[Fine Edge]

I'm working on a design where the client has expressed an interest in having a few knot gardens. They will be incorporated into (3) different raised beds that will be in a diamond shape ( their family seal ) and will be very visible from atop their deck.
I don't think I'm going with a true knot garden since the client probably won't be able to maintain it as needed but will do something as similiar as possible.

Just curious if anyone has done any of these lately and how they turned out.

[Chris Heiler]

Hi Fine Edge (Dave right?)

I design mostly formal gardens for period homes so I incorporate a lot of this type of element into my plans.

Like you mentioned, long term maintenance is the key for a successful parterre, knot garden or even just a simple hedge. If they just like the look, but you can see they are not committed to the maintenance required, then don't even bother designing it in.

I'm not sure if you offer your clients maintenance or gardening services, but an issue I have had in the past is that my intent is sometimes not carried out by whomever is maintaining the plants. For instance, what is intended to be a solid hedge of boxwood ends up being a line of "meatballs".

If your client is willing to pay for maintenance and you have some control over it, then design it in. It's almost like you have to prequalify them all over again.

You mentioned doing something similar, or as an alternative to a knot garden. What are you thinking about doing?