The Best 15 Gardening Documentaries (Ranked)

Here are the best docs on gardening I have found. They cover amazing gardens across the globe including the USA, England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Holland, Finland and more.

FYI — I didn’t include one of my favorite docs of all time (The Biggest Little Farm) because gardening is just one part of that story. I’ll write a “Best Farming Documentaries” article for that.

1) Gardener’s World

“Gardener’s World,” a British TV staple since 1968, has over 1,500 episodes across its extensive run spanning multiple seasons.

2) Gardening Australia

“Gardening Australia” (2005) has had numerous seasons and episodes over the years. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here’s some information:

It has aired 100’s of episodes over 30 seasons.

Themes covered include:

Native Plants: Exploring Australian native flora and how to incorporate them into gardens.
Edible Gardens: Tips on growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home.
Landscaping: Guidance on garden design, layout, and creating outdoor spaces.
Garden Maintenance: Advice on pruning, pest control, and general garden care.
Garden Tours: Visiting remarkable gardens across Australia for inspiration.
Specialized Gardening: Topics like rose cultivation, succulent gardens, and more.

I don’t see any of streaming options right now for Gardening Australia.

But, you can find many video clips from them here: https://www.youtube.com/@GardeningAustralia/featured

3) The Beechgrove Garden

“Beechgrove Garden,” a Scottish TV series launched in 1978, has aired over 400 episodes.

The primary hosts are expert gardeners Jim McColl and Carole Baxter.

Each season (there’s been 40 of them!) brings new episodes with season-specific gardening advice.

The show’s beloved demonstration garden is a learning hub.

Viewers explore growing their produce, beautifying landscapes, and tackling gardening issues.

For gardening enthusiasts, “Beechgrove Garden” offers a vast resource with decades of valuable insights. Tune in for green-thumb inspiration and guidance.

Watch Beechgrove on Britbox including via Amazon’s Prime Video and Apple TV. Details are here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/the-beechgrove-garden

4) How to be a Gardener

“How to Be a Gardener” (2002–2006) is a comprehensive TV series hosted by renowned British gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

It spans two seasons with a total of eight episodes, making it a concise yet informative guide to gardening.

The show covers a wide range of gardening topics, offering practical advice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Some popular episode themes include:

The Basics: Exploring fundamental gardening principles, from soil preparation to plant care.
Garden Styles: Discussing various garden styles and how to achieve them, from formal gardens to wildlife-friendly spaces.
Plants and Flowers: Providing insights into different plant varieties, their cultivation, and their role in garden design.
Garden Maintenance: Offering tips on ongoing garden care, including pruning, weeding, and pest control.
Design Principles: Exploring the art of garden design, layout, and creating visually appealing outdoor spaces.

“How to Be a Gardener” serves as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to develop their gardening skills and knowledge.

Renowned British gardener Alan Titchmarsh’s friendly and informative style makes it an engaging resource for those eager to cultivate their green thumbs.

Watch How to Be a Gardener on Pluto TV at https://pluto.tv/en/on-demand/series/627bfdd9e500b000135de259/details/season/1

5) The Edible Garden

“The Edible Garden,” hosted by Alys Fowler, is a exploration of urban self-sustainability.

Premiering in 2010 on BBC 2, this series takes viewers on a journey into the heart of South Birmingham, where Alys embarks on a u quest to live off her home-grown produce without sacrificing the beauty of her garden.

With a 20-foot by 60-foot personal garden as her canvas, Alys showcases her passion for growing, cooking, and eating from her urban oasis. She demonstrates that even in a city setting, anyone can cultivate a thriving edible garden.

Alys’s creative approach to gardening shines. She focuses on various foods, revealing how to turn your garden into a bountiful source of fresh produce.

From peas and beans that not only nourish but also enhance garden aesthetics to inventive recipes like broad bean falafels and pea shoot cocktails, Alys inspires viewers to connect with their gardens in new ways.

One of the highlights of “The Edible Garden” is Alys’s foraging adventures. She explores the landscape to gather materials like willow, which she skillfully uses to craft plant supports, demonstrating resourcefulness in sustainable gardening.

Adding an extra layer of charm to her urban garden, Alys introduces her feathery companions – chickens. Their presence adds a delightful touch to her journey toward self-sufficiency.

In “The Edible Garden,” Alys Fowler’s passion and expertise create an inspiring narrative of urban gardening. She encourages viewers to embrace the possibilities of growing, cooking, and enjoying fresh produce right from their own green spaces, regardless of the urban environment.

