KNOT GARDENS

The classic geometric herb garden was a tradition in England during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In these gardens, complex interwoven patterns were formed with a variety of herbs, and surrounded by low hedges and paths. Viewed from above, they resembled the knotted shapes and patterns made by lacemakers and weavers.

Formal, symetrically designed herb gardens remain popular today. They may or may not have true knots. Any sunny, flat piece of land that can be seen from above is a good candidate for one. Usually at least three varieties of herbs of contrasting foliage color, texture and form are necessary to obtain a pattern. Compact, low-growing perennial herbs that tolerate pruning work best. Consider installing hyssop, lavender, lemon thyme, rosemary, sage and santolina. Avoid using such invasive herbs as tansy and catnip.

These gardens can be very simple. Designs based on checkerboards, spokes of a wheel or squares divided into four are fairly easy to lay out. Another option is to create borders that are neat and even, and within these borders to install informal plantings. Consider different decorative effects by planting a particular type of herb within each area, or by installing plants with contrasting foliage, leaf texture form, and flower color.

Measure and lay out the design, using stakes and strings to line up angles and spaces. For interlocking knots, grow plants very close together to effect a continuous strand. Where rows intersect, prune the plants so that the top strand is shaped to look like it flows over the lower strand. Plan the formal garden with space around and between plants to make grooming easier.

Because it needs to be carefully designed, pruned and weeded, establishing and maintaining a formal garden is time consuming, but the effect can be a stunning addition to the home landscape.

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