Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Parterre Garden

Creating a Parterre garden is a rewarding project that combines careful planning, attention to detail, and a love for formal landscaping. Whether transforming a small corner of your yard or planning a grand design, this guide will walk you through the steps to create your own Parterre garden.

Planning Your Parterre Garden

The success of a Parterre garden lies in its design, so plan thoroughly before you start planting.

Site Selection: Choose a flat, open area with good sunlight and well-drained soil. Parterre gardens are best suited to formal settings, such as in front of a home or along a grand walkway, but they can also be adapted to smaller, more intimate spaces.
Design Layout: Start by sketching your design on paper. If you're comfortable with graph paper to scale or design software, you can use both. Parterre gardens typically feature symmetrical patterns with a central axis or focal point. Consider incorporating geometric shapes like squares, circles, or diamonds. If you're new to this, begin with a simple design and gradually build complexity.
Size and Scale: Consider the size of your garden space and the scale of your design. Smaller gardens may benefit from fewer, larger shapes, while larger gardens can accommodate intricate patterns. Keep in mind the mature size of your plants to ensure your design remains proportionate as it grows.

Gathering Materials and Tools

Once your design is finalized, gather the necessary materials and tools.

Tools: You'll need essential gardening tools, including a shovel, rake, hoe, and garden shears. A string line, measuring tape, and stakes will help you lay out your design accurately. Consider using landscape fabric to outline the shapes before planting for more complex designs.
Materials: Depending on your design, you may need plants for the hedges (e.g., boxwood, yew), flowering plants for the infills, soil amendments (e.g., compost, fertilizer), and mulch or gravel for paths. Remember any hardscaping elements like stone edging, bricks for paths, or a focal point like a statue or fountain.

Preparing the Ground

Proper ground preparation is vital to a successful Parterre garden.

Clearing the Area: Remove any existing grass, weeds, or debris from the area. Fill in low spots and grade high spots to ensure level ground.
Improving Soil Quality: Test your soil's pH and nutrient levels, then amend it accordingly. Most Parterre garden plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Add compost to improve soil structure and fertility, especially if your soil is sandy or heavy clay.
Laying Out the Design: Use stakes and string lines to mark the outlines of your design on the ground. Double-check your measurements to ensure symmetry and balance. If using landscape fabric, lay it down over the soil to help define the shapes and prevent weed growth.

Planting the Hedges

The hedges form the structural framework of your Parterre garden.

Plant Selection: Choose plants that can be tightly clipped and shaped, such as boxwood, yew, or lavender. Ensure they are suited to your climate and soil conditions.
Spacing and Planting: Dig trenches for your hedges, spacing the plants according to their mature size. Typically, plants are spaced 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) apart for a dense hedge. Plant at the same depth as their nursery pots, and water well after planting.
Shaping and Pruning: Start shaping your hedges by lightly trimming them once established. Regular pruning can refine the shape over time. Trim the hedges several times a year to maintain crisp lines and geometric forms for the best results.

Filling the Infills

The infill areas within your hedges are where you can introduce color and texture.

Planting Flowers: For a classic look, fill the infill areas with low-growing, colorful flowers like begonias, marigolds, or alyssum. Plant in groups or patterns to complement the geometry of your hedges. If you prefer a lower-maintenance option, consider using gravel, crushed stone, or colored earth to fill these spaces.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like bark or straw are excellent for flower-filled infills, while inorganic options like gravel or stone work well for more formal, minimalist designs.

Installing Paths and Focal Points

Paths and focal points are essential for guiding visitors through your Parterre garden and enhancing its visual appeal.

Creating Paths: Lay out your garden paths using gravel, brick, or stone. They should be wide enough to walk comfortably through, typically 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide. Ensure they are level and well-compacted to prevent settling over time.
Adding Focal Points: To create visual interest, place statues, urns, or fountains at key intersections or the center of your garden. These elements should complement the overall design and reinforce the symmetry of your Parterre garden.

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent care will ensure your Parterre garden thrives.

Watering: Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells, to help them establish robust root systems. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses can be installed to deliver water efficiently to the roots without disturbing the soil or mulch.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth as necessary. Be cautious to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and more frequent pruning.

Ongoing Maintenance

Maintaining a Parterre garden requires regular attention, but the results are well worth the effort.

Pruning: Keep your hedges neatly trimmed to maintain the garden's structure. Most Parterre gardens require pruning 2-3 times a year, depending on the growth rate of your plants.
Weeding: Weed your garden regularly to prevent unwanted plants from disrupting the clean lines of your design. Mulch and landscape fabric can help reduce the amount of weeding needed.
Seasonal Care: Adjust your garden care according to the season. In the fall, clean up fallen leaves and prepare the garden for winter by protecting sensitive plants with mulch or frost cloth. In the spring, refresh the soil with compost and replant any annuals.

Conclusion

Creating a Parterre garden is a fulfilling project that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and gardening skills. Following these steps, you can design and build a Parterre garden that adds timeless elegance to your landscape. With thoughtful planning and regular care, your garden will be a stunning centerpiece you can enjoy for years. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the beauty of a Parterre garden is within your reach.

Conclusion

Further Reading on Parterre Gardens

Adapting Parterre Gardens for Modern Living

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Parterre Garden