It’s a series that blends practical advice with the joy of gardening, offering a path to a more sustainable and delicious lifestyle.

Watch The Edible Garden on Britbox (including through Apple TV). Check here for details: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/the-edible-garden. There are also free episodes on YouTube including here:

6) Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf

“Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf” (2017) explores garden visionary Piet Oudolf’s creative mastery.

Directed by Thomas Piper, the 71 minute doc unveils Oudolf’s iconic, eco-friendly landscapes.

From the High Line in NYC to his Dutch haven, Oudolf’s gardens are living artworks.

“Five Seasons” reveals his philosophy, blending aesthetics and ecological significance.

Through interviews, Oudolf’s creative process and plant choices come to life.

His gardens evolve, embracing nature’s dynamism and seasonal transformations.

For garden lovers and nature enthusiasts, this documentary is a visual masterpiece.

To watch Five Seasons, the only option I can find right now is at https://shop.fiveseasonsmovie.com/ where you can buy a “Virtual Screening” for $15 each. Check here to see if new streaming options become available for Five Seasons: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/five-seasons-the-gardens-of-piet-oudolf

7) The Secret History of the British Garden

Lush. Green. History.

Monty Don guides us through four episodes—each 60 minutes, totaling a 240-minute docuseries. The British gardening timeline unfolds, starting from the 17th century.

Monty notably visits Kew Gardens, an iconic locale.

“In Tudor times, gardens were status symbols,” Monty enlightens.

His narration adds warmth to the historical tour. A pivotal scene? The Victorian era’s impact—tea and opium plants make an appearance.

You can watch the 4-part series for free on YouTube here:

Part 1: 17th Century (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBMcw8y9mUE)

Part 2: The 18th Century (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkLNFB_4lAs)

Part 3: 19th Century (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oxIQARyL-U)

Part 4: The Secret History of the British Garden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1NgOhJIh6E)

The Secret History of the British Garden is also on Tubi. Check out https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/the-secret-history-of-the-british-garden for the latest streaming options.

8) Global Gardener

Seeds. Soil. Survival. “Global Gardener” takes us on a world tour with Bill Mollison—co-founder of permaculture.

In 1991, the docuseries taught us about sustainable farming well before it was trendy.

It’s broken down into four segments: Tropics, Arid, Cool, Urban.

Mollison, the doc’s protagonist, shows us urban gardens in New York and water-efficient practices in Australia.

One highlight? A once barren desert transformed into an orchard. The insights are invaluable—how small changes can yield big impacts on local ecosystems.

“JANE: Isn’t this just gardening?
MOLLISON: It’s survival, Jane. It’s our future.”

Watch Global Gardener for free on Daily Motion:

Part 1: “In The Tropics” (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx06gm.) (that’s the video embedded above)

Part 2: “Arid Lands” (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx078x)

Part 3: “Cool Climates” (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx07t5)

Part 4: “Urban” (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx08i4)

9) The Victory Garden

Oldest. Garden. TV. Premiering on April 16, 1975, “The Victory Garden” is America’s longest-running gardening show.

Initially dubbed “Crockett’s Victory Garden,” James Underwood Crockett was the original host.

Crockett covered everything—from tending vegetables to building cold frames.

Crockett’s signature? Answering viewer questions in a greenhouse.

His advice ranged from salt marsh hay’s utility as mulch to cold frame construction.

He passed away at 63, leading to Bob Thomson taking over from 1979 to 1991.

Thomson expanded the show, bringing in more guests and travel features.

Marian Morash, wife of producer Russell Morash, added recipes from 1979 to 2001.

Now simply “The Victory Garden,” it remains an institution.

Watch The Victory Garden episodes for free on YouTube n– you’ll have to hunt and peck a bit but here are 37 episodes (<30 minutes each):

10) Portrait of a Garden

Visual Poetry: “Portrait of a Garden” (Original Title: Portret van een Tuin) by Rosie Stapel captures gardening as an art form.

It’s a Dutch film (with english sub-titles)that places viewers in an intimate, Eden-like garden.

Slow Burn: The documentary takes its time, just like nature. Over 98 minutes, it gazes into the life cycles of plants, and the changing seasons.

Unusual Pairing: The main characters (Daan van der Have and Jan Freriks) are an 85-year-old pruning master and his apprentice. Their dialogue feels like an organic flow of wisdom and curiosity.

Technical Grace: The cinematography shines. Close-ups of dew on leaves and the crisp audio of rustling foliage make it an immersive experience.

