Editorial Reviews
Product Description
This work on knot gardens and parterres is written in two parts. The first unravels the tangled story of the knot garden as it transforms itself from the "curious knot" of Tudor times into the great embroidered layouts of the 17th century. The English landscape all but obliterated formal patterns but they emerge again with the flamboyance of the Victorian parterre. Here, fully illustrated, is the alternative history of British gardening; a story that embraces all the decorative arts. At last it is possible to see how the designs used in weaving, embroidery, carpentry, glazing and plasterwork appear again and again mirrored in the garden. The second part of the book takes the story from history to practice. It is for the gardener and shows how the concept of the knot garden is ideal for today. The choices and opportunities are set out with enthusiasm by an expert and practical gardener who takes the reader through every stage from initial planning, design and choice of plants to the nitty gritty of care and maintenance.
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Customer Reviews
Totally awesome! August 29, 2007
Rebecca Johnson
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I purchased this book several years ago and absolutely LOVED it! A friend borrowed it and now I can't remember which one borrowed it...so I'm purchasing another one for me and one for a dear friend for his Christmas present this year.
Tremendously Attractive & Timeless Design Solution May 18, 2006
Southern Review (USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
The knot garden, or parterre, can be eye catching, brashly exuberant, romantically nostalgic, or quietly simple and chic. The appeal of the knot garden in timeless and with space often at a premium, a knot garden provides a tremendously attractive design solution.
Knot Gardens and Parterres is divided into two sections. The first unravels the history of this genre from Tudor times and its "curious knot" - to the famous historic patterns of the 17th Century designs for which certain "Sun Kings" are renowned, and beyond to the flamboyance of Queen Victoria's garden affectations.
The second section confidently takes the reader through the design process, plant selection, and future care and maintenance.
It is an exceptional book on the topic. I refer to it frequently. It has served as the inspiration behind several of my designs.
Formal gardeners TAKE NOTE! June 14, 2000
14 out of 17 found this review helpful
this is an absolutely wonderful book all about the 'old' art of Knot Gardening. You'll definitely want to read this book to find out all about the history of this fascinating form of gardening and how to create one in your own space! Great photographic examples fill the pages-a definite "must have" for any gardener!
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