Having always had a keen interest in gardening inspired by my father I am particularly passionate when it comes to Knot and Parterres

What's the difference!

A Knot Garden usually comprises of at least two plant types of contrasting leaf colour i.e.; dwarf box (green) and lavender (silver) the design allows the plants to weave through and around each other rather like ribbons. Celtic designs are often used to great effect. The pattern created by the interlinking of the low hedges is usually the main focus and in order to show this off to full advantage the beds formed by the edges are normally left free of planting with a mulch of coloured stones giving a further contrasting ground instead. However if desired this contrast can be achieved by carefully chosen ground cover which aids the suppression of weeds and is especially suited if the Knot Garden is situated on a sloping site. The advantage of a sloping sight is that the garden can be appreciated at ground level.

A Parterre is made up of one species of hedging and rather than interlinking, the hedge forms a geometric pattern very often made up of quarters with a pathway dividing the segments. The beds formed in this case usually contain annual bedding for a yearly theme. Again it is possible to set the design off by laying a mulch of a chosen material i.e. a simple wood mulch to inhibit weed growth and give good effect to the chosen design. Parterres are generally larger than Knots, as already stated the geometric shape is repeated four times to produce the overall parterre.

Knot or Parterre Garden, whichever you decide upon they create an impressive feature in any sized garden or courtyard. Maintenance is minimal; dwarf box requires only an annual pruning usually in late June or July. They give all year interest which can be further enhanced by planting the beds with seasonal bulbs, from the first snowdrops to summer dwarf lilies. The combinations are endless.

I offer Design, Planting and Maintenance, or any of the three for those who already have a favourite pattern they wish to have implemented, to those who are already the proud owners of a truly beautiful Knot or Parterre Garden.

Email: knot@life-model.co.uk