, I would have put on shorts to work outside — but I found myself staying inside to keep warm! And after two days, I was climbing the walls. I guess I’ve become a true Floridian! 🙂
I laughed my first winter here in sun dresses and sandals as the locals donned boots and parkas when it dropped below 70 degrees.
Now I blend right in. Ha!
LOL! I never go anywhere without a sweatshirt. You never know when the air conditioning will be too cold! 🙂
Have to add Big Dreams, Small Spaces to my queue!
Go for it, Kat. It’s truly inspiring!
Thanks so much! I recently became able to piggyback onto my son’s Netflix account and now (having checked out their recent Watership Down miniseries) have something else to add to my list. 🙂
It’s such an enjoyable show, M’Lady — Monty Don is fantastic!