Just what the ABC needs, another gardening series. Fortunately, this is different – more travelogue than plant show – with world famous gardener Monty Don (hence the first part of the title) heading off to Italy to show us some of the most magnificent backyards you'll ever see (and there's the last part). First up is Rome, where he visits various villas, mansions and castles. They're all pretty good but the highlight is a look at the Papal Gardens, a series of carefully crafted stages that have been centuries in the making. A must for anyone interested in seeing what can be done with a reasonably sized plot, millions of dollars and a few thousand dedicated staff.
