There are more than five hundred gardens in Venice,nestled like emeralds in a tangled labyrinth of canals,hidden to all but the gulls that fly overhead in the azure sky.From aristocratic palazzo gardens to quiet kitchen gardens,from local artists' leafy havens to the grounds of Venice's finest hotels,and from former monastic cloisters to contemporary spaces,the gardens in this book are all green oases in the heart of La Serenissima.This lavishly illustrated book throws open the gates of these secret gardens,inviting the reader to enter the magical world hidden behind the tall brick walls that glow in the warm sun.

The gardens of Venice are wel-kept secrets,their existence unsuspected by tourists who hurry past without notcing the strands of ivy or wisteria hanging over an ancient stone wall or without pausing to peep through a harf-open gate leading onto a shady lawn.Some may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of one of these green gems while gazing out from a high balcony of gliding along in a gondola.

Venetian Gardens is an invitaion to step into these shady havens and is also a treasure trove for avid gardeners,with ideas on how to marry plants and architectural features,how to make the best of small spces,which unlikely flower bedfellows can prosper harmoniously,what to plant in windy bearchfout gardens,and how to create a stunning terrace.

INTRODUCTION

ARISTOCRATIC CARDENS

ARTISTIC CAREENS

INTIMATE CARDENS

CARDENS OF THE SOUL

CARDENS ON TIlE LARCER ISLANDS

BETWEEN SKY AND WATER