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Jimmy Doherty tells the untold story of Darwin - the experimental scientist.
By recreating many of the astonishing experiments that Charles Darwin did after he returned from the Galapagos and his world trip, Jimmy explores the theory of evolution in an original and fresh way. Before he became a farmer, Jimmy had trained as an entomologist - so he's the perfect guide to the fascinating science.
It was only after Charles Darwin came back to England that he came up with the many ingenious experiments to support his theory of evolution. They were crucial in helping him transform a germ of an idea into a fully formed theory. We follow that intellectual journey.
The experiments cover an extraordinary breadth of themes. Following Darwin’s detailed notes, Jimmy recreates the ground breaking work he did on in-breeding in plants and the mechanics of natural selection. But Jimmy also feeds his urine to insect eating plants, throws a snake into a monkey enclosure at a zoo, and plays a bassoon to an earthworm. All things Darwin himself did.
The series has been filmed largely in the gardens and greenhouses of Down House in Kent, where Darwin lived and carried out most of his experiments.
Down House forms a hub to the series, but Jimmy also travels to other parts of the country to meet some of the modern-day scientists who still rely heavily on the work of this Victorian genius.
And at the heart of the series is the remarkable story of Darwin’s life in England, told through his imaginative experiments. You'll never be able to look at the natural world or a garden in the same way again. Evolution really is all around us.
Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden in more depth:
OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - About the series
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Discover why every garden is a crucible of evolution. Find out more about the series. Read more : OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - About the series
OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - Dangerous ideas
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He was sure of his science; experiments proved his point. But for Darwin, evolution and selction were still dangerous ideas. Read more : OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - Dangerous ideas
OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - Of Apes and Men
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Darwin looked everywhere for evidence of evolution - even in his own family. A tale of apes and men. Read more : OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - Of Apes and Men
OU on the BBC: Life - Sorry, our Tree Of Life Poster is no longer available
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We're sorry, but due to overwhelming demand, our poster is no longer available. You can still explore the tree online. Read more : OU on the BBC: Life - Sorry, our Tree Of Life Poster is no longer available
OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - The Storm Breaks
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Figuring experiments on plants might be less contentious than animals, Darwin got back to work as the Storm Breaks. Read more : OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - The Storm Breaks
OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - Video
The Open University / Karen Parker
Read more : OU on the BBC: Jimmy Doherty In Darwin's Garden - Video
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Comments on: "About the series"
kimminshull has started a thread discussing About the series.
I wish the BBC would release this on official DVD! It's a brilliant programme, probably the best of all the first set of Darwin programmes, good for anyone in the family to watch!
kimminshull, the first plant experiment was to see if they could travel in seawater - this would explain why there are the same plants in regions separated by sea, and also why some are specific to certain land masses. If you're going to try and criticise something you need to have watched it properly and paid attention! Plus try and write your comment so others can read it, I was struggling to understand what you wanted to say!
I have just watched your first program, and you spoke about natural selection, and mentioned some economist who applied this theory to mans plight on the planet, highlighting the poor and needy. Then you did an experiment on plants showing how natural selection worked, survival of the fittest !! how can you compare the two mans survival on this planet rely on the way we have developed our society and their are those on this planet who are born into a society where there is little hope of survival. The only way your comparison would work is if all men started out with the same advantages and disadvantages like your plants, but as you well know this is not true of our life on the planet.
Re: Comments on: "About the series"
Absolutely adore this series, so good I watch it twice. From the survival of bees through protection from cats to the ape looking at his reflection in a mirror, magical viewing. Following in the footsteps of Darwin and recreating his experiments brings his science to live. Just what the doctor ordered. More please.