If you're looking for a captivating film, adore gardens, and are yearning for spring, here are a few films to help tie you over until the world defrosts.
1. GROWING FLORET
This cinematically stunning and soul-moving documentary series follows the gardeners behind Floret, a world-renowned flower farm in Washington State's Skagit River Valley.
Growing Floret is hands down the most inspiring story I've watched in the past year. I walked away from this series filled with gratitude for Erin and Chris' commitment to cultivating beauty through flowers around the world and for their willingness to share the less-than-perfect journey it's been to bring their vision to life.
If you dive into this series now, it will catch you up to speed before season two aires this spring!
2. A LITTLE CHAOS
A Little Chaos is one of those movies that found its way to me several years after it was released, and I am so glad it did. I found this period drama to be a lovely French escape and informative snapshot of the construction of the Versailles gardens. With a cast that includes Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Matthias Schoenaerts and Stanley Tucci; romantic developments; and a flower-centered storyline, this film is worth a watch (and a rewatch!).
3. THE SECRET GARDEN
Based on the classic children's book, The Secret Garden is a heavy yet triumphant story of a young orphaned girl who is sent to England after living in India all of her life. Once there, she begins to explore her new home, seemingly-isolated surroundings, and uncovers both haunting and amazing secrets.
From the same producers as the Harry Potter series, the 2020 rendition of this classic children's story is captivating and beautifully executed.
And one more fascinating documentary for good measure:
4. FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED: DESIGNING AMERICA
This is a niche documentary that seemed to find its way to me when I was searching for something to watch on a flight back to the States from Edinburgh. Following the life of the world-renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, this short documentary gives you a window into the winding journey that resulted in the creation of public spaces that the American public continues to marvel at today.
For those who are not well acquainted with the landscape design world, Olmsted's most praised works include New York City's Central Park, The Capitol Grounds in Washington, DC, and The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Learning about Olmsted's winding path (and even complete failures - like being fired from the New York Times) gave me a large dose of perspective as I myself have continued to explore various career aspirations.
Overall, a super interesting watch! And a film that has given me a deepened gratitude when wandering one of Olmsted's incredible outdoor spaces.
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