Monty Don takes a tour around Italy's gardens. He begins his journey in Rome, power base of emperors and popes, to explore some of the most extravagant gardens ever created.
The kingdom of Naples, covering southern Italy, had truly royal gardens. The Bourbon dynasty rivaled Versailles' gardens at Caserta, just before the geometrical fashion ended. Later gardens followed the English style of 'fake nature', only adapted to the Mediterranean climate.
Italy north of Rome, mainly city states and the larger ones' hinterland, like Venice's, has many gardens belonging to country homes of rich patrician or merchant families. An impressive front and vista could impress, more intimate elements like mazes allowed for party and more private fun.