Final Thoughts: This film teaches patience and the beauty of slow living. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in gardening, or simply looking to escape the fast pace of modern life.

Portrait of a Garden is available with ads on Tubi and AppleTV (for $.99) — check here for details : https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/portrait-of-a-garden.

11) Back to Eden

Back to Eden” (2011) is a faith-based doc on gardening from Paul Gautschi, a kid who grew up in Los Angeles, CA and moved to Washington to start a farm.

Directed by Dana Richardson and Sarah Zentz, the doc showcases Paul Gautschi’s method of wood chip gardening.

Gautschi: An expert gardener (in his 70s), Paul turns conventional gardening on its head.

He uses wood chips to enrich soil, cut water use, and banish weeds.

Gautschi’s method imitates natural processes, making for a self-sustaining garden.

The film details a climactic moment where Paul’s garden thrives during a drought, while others fail.

This highlights the sustainability of the wood chip method.

Watch Back to Eden for free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rPPUmStKQ4

12) The Gardener

“The Gardener” (2016) by Sébastien Chabot offers a glimpse into Frank Cabot’s remarkable life. Cabot’s creation, Les Quatre Vents, a 20-acre horticultural masterpiece in Quebec, takes center stage.

François Dagenais’s cinematography captures the estate’s beauty perfectly. The gardens, mazes, flowerbeds, and sculptures come alive through stunning aerial shots.

The documentary delves into Cabot’s gardening philosophy, emphasizing environmental harmony and biodiversity. His meticulous approach and commitment to sustainability serve as inspiration.

Cabot’s journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, unfolds emotionally. His deep passion for gardening and legacy creation shines throughout.

For nature enthusiasts and garden lovers, “The Gardener” is a captivating journey through horticulture’s artistry. Explore Cabot’s dedication and Les Quatre Vents’ breathtaking beauty in this documentary.

Watch The Gardener for free on Kanopy (with library/student ID) at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/gardener. It’s also on Amazon Prime Video at https://www.amazon.com/Gardener-Frank-Cabot/dp/B07DJBFGJL. There are other streaming options (Peacock, Tubi, Roku, FilmRise, Plex (all with ads) that you can find at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-gardener-2017

13) Gardening With Soul

“Gardening with Soul” (2013) is a mix between “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and “The Constant Gardener.” Directed by Jess Feast, the doc centers on Sister Loyola Galvin and her lifelong devotion to gardening.

Sister Loyola: A nun in her 90s, Sister Loyola treats her garden as both sanctuary and community service. She grows food for the needy, underscoring her garden’s social impact.

Memorable Scene: One emotional climax happens when Sister Loyola discusses the death of fellow nuns. Her garden becomes a metaphor for life, death, and renewal.

Sound & Visuals: The documentary includes ambient sounds of nature, capturing the peaceful atmosphere. Sister Loyola’s garden is a visual feast, filled with vibrant colors and diverse plant life.

I don’t see any streaming options for Gardening with Soul right now. Check back at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/gardening-with-soul.

14) An Invitation for Wildness

Directed by HappenFilms, the doc revisits Robyn and Robert’s 2-acre food forest in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Ecosystem Stats: Home to 480 plant species and over 100 apple trees, this once-abandoned plot now buzzes with life.

“ROBERT: Like me,” the forest has grown wilder over time.

Community Focus: Since 2016, they’ve initiated new projects like reviving an old trade route for rural food resilience. The couple runs an environment center, fostering community learning and discussion.

“ROBERT: The food forest model will be a cornerstone for a resilient future.”

The Guytons’ work has even inspired people to move to Riverton, amplifying their influence.

Top Reason: If you’re captivated by the symbiosis of man, nature, and community, this doc is a heartening tale of ecological rejuvenation and social impact.

Watch An Invitation for Wildness for free at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GJFL0MD9fc. You can also watch the sequel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdi_9o92XcU&t=37s

15) Garden Lovers

Finnish Flair: “Garden Lovers” (2014). is a 73 minute Finnish doc directed by Virpi Suutari.

Behind the Hedges: Couples share their stories, balancing gardening passion with relationship ups and downs. The film digs into middle-class life, revealing love and disappointment behind beautiful gardens.

Film Style: Suutari, known for her thoughtful narratives, adds a comedic touch. The lens sneakily peeks past pretty facades, unearthing relationship truths.

If you’re keen on exploring the intersection of love and gardening across cultures, don’t miss this quirky Finnish tale.

I don’t see a streaming option to watch Garden Lovers right now. I’ll update this page if/when I find one.

Thanks for reading!

-Rob Kelly