The Secret History of the British Garden Season 1 Episode 3 The 19th Century

In episode 3 of season 1 of The Secret History of the British Garden, entitled "The 19th Century," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most transformative periods in the history of British gardening. As the century began, the country was still in the grips of the Romantic movement, with gardens reflecting the wild and naturalistic ideals of the era. However, as the Industrial Revolution gained steam and the British Empire expanded, new influences began to shape the nation's gardens.

The episode kicks off by exploring the impact of the Victorian era on garden design. With the rise of the middle class, more people than ever before had the means to create their own gardens, and the popularity of horticulture exploded. Dreamed up by famous garden designers like Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson, the Victorian garden was a mix of the formal and the wild, with symmetrical flower beds juxtaposed against naturalistic areas of woodland.

Viewers are also taken behind the scenes of some of the most iconic Victorian gardens, including Kew Gardens, where a team of gardeners labor to maintain the sprawling grounds. We learn about the significance of plant-hunting during this period, as intrepid explorers ventured to far-flung corners of the globe to bring exotic specimens back to the UK. The episode also touches on the role of botanical illustration in the 19th century, showcasing some of the stunning artwork that documented these new discoveries.

Of course, no exploration of 19th century British gardens would be complete without a mention of the rise of the glasshouse. We learn about some of the most impressive Victorian structures, with their intricate iron framework and towering height designed to accommodate the tallest of exotic plants. The episode also looks at the development of new technologies such as steam heating, which allowed gardeners to create their own microclimates and grow plants that were previously impossible to cultivate in the UK.

As the episode rolls on, viewers are introduced to some of the major social and political movements that shaped 19th century Britain, and by extension, its gardens. We learn about the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to return to traditional craftsmanship and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. From here, the show explores the impact of the suffrage movement, and the ways in which women's growing interest in gardening helped to define the era.

Finally, episode 3 concludes by exploring the legacy of the 19th century in modern British gardens. We see how many of the ideas that emerged during this period, such as the importance of preserving local ecology and the value of gardening for mental health, remain core tenets of contemporary garden design. We also see how modern gardeners continue to take inspiration from the Victorian era, and how the innovations of the 19th century have had a lasting impact on the way we view gardens and their importance in our lives.

Overall, episode 3 of The Secret History of the British Garden is a fascinating look at one of the most dynamic and transformative periods in the history of British horticulture. With stunning photography, insightful interviews, and a wealth of historical information, this episode is sure to delight anyone with an interest in gardens, history, and the intersection of the two.