Ep 4. The Lakes

Monty Don's Italian Gardens season 1 episode 4, titled "The Lakes," follows the popular television presenter as he travels to the tranquil north of Italy to explore the magnificent gardens that stretch along the shores of famous Italian lakes, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.

Throughout the episode, Monty discovers the grand Italian gardens that have been built alongside these shimmering lakes for centuries. He learns about the culture and history behind Italian garden design while uncovering the stories of the wealthy aristocrats who built and maintained them.

In this beautiful episode of the show, Monty explores the grand gardens, complete with a maze of water channels and dramatic water fountains that have been crafted to celebrate the beauty of the lakes. Through his visits, we get to see the grandeur of the Villa Melzi, which has been perfectly poised beside Lake Como for over two hundred years. The garden is a perfect picture of Italy, adorned with blooming rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, and wisterias- all adding to the prestige of the villa and the gardens.

Monty also visits the gardens of the iconic Villa Taranto alongside the sparkling Lake Maggiore. The garden is a testament to the commitment of the Scottish captain, Neil McEacharn, who was dedicated to creating this paradise. Monty moves around the unique and botanical design of the garden, discovering the discoveries of different regions of the world, including Japan, the Himalayas, and the Americas, all in these botanical gardens beside Lake Maggiore making it unique to the region.

Apart from the grand villas and their fabulous gardens, Monty visits the subtler and more intricate gardens. These include the Enchanting Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, which was carved into the wooded hills above Lake Maggiore with its small yet delightful gardens that include simple fountains, intimate groves, and hidden views of the lake. He also embarks on a trip to explore Villa della Porta Bozzolo, which is still surrounded by ancient towers of the 16th century. The Villa was built into the hillside and was a symbol of the early Italian Renaissance garden design where it embraced nature and was built with a purpose to enhance the greenery surroundings.

Throughout the episode, Monty encounters and interviews countless gardeners, horticulturalists, and history buffs, who have all dedicated their lives to understanding the intricate details of Italian garden designs. These experts share their knowledge and offer Monty new insights into the design, history, and maintenance of some of the most iconic gardens in the world.

The Lakes episode of Monty Don's Italian Gardens season one is truly a feast for the eyes, showcasing the intricate beauty and grandeur of Italy's gardens. With Monty as our guide, we explore the intricate designs and diverse approaches of Italian garden making. Through his colorful storytelling, Monty brings the gardens to life, allowing us to feel as though we're experiencing them in person. And ultimately, the episode helps explain why Italy has been at the forefront of the garden design, art, and culture for centuries.