Traditional Knot garden with green box hedging and gravel parths

Knot Gardens – Past and Present

A knot garden is a type of garden that originated in sixteenth century England. Knot gardens were created as a way to show off one’s wealth and status. The gardens were usually very symmetrical and precise, with low hedges forming intricate patterns. Wealthy landowners would hire professional gardeners to maintain their knot gardens.

Today, knot gardens are not as popular as they once were. However, some people still enjoy creating and maintaining them. Knot gardens can be a beautiful and relaxing addition to any home.

If you are thinking about creating a knot garden, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Choosing the Right Plants

One of the most important aspects of creating a knot garden is choosing the right plants. When selecting plants for your garden, you will want to choose those that are low-growing and have small leaves. This will help ensure that your plants stay within the boundaries of the knots.

Traditional English knot garden outside of a stately home.
 Traditional English knot garden

Another thing to consider is the color of your plants. Many knot gardens feature plants with dark leaves, such as yews or boxwoods. However, you can use any type of plant that you like.

Creating the Knots

Once you have selected the plants for your garden, it is time to start creating the knots. The first step is to mark out the area where your garden will be located. This can be done by using string or chalk.

Next, you will need to dig trenches for your hedges. The depth of the trenches will depend on the size of the plants you have chosen.

Once the trenches have been dug, it is time to plant your hedges and fill in the trench around them. Be sure to pack the soil tightly around the base of each plant so that it does not become loose over time.

A section of a formal knot garden.

Caring for Your Garden

Once your garden has been created, it is important to care for it properly. This includes watering your plants regularly and trimming them as needed.

You may also need to fertilize your plants from time to time to ensure that they remain healthy and continue growing well. With proper care, your knot garden will be a beautiful addition to your home for years to come.