Glorious Gardens From Above: Volume 2

Horticulturalist Christine Walkden takes us up, up and away in a hot air balloon for a birds eye view over a chosen county, flying over some of the finest gardens in the world. Her thrilling airborne adventure takes in some of the glories of the countryside as Christine gently floats above, exploring the rich social, horticultural and – most importantly – human history of a treasured garden gem, discovering how it was created, how its maintained and how its an inspiration to others. Along the way well get a fascinating insight into each countys history and geography, and meet the people who form the beating heart of any garden. In this second collection of airborne adventures we visit a further seven regions including the Scottish Borders, Gloucestershire, Cumbria, Staffordshire, Norfolk, Hampshire and Aberdeenshire. Warm in tone, rich in factual content and spectacular to watch, aerial photography from the balloon, from BBC archive and from aerial film drones provide a fresh perspective on some of Britain's most magnificent and best-loved gardens.

SCOTTISH BORDERS Christine Walkdens balloon odyssey takes her to the Borders region of Scotland today, where she discovers the role art and literature play in creating memorable gardens. At Sir Walter Scotts Abbotsford she tries her hand at fly-fishing; and meets Jeannette, whose family history there spans a century. At Little Sparta she explores a garden poem. And we hear how the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh came into being.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Christine Walkden is in the air above two glorious Gloucestershire gardens. At Hidcote Manor Garden she cuts an underperforming shrub down to size; and meets Sue, for whom the garden is an inspiration. At Kiftsgate Court Gardens, she tackles an enormous rambling rose; and we discover the Arts and Crafts heritage of the Cotswolds.

CUMBRIA Christine Walkden heads for the lakes and fells of Cumbria to visit some more magnificent gardens. At Levens Hall she lends a hand planting some spring bulbs and hears some of Lakeland lad Lens special memories. At Holehird she meets the dedicated volunteers who have restored this 19th century garden to its former glory. And we discover the spur to Beatrix Potters prolific writing career.

STAFFORDSHIRE Christine Walkden floats over the landlocked Midlands county of Staffordshire. At Biddulph Grange she takes to the water to help remove some unwelcome guests, and meets Helen, the heart of the garden. At Shugborough Hall she rallies the troops for a spot of tree hugging; and we discover how the areas proud industrial heritage shaped the countys landscape.

NORFOLK Christine Walkdens balloon travels over the flattest part of Britain as she descends on Norfolk. At East Ruston Gardens she helps cut a hole in a hedge and meets Kathryn, a very determined woman. At The Bressingham Gardens Christine assists in preparing a tree for felling; and we discover the fascinating human history of the Norfolk Broads.

HAMPSHIRE Christine Walkden flies above the green expanses of Hampshire, dropping in on two spectacular gardens. At Mottisfont she meets a gardening veteran whos handing over the reins to his young protge; and at the Sir Harold Hillier Garden she learns about keeping it in the family. And she climbs into a pair of waders for some very unusual weeding.

ABERDEENSHIRE Christine's balloon takes her to Crathes Castle, ancient seat of Scottish nobles, where she learns about the challenges of gardening in an unforgiving climate; and meets Doug whose father left his mark on the estate. And she gets to grips with some smelly skunk cabbage at what claims to be Britains highest garden, Tillypronie.