Garden design reflects more directly than any other art form the society that creates it. and the last century and a half has been a period of rapid and radical change. During the 19th century, in such grand creations as Alton Towers,
Chatsworth, Trentham and Shrub-lands Hall, the first fruits of industrialisation were put to use by designers like Sir Joseph Paxton and Sir Charles Barry in their exuberant displays.
Later in the century a romantic revival took place, seen in gardens like Leonardslea, and in the work of Gertrude Jeckyll at Barrington Court and Hestercombe House.
Among the great 20th-century gardens included are Castle Drogo, Hidcote Manor and Vita Sackville-West's outstanding creation, Sissinghurst Castle. The film also looks at smaller, modern gardens - a kaleidoscope of international design ideas.
Assistant director ROGER LAST Producer PETER BUTLER