The garden that inspired 500 of Monet’s paintings is given a horticultural and art history spin. The artist’s presence is felt through interviews with Monet’s step-grandson and his wife, who speak about how the father of impressionism–who died in 1926–used the garden during the second half of his life to further his art. The resurrection of the garden, neglected after the death of Monet’s widow, is followed in painstaking detail as the production presents a year in the life of the garden, which sees half a million tourists annually. The careful botanic study also includes thoughtful analysis about the use of the colorful garden as a palette for Monet’s work. An artist, a photographer-historian, a Japanese garden designer, and gardeners weigh in, helping the viewer to see the cornucopia of nature as perhaps Monet did. And, as one artist says, “What wonderful eyes to see it through.”
