Parterre

Wrest Park Apprentice Gardeners Creating a Parterre

Ораниенбаум. Нижний сад с террасы Большого дворца

Grand Peterhof Palace -02

The Parterre at sunrise, Waddesdon Manor

Châteaux de st Germain en Laye 13789

Achterzijde van Kasteel Zuilenstein Het Huis van Agteren, uyt de groote Tuin te sien Vüe dela Maison du Coté du grand Jardin (titel op object) Gezichten op kasteel Zuilenstein te Leersum (serietitel), RP-P-1899-A-21495 (cropped)

Parterre is a formal garden construction on a level surface consisting of plant beds, typically in symmetrical patterns, which are separated and connected by gravel pathways. These gardens are usually found in the classic French formal garden, but their origins can be traced back to the Renaissance gardens of Italy. Parterres are primarily decorative and are designed to be viewed from above, from a house or terrace, for example. This garden style represents the control of nature by man, a theme prevalent in Renaissance and Baroque garden design.

History

The concept of the parterre was developed in the 16th century in France, influenced by the Italian Renaissance garden. Claude Mollet, the chief gardener to three French kings, and André Le Nôtre, the principal gardener of King Louis XIV, were pivotal in the development and popularization of the parterre. Le Nôtre's design for the Gardens of Versailles is one of the most famous examples of parterre gardening, showcasing the style's grandeur and the ability to impose geometric order on nature.

Design and Types

Parterres are characterized by their geometric patterns, which can range from simple squares and triangles to more complex designs. They are divided into two main types: the parterre de broderie, which is an embroidery-like pattern involving intricate designs filled with low plantings, and the parterre de gazon, which features grass patterns, often with topiary. The choice of plants is crucial in a parterre garden, with boxwood being a traditional favorite for the borders due to its dense, evergreen foliage and ease of pruning.

Maintenance

Maintaining a parterre garden requires regular pruning to keep the geometric shapes precise. The gravel pathways need to be kept clean and well-defined, and the plant beds must be carefully managed to prevent overgrowth that could obscure the patterns. This high level of maintenance makes parterre gardens a symbol of status and wealth.

Cultural Significance

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, parterres reflect the human desire to bring order to nature and create a harmonious environment. They are a testament to the gardeners' skill and the cultural values of the time, emphasizing symmetry, precision, and control. Parterres have influenced garden design worldwide, inspiring variations and adaptations in different climates and cultures.

Modern Use

Today, parterres are still used in formal garden design, both in public parks and private gardens. They can also be adapted for smaller spaces, proving that this centuries-old style can be both versatile and contemporary. Modern parterres might incorporate new plant varieties and materials, but the underlying principles of symmetry and order remain unchanged.