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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Knot or Parterre?

So I am still trying to decide what design to go with for our Knot Garden... see my progress here.

I am planning on using green boxwood and variegated box for the central design, and then lavender or catmint around the edge. It is a longer, rectangular space, so many of the traditional knot designs will not work, as they are square. And I do not like the typical overlapping squares in a long row.

I just came up with this knot design today, after some more thinking.
This design would change the name of our garden area to "Parterre", as it is not a knot. Not a knot... say it ten times fast? ;)
Formal, ornamental gardens of the French Baroque period and English Renaissance were typically laid out on level surfaces adjacent to the grand buildings or halls, par "on", terre "the ground". ~ from Plant Preview

I was tending to the more simple parterre design, but then I realized that the knot would look very nice when viewed down its length from the side.

So...
Which do you like?
~Julie


14 comments:

  1. I think I like the parterre, Julie. It's less formal, free-flowing. I like the design you sketched very much.

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    1. Thanks Rita! I like it too... which is making it hard to decide :)
      ~Julie

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  2. Well I prefer the first sketch, I just think box looks great when its formal x

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    1. I agree.... The knot might also look more interesting in the winter months. Thanks for your thoughts!
      ~Julie

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  3. I like the symmetry of the knot design. The circles are well placed, and I think it looks nice from all angles.

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    1. Yes, I do think the circles help the yellow strand to get a rhythm of sorts. Thanks for your input, Emily!
      ~Julie

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  4. Both are lovely, but if I have to choose, I prefer number one. Its formal but at the same time it reminds of candy rapped in paper! /Pearl, Sweden

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  5. I like the knot as well. But the parterre is no shabby second as it's lovely too. Are you having trouble deciding because you are leaning towards the parterre even though you thought you wanted the knot?

    Debra

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  6. I really like both but it seems the knot might fit better given your space and view.

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  7. Go for the Knot Garden, it will elevate your space and it will look incredible in the winter.

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  8. Gosh, I guess I like the second one, although both would be lovely! You are so talented with your drawings, as well as your gardens!

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  9. I vote for the first one. I think both designs are lovely, but you were thinking about the formal symmetry of a knot garden from the start. In the long run, I think you'll be happier with your original vision. Plus, I personally find the idea of a knot garden just so classic and romantic. Thanks for letting us be part of your artistic process!

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    1. Thanks Anna. I think you are right... original idea counts for a lot, plus, I would just rather call it the "knot" than the "parterre" :)
      ~Julie

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  10. Thanks everyone!

    I have decided in favor of the traditional knot pattern. I do like it best, especially when thinking about it covered in snow. Thanks for helping me make up my mind! Can't wait to get started on those box cuttings. :)
    ~Julie

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