Ep 3. The South

Monty Don's Italian Gardens is a captivating TV series all about the beauty of Italian gardens. In season 1 episode 3, titled "The South," Monty Don invites us on a journey through his exploration of the stunning gardens of Southern Italy.

In this episode, Monty travels to the stunning Amalfi coast and the island of Capri to discover the unique gardens of this region. With spectacular views of the sparkling blue oceans and the dramatic cliffs of the coast, viewers are introduced to the charming and whimsical gardens that have been curated in this region for centuries.

Monty first visits the cliff-side gardens of Ravello, surrounded by medieval walls and boasting a magnificent view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. He explores how this garden was born out of the creative vision of the ancient aristocracy that once ruled this region. He discovers how the garden has been designed to reflect the spectacular beauty of the surrounding coastline, with its verdant terraces and elegant water features.

Next, Monty visits the gardens of Villa San Michele on the island of Capri, a stunning example of breathtaking garden design. He brings to light the fascinating history of the gardens on Capri, which are dotted with long-standing sculptures and rare plants brought from all over the world. He dives deep into the story of the Swedish physician and writer, Axel Munthe, who built the villa and loved to spend his time in the garden, surrounded by beauty and tranquility.

Finally, Monty explores the unique and eclectic gardens of Sicily, which are known for their luxurious, exotic and bold designs. He visits some of the most renowned gardens on the island, including the Villa Trinità, a stunning example of a garden which brings together diverse elements such as Sicilian Baroque, neo-classical design and Islamic art.

Throughout this episode, Monty Don unearths the inspiring history of these gardens and reveals how they have been maintained throughout the centuries. He shows us how each garden has been developed with loving attention to detail and how each has its own distinctive personality.

Overall, "The South" episode of Monty Don's Italian Gardens is a magnificent celebration of the diversity and creativity of Italian garden design. Through Monty's passionate exploration, viewers are invited to fall under the charms of these stunning gardens and learn from one of the most knowledgeable and passionate gardeners in the world.