Sometimes confused with Knot Gardens, the Parterre is on a much larger and grander scale. Extensive beds of flowers, defined by neatly trimmed hedges, should achieve an overall flatness that can be punctuated by rising topiary and specimens. Designs can be complicated, and frequently ambitious, with intricate patterns of interlacing hedges and paths.

As the name suggests, the essence of the Parterre is as much the path as the flower beds. Gravel, sometimes of different textures and colours, is used for emphasis and should compliment the overall design. A Parterre, like the smaller Knot Garden, is best viewed from a terrace or upstairs window.

The Knot Garden on the left, with herbs growing within the box hedging, and the much larger Parterre below, are both relatively young, and will need some time to mature, but clearly demonstrate the visual appeal of these forms of formal garden. We are able to supply not only the plants, but also the expertise to design, install and maintain such a garden through our associate company, Oxford Lawns and Gardens.

Plant Species

It is for good reason that tradition has adopted the Box for creating the low-lying boundaries within a Parterre or Knot Garden. Amenable to clipping, yet quite slow-growing, Box can readily be trained to form the dense dwarf hedging needed to set off the gravel pathways or bedding plants to best effect. Within those clearly defined areas, solid blocks of colour complete the impession of a woven carpet or tapestry. Herbs, as employed in the Knot Garden illustrated here, offer subtle shades of green and grey to compliment the Box, but stands of flowering shrubs can also work well. Dahlias, with their bold colours, are popular, but the subdued purples of lavender - perhaps using different varieties for added tonal quality - can be equally effective.

Please contact us if you would like to consider creating a Knot Garden or Parterre and we will happily discuss the practicality and cost of installing one. Please bear in mind that a Parterre, to be truly appreciated, must be in an appropriate scale to the adjacent property - or vice versa.