Binge-worthy Shows on Plants and Gardening

Binge-worthy Shows on Plants and Gardening

by Amanda Judd, Volunteer

Normally at this time of year, I would be taking full advantage of the Allan Gardens Conservatory for a little tropical flower therapy in the depths of winter. That can’t happen right now, but there’s plenty of plant programming online to help pass the time in lockdown and remind you that spring is just around the corner.

Note: these recommendations are only applicable in Canada, and streaming services may change their offerings at any time. 

 Prime

Everyone’s favourite British gardener Monty Don is a big feature on Prime. I particularly recommend Big Dreams, Small Spaces for Toronto gardeners. Some of these spaces truly are tiny! It’s exactly the inspiration you need to figure out how to maximize your balcony or make the most of your small yard. If you’ve never planned a garden before, you’ll get to see plenty of examples and watch as they adapt their plans over the growing season. In a similar vein, My Dream Farm is much the same idea, but for the budding hobby farmer.

If you’d like Monty Don to be your tour guide, I highly recommend Monty Don’s Paradise Gardens, where he’ll show you the most impressive and historic gardens of the Middle East. He’s toured the world at this point, so maybe Prime will add his show Around the World in 80 Gardens or his French, Italian, Japanese or American Gardens soon.

Also featuring Monty Don as host, Gardeners’ World is a staple for gardeners of any experience level. There’s a reason it’s been airing since 1968! While there are a few seasons available on Prime, you’ll have to get the BritBox add-on to watch the most recent seasons.

Netflix

Netflix used to have a fair selection of Monty Don shows, but it appears most have made the move to Prime since last winter. Netflix does have an original competition show called The Big Flower Fight, which is like if Great British Bake Off was about floral structures instead of baking. That wonderfully supportive environment is there as well, along with truly astounding floral structures! Netflix also has an impressive collection of interior design and architecture shows, which often showcase how plants and gardens enhance a space. If you’ve spent part of lockdown browsing Zillow, you’ll probably love The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes.

BritBox

Source: Amazon.com

If you really want endless gardening content, you need a BritBox subscription. They have everything. Looking for an introduction that won’t overwhelm you? Try The Instant Gardener. Want a truly over-the-top floral competition? Then maybe you want to watch The Great Chelsea Garden Challenge. Looking to merge your love of true crime with your passion for gardening? Then you want to watch the mystery-solving, garden-loving duo Rosemary & Thyme.

Other

Unfortunately, AppleTV+ and Crave are seriously lacking in garden content. Disney+ doesn’t have much in the way of gardening or plant shows, but their suite of National Geographic documentaries will help ease any travel itches that you’ve been feeling. They also, of course, feature plenty of content for the kids on science and nature. TVO also airs the occasional gardening show and nature documentaries, and currently has Monty Don’s American Gardens available to watch for free on their website.You’ll probably enjoy Monty’s perspectives on sprawling lawns and the astounding diversity of ecosystems and landscapes in North America.

What did we miss? What are you watching to get you through the winter and inspire your spring plantings? Let us know on our Facebook or Twitter pages.