Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The English Knot Garden

The English Knot Gardens started making their appearance during the Medieval Era. These gardens were originally found on a smaller scale, but can be found today on larger scales as well. Some of the most well know Knot Gardens of today are:


The beginnings of the English Knot Garden came by way of those seeking a little peace in their world full of war and turmoil. The high walls surrounding the homes and towns were bleak and cold, and the knot gardens brought a little bit of comfort to those grounds. The idea behind the garden was to allow residence of the home to be able to look out their window, onto the grounds below to see natures beauty.

The English Knot Gardens highly manipulated boxwood, rosemary, and lavender into basic geometric patterns, giving the owners a sense of control over something in their uncertain lives. These designs were usually in box shape but, as the garden developed, the basic patterns became more and more intricate and elaborate, creating a woven or embroider look. (The patterns woven or embroider look in low growing boxwood came to be know as Parterre.)

One of the most well know books written on English Knot Garden Design was: The Gardener’s Labyrinth written by Thomas Hill in 1577.

The English Knot Gardens of today require a great amount of maintenance, but are very aesthetically pleasing for those seeking for a well balanced neat garden.

For more information on English Knot Gardens, and English Knot Garden design: Knot Gardens and Parterres by Robin Whalley
 

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I just wanted to take a moment to send a personal message out to all those in the fields of Landscape Architecture, Gardening, Horticulture, and Urban Planning/Urban Ecology. I created Landscape Connections for the purpose to share my love and passion for Landscape Architecture and Design, and Urban Ecology. I was a Landscape Architecture Major at Utah State University and currently study Urban Ecology at the University of Utah. I am working to compile as much information in the four previously mentioned fields as possible. If you have any further information, or would like to either add information or see information posted to landscape connections please let me know.