Around the World in 80 Gardens Season 1 Episode 8 South Africa

Around the World in 80 Gardens is a television series hosted by British garden designer and writer Monty Don. The show explores the variety of gardens and gardening styles around the world, from Europe to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In the show's eighth episode, titled South Africa, Monty Don takes viewers on a journey through the diverse landscapes and cultural history of this African nation.

The episode begins in the Cape Floral Kingdom, a unique region with an extraordinary array of plant life found nowhere else on earth. Monty Don meets Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens' curator, Jody Kaplans, to explore some of the rare and endangered species grown in this garden, including the King Protea, the national flower of South Africa. Monty Don also visits the Kirstenbosch Millennium Tree, one of the oldest and tallest trees in Africa.

From the Cape Floral Kingdom, the episode moves to the city of Cape Town and the historic Company's Garden. The Company's Garden was established by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, and it was the center of agricultural and horticultural activity in the Cape Colony. Monty Don meets local gardeners and learns about the garden's rich heritage, including its early vegetable and fruit gardens and the famous collection of cycads.

The episode also highlights the work of designer and horticulturist Elsa Pooley, who has dedicated her life to preserving the indigenous plants of South Africa. Monty Don visits her unique hilltop garden to explore the diversity of South African flora and learn about the challenges of protecting this valuable resource.

Moving on to the city of Durban, Monty Don visits the lush and colorful gardens of the Durban Botanic Gardens. This garden was established in 1849 and is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa. Monty Don meets the garden's curator, Martin Clement, and they discuss the garden's rich heritage and the challenges of growing exotic plants in a tropical environment.

The episode also explores the traditional gardens of the Zulu people, one of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa. Monty Don visits a Zulu homestead and learns about the significance of the plants grown in their gardens, including the use of medicinal herbs and plants for their spiritual and cultural value.

As the episode nears its end, Monty Don visits the stunning gardens of Babylonstoren, a historic Cape Dutch farm that has been transformed into a modern-day paradise. The garden features over 300 varieties of edible fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all grown organically and harvested daily for the farm's restaurant. Monty Don meets with the garden's designer, Patrice Taravella, to learn about his innovative approach to garden design and organic farming.

Finally, the episode concludes with a visit to the iconic Table Mountain, a natural wonder of South Africa. Monty Don learns about the unique vegetation found on this mountain and shares his thoughts on the importance of preserving the natural beauty of this nation.

Overall, the South Africa episode of Around the World in 80 Gardens is a fascinating exploration of the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of this African nation. From the unique plant life of the Cape Floral Kingdom to the vibrant city gardens of Durban and Cape Town, Monty Don showcases the rich variety of gardens and gardening traditions found in South Africa.