What is an American garden? Is there such a thing and if so, what does it look like? In this three-part series, Monty Don travels across this vast continent in search of answers.

In this first programme, Monty travels from Missouri to Chicago and then across to New York and Philadelphia. He begins his journey in a prairie, the original American flowering wilderness. Much of the prairie has disappeared, but he meets a couple who have revived the tradition and enjoy showing it to him in full bloom.

In New York, Monty explores vegetables being grown on the city’s rooftops, he rolls up his sleeves to help an enthusiastic community in the Bronx plant up their allotment, and he learns about the history of America’s most famous public green space, Central Park.

Monty also travels to the garden city of America, Philadelphia, where he visits one of the country’s most famous gardens and enjoys a modern version of a prairie garden.

As he travels across the country, Monty learns about the history and culture of American people and their gardens, and marvels at the enthusiasm and energy that makes the country so special. Show less