EUROPEAN GARDENS OF SYMMETRY The French model of large parterres was copied across many parts of Europe. However, local and cultural variations have produced some quite different patterns on both large and smaller scale.
COMPILED AND COLLATED BY DAVE HAMBIDGE, PUBLISHED 6 OCTOBER 2009
The most obvious French influence is here in St Petersburg where the lower edge of this parterre is some 550 yards long; note the cars for scale.
Whilst the similarly influenced Belverdere complex in Vienna is over 1000 yards long; again note cars for scale.
On a lesser scale of 200 yards long, this pleasing garden in Uppsala, Sweden resembles an arched window.
Even smaller at just 130 by 100 yards, the complexity of this garden at the Villa Castello in Florence resembles Villandry in France.
The central feature of this parterre in Coimbra, Portugal looks very much like a large (60 yards) coffin.
Also at Coimbra is this 250 feet diameter orb where the globe is highlighted with different coloured foliage trees...
‌ whilst in Bologna, Italy a similar effect has been created in this 250 yard diameter grove...
‌ and in this 150 yard long arched window style garden in Portici, Italy.
A mixture of box-hedging and trees creates the near symmetrical shape of this garden in Verona, Italy...
...whilst alternating shrub beds make this pleasing pattern in St Galen, Switzerland... (Note the people clustered in the lower right centre for scale).
‌ and this striking 60 yard radius cup in Meise, Belgium.
The spring planting pattern is clearly visible in Copenhagen, Denmark...
‌ whilst in Dublin a rugby ball is defined by the floral beds...
‌ and in Geneva the gardens of these blocks of flats contain, well... all and any ideas to me.
In Madrid this 130 by 90 yard perfectly symmetrical garden can only be appreciated from high above...
as can this more traditional parterre which is 220 by 120 yards and the borders glow yellow from flowers between the box-hedging.
AND FINALLY... The images are copyright to whichever name is shown on them. The images are NOT to be copied or used from this publication for any purpose without the permission of the copyright holders, NOT from me! I accept no responsibility for any actions taken by others that breach the above. So there, be warned!
Enjoy and Have a Nice day wherever you are. COMING SOON GARDENS OF SYMMETRY FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD