Fashion Buzzed: Monty Don Bourke aka The Passing on of the Crown of Television Garden King

You say: Another post, Centine? What is going on? Have you nothing better to do?

I say: It's exam time. Get off my back. Or bring me a double-shot mocha.

Despite the terrible, terrible, awful, regrettable title of his latest show, Monty Don has an amusing name and a pleasant screen manner. "Around the World in 80 Days" (cliché much? Lame much?) is a wonderful exploration - and almost an analysis - of a garden, as well as the process of creating said garden. He explores the way people garden, why and how. He visits famous big touristy gardens and small private individual gardens. Basically, he owns your television for an hour and rants about gardens and things in the most delightful way.

Some of the countries which he visits on the show include:

* Mexico

* Cuba

* Brazil

* Argentina

* Chile

* Japan

* China

* US to the A

* India

* Morocco

* More countries than you'll ever actually go to

* South Africa

* Norway

* The Netherlands (represent!)

* Australia (And again!)

* New Zealand

* Etc etc.

And once you prevail past the incredibly mumsie idea behind the show, it is actually quite enjoyable. Basically, you're listening to a charming, intelligent English man (always pleasant) while looking at pretty pictures. Don't believe me? Check out his promo (gosh he's so charming and attractive and intelligent... swoon) and then look at these gardens: