- Find all the best television shows from the other side of the pond in our US TV store and catch the latest shows in our 2013's Hottest TV page.
- Not what you're after? Check the BBC Store to see all the latest titles and offers. Learn more
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
Product Description
Monty Don conducts his very personal ‘grand tour’ visiting Italy’s most beautiful, impressive and interesting gardens.
The gardens of Italy rank amongst the great treasures of the world, influencing and inspiring almost every landscape designer since the Renaissance. In this four-part series Monty Don travels the length of Italy visiting formal gardens, secret hideaways and luxurious villas, unravelling their history, drama, romance, intrigue and beauty.
From the cliff top delights of the Amalfi coast to the lovingly-created and spectacular gardens of the Lakes, Monty explores the culture, the politics and climate that have shaped Italy’s loveliest gardens and meets those keeping alive the passion for the land. Bursting with great characters, compelling stories and stunning scenery, this engaging series shares Monty Don’s views and impressions of these celebrated Italian gardens.
The gardens of Italy rank amongst the great treasures of the world, influencing and inspiring almost every landscape designer since the Renaissance. In this four-part series Monty Don travels the length of Italy visiting formal gardens, secret hideaways and luxurious villas, unravelling their history, drama, romance, intrigue and beauty.
From the cliff top delights of the Amalfi coast to the lovingly-created and spectacular gardens of the Lakes, Monty explores the culture, the politics and climate that have shaped Italy’s loveliest gardens and meets those keeping alive the passion for the land. Bursting with great characters, compelling stories and stunning scenery, this engaging series shares Monty Don’s views and impressions of these celebrated Italian gardens.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Kim C
Format:DVD
I have a love affair with Italy so acknowledge a bias from the start. Have also seen Monty Don in other programs. I did enjoy seeing gardens that were not normally open to the public, and also some of the aerial shots which provided perspective not normally seen.
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By Derek Jones
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Two years ago Monty Don, one of my favourite TV garden presenters, took us around the world in 80 gardens. In this four hour two DVD set he tours Italy. He starts with the Renaissance gardens around Rome, mostly created by popes and cardinals to demonstrate their power and prestige. In the second episode he visits Florence and the Tuscan countryside, where gardens were created as works of art. The third episode was my personal favourite - Naples and the south of Italy, where the gardens are more informal and more floriferous. Those gardens combining vistas of the Amalfi coast were particularly impressive. In the final hour Don travels north again to the Veneto region, Lucca and finally Lake Maggiore, where we saw what was for me the most unusual and interesting garden.
This DVD is very much about grand gardens and their history (often fascinating) rather than gardening. There is very little about individual plants, and when Don does mention them it is not to tell us how to grow or use them. For example, we learn that in Venice tomatoes were grown for a long time before people realized one could eat them. Monty Don is as always an enthusiastic and engaging guide, who does not tell us about himself (as some presenters do) rather than the gardens and plants. A very, very pleasant and relaxing four hours of viewing.
This DVD is very much about grand gardens and their history (often fascinating) rather than gardening. There is very little about individual plants, and when Don does mention them it is not to tell us how to grow or use them. For example, we learn that in Venice tomatoes were grown for a long time before people realized one could eat them. Monty Don is as always an enthusiastic and engaging guide, who does not tell us about himself (as some presenters do) rather than the gardens and plants. A very, very pleasant and relaxing four hours of viewing.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Daan Spijer
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Monty Don certainly knows how to bring out the most interesting aspects of old gardens and the palaces and other grand residences. He weaves in fascinating historical information that brings the whole to life.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
If you love travel, history and beautiful scenery you will love this DVD duo. I am not a gardener, however I am in awe of the grandeur so comprehensively shown and explained by Monty Don. A real surprise, a celebration of man, art, nature and the renaissance!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this for a friends birthday. He was delighted! It is a wonderful memento of holidays spent in Italian gardens. Monty Don is the ideal host who admirably steers the viewer through the colours and atmospheres of the exquisite locations. As ever a good price from Amazon. Highly recommended for lovers of gardens and Italy.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By dandydog
Format:DVD
Missed when on TV so very happy to be able to watch when suited me.
Very interesting series, lovely scenery and filmed very well, with good comentary to support. Restful and charming.
Very interesting series, lovely scenery and filmed very well, with good comentary to support. Restful and charming.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Monty's Italian Gardens
Love it - like Franscesco Da Mosta but in a garden. why so many words - keep it simple! Argh still not enough....
Published 1 month ago by Mrs Frances C Bedding
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Gardeners Dream
Monty is such an enjoyable person to watch both in the garden and out in other peoples gardens. he is so enthusiastic without being a pain. Read more
Published 1 month ago by the.cakeman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and Informative
Very enjoyable, beautiful garden videos scenes with very entertaining and informative narrative. Great idea show for the traveler or gardener.
Published 1 month ago by J. Tuzza
5.0 out of 5 stars
great viewing
Monty Don visits great gardens and his presenting is engaging and enthusiastic!
Makes me want to visit Italy again and I definitely will go and see some of the gardens
he... Read more
Makes me want to visit Italy again and I definitely will go and see some of the gardens
he... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Dr. I. Lamparter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don Does it again
Monty Don I have to say is not my most favourite presenter I disagree with most of them on a regular basis so do not let that put you off, Monty makes up for it in enthusiasm and I... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Linnaeus
5.0 out of 5 stars
lovely lovely dvd
Well this DVD combines Monty Don, Italy and gardens so if you are a fan of all three you will love this. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Gill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Monty
This series gives inspiration to any gardener or traveler, arm chair or unadventurous. Makes you feel as it you have traveled with him.
Published 4 months ago by Mrs Kim E Revell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Month dons Italian gardens
We watched the series on tv and enjoyed it the DVD is good bringing back memories of our many visits to Italy and the beautiful gardens ,liz
Published 5 months ago by elizabeth davidson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Transport yourself to paradise!
Wonderful gardens explored by Monty Don in his laid back style. If you want sunshine peace and tranquillity just
imagine yourself in these beautifully filmed gardens. Read more
imagine yourself in these beautifully filmed gardens. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Baz, Kent
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mont dons Italian gardens
Loved the series on television and had to have the DVDS this is the only television series I felt I had to own- looking forward to going to Italy soon
Published 5 months ago by Peter Norton
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
