In the BBC series ‘Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens,’ the beloved British gardener takes viewers on an unforgettable journey along the Adriatic coast, exploring a unique blend of Mediterranean culture, historical influence, and horticultural wonder. From Venice to Dubrovnik, each stop reveals how gardens reflect the local environment, history, and soul of the region. With his warm narration and deep knowledge of garden design, Monty Don showcases the lush diversity and charm of Adriatic gardens in a way that both educates and inspires gardening enthusiasts around the world.
The Journey Begins in Venice
Monty Don starts his Adriatic adventure in Venice, a city built on water where gardens are hidden behind high walls and often overlooked by tourists. Unlike sprawling estates in the English countryside, Venetian gardens are compact, private, and ingeniously adapted to a salty, watery environment.
Highlights of Venetian Gardens
- Courtyard gardens rich with climbing roses and jasmine
- Use of potted plants due to space and water limitations
- Influences of Renaissance symmetry in garden layout
- Gardens on rooftops or floating platforms
In Venice, Monty illustrates how urban gardening thrives under constraints, turning necessity into creative opportunity. He visits tranquil private spaces where history and greenery blend seamlessly, offering peaceful retreats from the city’s hustle.
Exploring the Croatian Coast
From Italy, Monty travels across the sea to the Croatian coastline, stopping in towns like Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. The Adriatic climate warm, dry summers and mild winters supports an abundance of olive trees, cypresses, lavender, and citrus.
Garden Culture in Croatia
- Gardens reflect a balance of practicality and beauty
- Traditional terraced landscapes used for herbs and vegetables
- Influence of ancient Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman styles
- Integration of gardens into urban stone architecture
In Split, Monty visits gardens framed by Roman ruins, where nature reclaims space within walls that are thousands of years old. The harmony between history and horticulture is striking, demonstrating how the people of the Adriatic region have long used gardens not only for cultivation but also for spiritual and cultural expression.
The Islands of the Adriatic
Monty Don’s exploration includes visits to some of the Adriatic’s islands, where isolated communities have maintained centuries-old gardening traditions. On the island of Hvar, known for its lavender fields, Monty discovers how a deep connection with the land persists through small-scale agriculture and ornamental gardens.
Island Garden Features
- Dry-stone walls enclosing olive groves and vineyards
- Traditional methods of irrigation and water collection
- Compact gardens designed to withstand harsh sea winds
- Floral scents carried by the breeze from one house to another
Island gardens emphasize resilience. With limited freshwater and exposure to salty winds, gardeners here rely on native plants that require little maintenance. Yet these gardens are far from sparse they are vibrant, fragrant, and deeply rooted in local life.
Montenegro’s Mountain and Coastal Gardens
Continuing southeast, Monty enters Montenegro, a small country with a dramatic landscape that stretches from rocky mountains to the sparkling coast. The contrast in elevation allows for a variety of garden styles from formal palace gardens to rural family plots.
Key Observations in Montenegro
- Italian and Austrian influences in garden architecture
- Hillside terraces with panoramic views of the sea
- Blend of religious symbolism and native plant species
- Orchards of figs, pomegranates, and vines
Monty is particularly drawn to the way Montenegrin gardens use the terrain to their advantage, embracing the natural topography rather than fighting against it. This design philosophy reflects a deep respect for the environment and a desire to live in harmony with nature.
The Role of Climate and Culture
Throughout the series, Monty emphasizes how climate and culture shape every aspect of the Adriatic garden. The Mediterranean sun, rocky soil, and sea breezes dictate what can grow, while centuries of human history have influenced how gardens are designed and used.
Adriatic Gardening Characteristics
- Focus on shade and cooling elements in design
- Use of water features to balance the dry climate
- Social spaces, like courtyards and loggias, integrated into garden design
- Plant choices based on tradition, symbolism, and sustainability
Monty’s journey reveals that gardens in the Adriatic region are not merely decorative they are essential. They serve as sanctuaries from the heat, as places of community gathering, and as living links to past civilizations that once dominated the coast.
Influences from Religion and Trade
Many of the Adriatic’s most beautiful gardens have roots in religious institutions, such as monasteries and convents. Monastic gardens often include herbs for healing, symbolic plants, and spaces for meditation. Monty visits such sites to show how spiritual beliefs are expressed through garden design.
Religious and Historical Contributions
- Benedictine and Franciscan monasteries with enclosed gardens
- Geometric designs symbolizing divine order
- Plants with sacred meanings, like myrtle and olive
- Trade with the East introducing new species over time
Thanks to centuries of maritime trade, the Adriatic region benefited from the arrival of new plant species such as citrus, exotic herbs, and ornamental flowers. Monty highlights how these introductions were quickly woven into the region’s garden identity.
Takeaways for Garden Enthusiasts
While many viewers may not live near the Adriatic, Monty Don’s series offers valuable lessons for any gardener. He encourages gardeners to learn from the Adriatic’s use of native plants, resource-conscious design, and focus on personal connection to place.
Practical Tips Inspired by Adriatic Gardens
- Choose plants suited to your local climate to minimize water use
- Design with purpose create shade, scent, or quiet space
- Incorporate natural materials like stone, clay, and wood
- Use garden areas as places of reflection, not just decoration
Monty’s approach reminds us that a beautiful garden doesn’t require vast space or endless resources it requires thoughtfulness, creativity, and an understanding of local conditions.
‘Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens’ is more than a travel documentary it’s a poetic exploration of the connection between people and the land they inhabit. From the hidden gardens of Venice to the terraced vineyards of Montenegro, Monty brings each place to life with gentle insight and deep appreciation. The series inspires viewers to not only admire these beautiful spaces but to reflect on how gardening can be a universal language of care, tradition, and beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply a lover of history and nature, this journey along the Adriatic coast leaves a lasting impression.