Around the World in 80 Gardens Season 1 Episode 9 Northern Europe

Around the World in 80 Gardens is a British documentary series hosted by horticulturist and garden designer Monty Don. In the ninth episode of season one, viewers are taken on a journey through Northern Europe to explore some of the most beautiful gardens on the continent.

The episode begins in Norway, where Don visits Hadeland Glassworks, a 250-year-old glass factory with breathtaking gardens that surround the property. Don marvels at the highly skilled glassblowers who create stunning pieces of art using traditional techniques. He takes a walk through the nearby gardens, including a modernist glasshouse, an alpine garden, and a lush herb garden.

Next, Don heads to Sweden to visit Sofiero Palace, the former summer residence of the Swedish royal family. The palace gardens include vast lawns, orchards, and flower beds. Don is particularly impressed by the rhododendrons and azaleas, which bloom in vibrant shades. He speaks with the head gardener about the challenges of maintaining such an extensive property and how they keep the gardens looking magnificent for visitors.

Continuing on to Denmark, Don visits Frederiksborg Castle Gardens, which are among the most significant and best-preserved Renaissance gardens in Northern Europe. Surrounded by a moat, the castle is set on a small island and features intricate garden designs, including a parterre with box-hedging and clipped yew bushes, and an impressive collection of sculptures. Don speaks with the head gardener about the history and design of the gardens and the challenges of preserving a 400-year-old property.

The episode then takes viewers to Germany, where Don visits Hermannshof Garden, a 2.5-acre botanical garden in Weinheim. Founded in 1965, Hermannshof is renowned for its innovative planting schemes, which combine perennials, shrubs, and trees to create long-lasting, low-maintenance displays. Don speaks with the head gardener about the garden's philosophy and how they maintain a balance between naturalistic plantings and traditional garden design.

Finally, the episode concludes in The Netherlands, where Don visits the Keukenhof Gardens, also known as the Garden of Europe. The gardens cover over 79 acres and are home to more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Don speaks with the head gardener about the planning and execution required to plant such a vast array of flowers and the challenges of maintaining the gardens to the highest standard.

Throughout the episode, Don also provides fascinating insights into the history and culture of each country he visits, giving viewers a well-rounded understanding of the role that gardening plays in Northern European societies. Overall, the Northern Europe episode of Around the World in 80 Gardens is a visually stunning and informative journey through some of the most beautiful and historically significant gardens in the region.