Around the World in 80 Gardens Season 1 Episode 6 China and Japan

In the sixth episode of season one of "Around the World in 80 Gardens," host Monty Don continues his worldwide journey to explore the most beautiful, inspiring, and innovative gardens. This time, he stops in China and Japan to discover the secrets of their majestic landscapes and horticultural traditions.

In China, Monty visits the Lingering Garden in Suzhou, an ancient masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Built during the Ming dynasty, the Lingering Garden features a series of interconnected courtyards and pavilions, each with its own distinct elements like water, rocks, and plants. Monty observes how the garden's layout and symbolism reflect the philosophy and aesthetics of Chinese culture, and learns about the techniques used to create the intricate rock formations and miniature landscapes that convey a sense of harmony and balance.

Monty also visits the Summer Palace in Beijing, a vast imperial garden that was once the retreat of Chinese emperors during the hot summer months. Here, he explores the various pavilions, bridges, and temples that dot the landscape, and discovers how the garden's designers used water as a central theme to evoke the natural beauty of mountains and lakes. Monty marvels at the ingenious hydraulic engineering systems that allow water to flow from one feature to another, creating an ever-changing spectacle for the visitors.

In Japan, Monty visits the Ryoan-ji temple in Kyoto, a Zen Buddhist temple famous for its minimalist rock garden. The garden consists of 15 rocks placed in a sea of raked gravel, with no trees or plants to distract from the simplicity and serenity of the design. Monty learns about the spiritual significance of the garden and how it embodies the Zen philosophy of emptiness and stillness.

Monty also visits the Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The garden was developed over 200 years by the ruling Maeda family and features a blend of Chinese and Japanese garden styles. Monty admires the varied landscapes, from the tranquil ponds to the rugged cliffs, and learns about the symbolic meanings behind the various plants and elements. Monty is particularly impressed by the Kotoji-toro lantern, a famous landmark that appears on many Japanese postcards and represents the harmony between nature and human culture.

Throughout the episode, Monty shares his insights and observations, and interacts with locals to learn more about their gardening traditions and techniques. He also introduces some of the challenges faced by modern gardeners in China and Japan, such as urbanization, pollution, and aging demographics. However, Monty emphasizes the resilience and creativity of these gardening cultures, and how they continue to inspire and enchant visitors from all over the world.

Overall, the China and Japan episode of "Around the World in 80 Gardens" offers a fascinating glimpse into two of the world's most iconic gardening traditions. Monty's enthusiasm and curiosity make this episode a joy to watch for anyone interested in gardening, culture, and history.