Seen only recently on the ITV network this is a quick DVD release for a fun and unusually premised detective series.

Mixing gardening tips (the series was filmed at some of the most beautiful gardens to be found in Surrey and Hampshire) and murder investigations the show stars Felicity Kendal as plant biologist Rosemary Boxer and Pam Ferris as ex policewoman Laura Thyme.

Episode One And No Birds Sing sets up the shows structure with Rosemary and Laura teaming up after a sudden death at a beautiful country house, other episodes see them solving the death of a pop star, a murder at a language school and dealing with death at a health spa.

The series is great fun, easy on the eye and easy on the brain too, it doesn’t take itself too seriously (the criminals are never that difficult to spot). Also Kendal and Ferris work well together and the characters they play are certainly more interested in the gardens they are working on than sleuthing but find that murder just follows them around.

Besides looking good there are also some quality guest stars appearing too including the likes of Abigail Cruttenden, Eamon Boland, Michael Cochrane and Kate Gartside.  Also worthy of mention is the beautiful rendering of the theme tune (yes of course it’s Scarborough Fair) performed by the world class guiatrist John Williams. Definitely a case of Murder Most Floral.

Extras include a nice interview with Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris, extensive production notes, cast filmographies and a picture gallery.

Also available as a  VHS release.