HEREFORDSHIRE TV gardener Monty Don returns to our screens tonight with a new series.

The presenter, who presents BBC Two's Gardeners' World from Longmeadow near Leominster, has been in Europe filming.

The new three-part series, starting tonight at 8pm on BBC Two, will follow Don, 66, down the Adriatic coast, the sea separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkans.

Beginning in Venice tonight, over the course of the series Don will move down the Adriatic coast through Croatia, Corfu, mainland Greece and ending in a very personal garden on the country's Island of Hydra.

Hereford Times: Cameras have been following Don on his journey down the coast. Picture: BBC/AHA Productions/Alexandra Henderson Cameras have been following Don on his journey down the coast. Picture: BBC/AHA Productions/Alexandra Henderson

"When you think of Venice, gardens may not be the first thing that springs to mind," TV writers from the Press Association said.

"However, in this new series, Monty Don is travelling through Europe to discover the influence of the Venetians on outdoor spaces, from their own city at the top of the Adriatic coast and on through Croatia and Greece.

"Along the way, he'll find out how public and private gardens have been shaped by history, culture and climate change.

"He begins in Venice itself, where he visits some of the green spaces that are often hidden from view by high walls."

Information about episode one from BBC iPlayer said: "To begin with, he explores Venice on one of the city's famous barges, stepping out to visit green spaces large and small that are often hidden from view behind high walls.

"He is invited in to see wonderful gardens along the Grand Canal, as well as meeting those who have managed to create a productive garden on a disused rubbish dump behind one of the city's famous churches.

"He then samples wine grown in vineyards inside the city limits before visiting a restored public garden with a secret passageway that leads to St Mark's Square."

All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer after they are broadcast on BBC Two at 8pm over the next three Fridays.