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Mexico and Cuba

Highlights: the ancient Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, the Ethnobotanical Cactus Garden of Oaxaca, the gardens of Luis Barragan, the surrealist Las Pozas fantasy of Edward James, the organic allotments and market gardens of Havana

In his first journey, Monty travels to two very different but neighbouring countries. Mexico is one of the most plant-rich and artistic cultures on the planet - from the ancient water gardens of Mexico City, to the modernist extremes of Luis Barragan and a surrealist fantasy hidden in the rainforest. Traveling to Cuba, Monty finds that the crumbling colonial grandeur of its urban landscape is now host to a very green revolution.

Gardens:

1. Mexico - The Floating Gardens, Xochimilco, Mexico City
2. Mexico - The Gardens of Luis Barragan: Casa Barragan, Prieto and Galvez
3. Mexico - The Ethnobotanical Garden, Oaxaca
4. Mexico - Las Pozas, Xilitla
5. Cuba - Alberto's Huerto, Havana
6. Cuba - Vivero Organoponico Alamar, Havana
7. Cuba - Maria's Garden, Havana

Official tourism sites

Mexico
Cuba

Australia and New Zealand

Highlights: Botany Bay, The Royal Sydney Botanical Gardens, the Alice Springs Desert Park, Rupert Murdoch's 99-year-old mother and her garden in Melbourne and two stunning gardens in the North Island of New Zealand

Monty travels to two of the youngest gardening cultures in the world. But it's not just about dreamy climates and wonderful plants. Monty sets out from the aptly named Botany Bay to uncover a story of culture clash and invasion, where the gentle habits of the indigenous people and the extraordinary natural landscapes have been dashed aside in favour of imported plants and a very 'English' garden style. In New Zealand, he sets off in search of the wild heart of the country, where he revels in a magical rainforest garden created entirely of native plants.

Gardens:

8. Australia - The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
9. Australia - Kennerton Green, Mittagong, New South Wales
10. Australia - The Sitta Garden, Sydney
11. Australia - Alice Springs Desert Park, The Northern Territories
12. Australia - Cruden farm, Langwarrin, Melbourne
13. Australia - The Garden Vineyard, Moorooduc, Melbourne
14. New Zealand - Ayrlies Garden, Auckland
15. New Zealand - Te Kainga Marire , New Plymouth

Official tourism sites

New Zealand
Australia