The Private Life of Plants: Travelling
(1995)
Also known as: Programme 1
Bringing to life an extraordinary world few have ever considered, The Private Life of Plants uses impressive time-lapse photography to explore the specialised physiology and adaptations of the plant kingdom.
Taking an in-depth and entertaining look into plant life, BBC Natural History Unit producer Mike Salisbury employed the talents of a large team including the world-renowned cameramen Hugh Miles, Mike deGruy and Steve Downer.
The opening episode of David Attenborough's award-winning series, Travelling is a unique insight into the locomotive side of botany. Examining seed dispersal, squirting cucumbers are seen to 'explode', while liana seeds form aerodynamic gliders and sycamore trees release airborne 'helicopters'. Impressive photography allows a glimpse into plant movement as brambles bulldoze through their intended course and dandelions colonise vast strips of land.
Credited with opening the public's eyes to the complex and previously unseen world of plants, The Private Life of Plants was hugely popular and received a Panda Award for Cinematography at Wildscreen 1996.
The Private Life of Plants: Growing (1995)
Mike Salisbury
