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The French are known for their love of art, good food and leisurely pursuits. Historically time spent in public and private outdoor spaces was pursued on a daily basis. These activities are still a favorite of the urban french today. Hence their love and devotion to their public and private parks. Some of the most famous are the rose gardens at Roserie L'Hay and Bagatelle as well as the massive gardens at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris.
Typically formal in nature, french gardens are laid out in carefully planned geometric lines with a symmetry that is immediately evident. Epitomized by the desire to control and manipulate nature, clipped hedges, even rows of trees and precisely arranged foliage is artfully arranged and carefully trimmed to maintain its shape. The only goal to create interesting paths upon which pedestrians can promenade might seem severe and yet the effect is always quite stunning and surprisingly peaceful.
Often referred to as a parterre, french formal gardens feature terraces, topiary, pergolas and planting beds edged in stone or tightly clipped hedges. Parterre literally means "on the ground".
Cher Groody has successfully adapted versions of the parterre style for modern homes that mimics this classic style with great success. In the correct environment, surrounding the proper style home, a jardin francais can be the grace note for your old or new property. |
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