The Gardens of Venice and the Veneto takes in a varied selection of gardens old and new, large and small, public and private. It ranges from tiny monastery gardens tucked away within the walls of Venice to grand palatial landscapes in the former marshes of the hinterland. The book is divided into five sections as well as a lively introduction which captures the rich history of this region. The first section will show the extraordinary gardens still to be found locked behind high walls in the city itself. Then Jenny Condie and Alex Ramsay wander through the more modest parts of the city where ordinary Venetians manage to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables in the most unlikely spots. Then it is out into the lagoon and wild gardens on marshy islands before turning inland to the grand Palladian villas and the Baroque splendours of villas like the Villa Barbarigo and the Villa Allegri Arvedi among many fine country residences of ancient families. All the gardens in the book can be reached within a day's expedition from Venice and practical information about access and advice on the best time of year to visit is included for all those open to the public.

Professional tour guide Mariagrazia Dammicco unlocks Venice's garden gates, allowing us access to hidden oases usually closed to the general public. This book invites the reader to explore 20 of Venice's secret gardens, ranging from private family havens to convents and sanctuaries.

In the development of the "landscape idea", no city played such an important role as did Venice. From about one hundred city gardens, squares, and courtyards, public parks and temporary gardens, the book develops a typology of gardens in a densely built environment that is permeated with history.