Both horticulturalists and casual gardeners will be enthralled by "Dare to be Wild" ("Flower Show!" in Japan), a film based on the life of landscape designer Mary Reynolds.

In 2002, at age 28, Reynolds became the first Irish and then-youngest-ever contestant to win gold at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London. Directed by Vivienne De Courcy, the movie traces Reynold's personal journey from a maverick unknown to a world-famous landscape designer whose creations continue to influence the way people look at gardens and gardening.

Gardens, whether private or public, stresses Reynolds, "need to evolve." As do those who interact with them. During her visit to Tokyo this month to promote the film, Reynolds took some time to explain her philosophy and why she was also in Japan to get inspiration from Japanese gardens.